DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Outdoor Market Planning Committee is making plans for its 40th Outdoor Market Day, to be held on Sunday, Aug. 20.
Chairman Deb Morang and members Sue Arsenault and Kristi Holmquist met last Friday to discuss the group’s ideas for the event.
“The Outdoor Market bolsters the businesses in town,” Morang said. “It’s like a big yard sale for the community. It’s kind of (a way) for people to get to know Dixfield, and hopefully some people who come to the market will see what we have here and (may want to) open up a business or want to live here with their families.”
It will include a kids’ area with a petting zoo and games, music and other entertainment, as well as a photo contest held by the Dixfield Historical Society. A 5K race will also be held.
A parade will travel from Main Street to Weld Street and Park Avenue. Anyone with vintage automobiles or horses are welcome to participate in the parade, along with Boys’ and Girls’ Scouts troops, sports teams and other interested groups.
Holmquist said it’s a good opportunity for high school classes to do fundraising, as the $25 vendor fee is waived for schools.
Two $400 scholarships will be awarded to students from Mountain Valley and Dixfield high schools who are furthering their education and are financially in need.
“Kids need to be thinking about applying for (these scholarships), and if they’re not involved in the community, (learn) how they can get involved in the community to be eligible for the scholarship,” Morang said.
The group also decided to contribute a $100 scholarship to the College Aspirations Committee, who will award scholarships to deserving students in Residential School Unit 10’s grades three to six.
Other events held by the Dixfield Outdoor Market Committee are the Columbus Day Toll-Bridge Cash Collection held on Main Street, which provides funds for their scholarships, candy donations to the town’s Halloween Walk, an Easter egg hunt involving 10 area towns, and sponsorship for Boys’ and Girls’ State students.
“Come join our group — to be successful we need help,” Morang said.
The group meets the first and third Friday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Ludden Memorial Library in Dixfield.
For more information or to register for events, see the Dixfield Outdoor Market Facebook page or dixfield.org.
mhutchinson@sumediagroup.net
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