DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do the Shakers sell their garden products? I will be driving through that area this month and was wondering if I should stop in there. — Looking for garden fresh.

ANSWER: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is hosting its annual “Herb and Plant Sale” throughout the month of June on Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Since 1783 the Shakers have been active in the cultivation of herbs and the production of herbal products. This tradition continues today and supplies widespread holistic herbal and gardening interests. Rare and common herbs and plants are available for purchase. Shaker Village, home to America’s only living Shaker Community, is located at 707 Shaker Road, New Gloucester, Maine; 15 minutes from the Maine Turnpike. For more information, call 207-926-4597, visit www.maineshakers.com or email usshakers@aol.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What permits are issued by the fire department? — Auburn homeowner.

ANSWER: In Auburn, the fire department issues blasting permits, burning permits, firework permits, and oil burner permits.

Companies can obtain blasting permits at Central Station for no charge. Companies must provide the fire department with a completed notification of blasting form, certificate of liability insurance and a State of Maine Permit to Use Explosives. Please contact the Fire Planner at 207-333-6633 ext. 4 for more information.

Burning permits can be obtained at any of Auburn’s three stations for no charge. It is recommended that you call Central Station at 207-333-663 ext. 1 after 9 a.m. on the day you wish to burn to verify that burning is allowed for that day.

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Companies can obtain firework permits at Central Station for no charge. Companies must provide the fire department with a completed notification of blasting for fireworks form, certificate of liability insurance and a State of Maine Permit for Outdoor Fireworks Display. Please contact the Fire Planner at 207-333-6633 ext. 4 for more information.

Oil burner permits can be obtained by a master licensed heating technician at Central Station for a fee of $30. Once a permit has been obtained and the oil burner has been installed, the fire department must conduct an inspection for final approval. Please contact the on-duty Battalion Chief at 207-333-6633 ext. 1 to schedule an inspection.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love Moxie soda! When is this year’s Moxie Festival? Are they having a Moxie recipe contest again? — Moxie lover, From Away.

ANSWER: This year’s Moxie Festival in Lisbon, Maine will be held July 10-12 and will include fireworks, a car show, a parade, a 5K run, a concert in the park, and more. Yes, there will be a Moxie recipe contest again this year at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the MTM Center Gym, 18 School St. in Lisbon Falls. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Visit www.moxiefestival.com for more information. The Sun Journal will be publishing a Moxie Festival guide in July before the festival.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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