BOWDOINHAM — The Ice and Smelt Festival on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4, at Mailly Waterfront Park will kick off the town’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The Merrymeeting Arts Center has coordinated festivities that include a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. featuring a reading and storytelling of “Smelt Makes Ice” from “Local Myths,” by Bryce Muir.

Local artists will show their works in the “Ice Cutting & Smelt Fishing: Winter on Merrymeeting Bay” exhibit organized in collaboration with the Bowdoinham Historical Society. Following the reception, there will be a dance for young and old from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Saturday’s events, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., include activities, games and contests culminating in a Carnivale of Smelt, a costumed parade staged by Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble. A best beard contest, originally held 50 years ago, will be held at the request of many townspeople. There will be multiple categories and prizes.

A snow date of Feb. 5 has been set.

Additional anniversary celebration events will be held throughout 2012. For up-to-date information, visit www.bowdoinham250.org.