BETHEL — The 15th annual Bethel Harvestfest and Chowdah Cook-off will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, by Hancock Lumber.

The events feature Maine baked potatoes, “mouth-watering chowders and apple pie,” musical entertainment including the 2012 Maine’s Got Talent champion Max Ater of Bath, free horse-drawn wagon ride, chainsaw sculpting, fly-casting demonstrations, locally-grown foods, historical exhibits, book signing, apple picking, and arts and crafts, Robin Zinchuk, executive director of the the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, stated Friday in a news release.

The Chowdah Cook-off brings together the best chowders from more than a dozen area restaurants for the public to taste and judge, Zinchuk said.

Professional and home bakers are also invited to enter the Apple Pie Contest.

Traditional and non-traditional apple pies will be judged and a gift certificate for the Good Food Store in Bethel will go to the judges’ choices, Zinchuk said.

“Delicious locally-grown potatoes will be served hot out of the oven — loaded with toppings,” she said. Hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available.

The area will also be adorned in the harvest spirit with cornstalks, ribbons, pumpkins and scarecrows.

“Drive around and check them all out,” Zinchuk said.

The theme is “Celebrating the Olympic Spirit!”

Although Harvestfest and the Chowdah Cook-off are held on Sept. 15, Zinchuk said the entire weekend is filled with events for all to enjoy.

“The Bethel Historical Society, the Upper Andro Anglers Alliance, and many of our area businesses have something to offer,” she said.

For a full calendar of events, visit www.bethelharvestfest.com.

Additional event support is provided by Oxford Networks, Allen’s Coffee Brandy, Pepsi Beverages Co., Mahoosuc Realty & Rentals, Atlantic Tent Co., and Dunkin’ Donuts.

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