BETHEL — Sixty-two people turned out for Bethel’s first cash mob on Sept. 15, spending nearly $1,600 in Philbrook Place on Main Street.

As the Harvest Fest was winding down, the “mob” gathered at 3 p.m. on the Bethel Commons for the announcement of the location of the cash mob.

A “cash mob” is a “flash mob” with a “buy local” “community oriented” twist. Participants, some who have attended other cash mobs in western Maine and others who were new to the idea, came prepared to spend $20 but didn’t know the target store in advance.

At the after-mob party at Cafe di Cocoa, sponsored by Norway Savings Bank, they were treated to live entertainment from Brad Hooper and homemade gelato and apple cobbler, sourced from local ingredients and prepared by chef Catherine DiCocco.

The event was sponsored by W.J. Wheeler Insurance and supported by the Bethel Citizen, Norway Savings Bank and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.