PARIS — The birthplace of Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s Vice-President during the Civil War, Historic Paris Hill offers a breathtaking scenic backdrop for this free, fun-filled family-friendly event taking place on August 28 from 3-8 p.m. Paris Hill Common in Courthouse Square will host the First Annual Hannibal Hamlin Birthday Bash to Benefit the Friends of the historic First Baptist Church on Paris Hill. Bring the family to meet Hannibal Hamlin and Abe Lincoln during their 1860 campaign stop and take part in a huge surprise party to help Hannibal celebrate his birthday.

With multiple locations and activities planned throughout the afternoon on and around the common, Hannibal Hamlin’s Birthday Celebration will be a day to remember. This Old-tyme festival will feature a parade, an 1800’s hand pump fire truck, and a vintage popcorn truck (from the Bahre Collection). Live performances and activities include everything from juggling, magic, dance, and comedy to “Cow-Pie” bingo, a five-stop 50/50 Poker run with old-tyme photo props at each station, and a cast-iron skillet throwing contest (adults only); a gem mining table; pin the tail on the donkey, egg balancing and coloring contests; a pie eating and a cake decorating contest.

Lobster Rolls, grill items and fries, old-fashioned lemonade, and whoopie pies will be available for purchase at the event. After a short parade and presentation of the flag to Hannibal, the birthday cake will be served.

The party kicks off with Showtime Steve’s Variety Show at 3 p.m.:

Dubbed the Human Variety Show, Showtime Steve is a one-of-a-kind performer whose show-stopping stunts and “off-the-cuff” comedy create an unforgettable high-energy show. Steve balances, contorts, and juggles with everything from ladders and chairs, to car-keys, shoes, machetes, and balloons. Mixed with a healthy dose of physical comedy and audience participation, Showtime Steve’s Variety Show is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Local sponsor, Celebration Barn Theater follows up with a juggling “How To.”

Be sure to get in on Cow-Pie Bingo, happening across the road at 3:45 p.m. (beside the Country Club):

“Old Bessie” will be brought up from the barn to see which of the lucky ticket holders she chooses when she drops a “cow-pie” on the winning bingo number (tickets for this will be available on the day of the event). The prize: A freezer full of beef (but not from Old “Bessie,” of course).

Delighting local audiences with their unique and colorful combination of dance, song, hula-hooping, and comedy, local favorites, Nevaeh Dance Circus takes the stage at 4 p.m.

A Pie Eating Contest with pies from Valley View Orchards will start at 5 p.m. Grand Prize for that event: A free pie every month for one year.

5:15 p.m.: A short parade and flag ceremony with Carlene Tremblay of Senator Collins’ office presenting the flag, followed by the presentation and cutting of the birthday cake.

Not to be outdone, Hadacol Bouncers take the stage at 6 p.m., playing danceable classics from the “great American Songbook.”  Hadacol Bouncers’ hybrid of New Orleans and Chicago-style Jazz will get your toes tapping and your fingers snapping to music by Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and more.

With the support of local sponsors, Goodwin Chevrolet of Oxford, Celebration Barn Theater, and Valley View Orchards, proceeds from the Hannibal Hamlin Birthday Celebration will benefit the Friends of the historic First Baptist Church, located on the common atop scenic Paris hill.

Originally built in 1803, this stately white church with its grand clock tower graces the town commons and provides a nostalgic focal point for this pastoral country community. According to church documents, the 906 lb. church bell was originally cast by the Paul Revere foundry for the Town of Paris in 1821, and in 1883, the church voted to accept renovations to place the current clock in the bell tower.

Offered to church officials by Abraham Lincoln’s Vice President, and Paris, Maine native, “the Hon. Hannibal Hamlin…the clock struck for the first time in November of 1883” and is still wound weekly by volunteers who have assured that the resounding gong of the bell has rung out faithfully every hour of every day for nearly 150 years.

Today, the Mission of the Friends of the Church is to maintain the cost of upkeep on this historic building, the clock tower, the 200-year-old Paul Revere bell, and the adjacent commons through fundraising events. The building is available to rent for family and class reunions, weddings, celebrations of life, auto club gatherings, corporate picnics, and other events.