To the Editor:

Bethel Summerfest will be here before we know it – this Saturday. The Chamber is so excited to be hosting former Olympians – Leslie Bancroft Krichko and Anna Willard Grenier. They will be in the parade – as the theme is “Celebrating the Olympics” and we encourage everyone who has a classic or antique car, anyone who has the time to build a float, and/or is part of an organization that would like to walk, bicycle or play a musical instrument – to show up at the parade line-up area at River Lanes no later than 10:30 a.m.

The parade will start promptly at 11 a.m. If you would like to visit with our Olympians after the parade, find your way to the Chamber of Commerce info tent.

Since the parade will be coming up Main Street and circling the Common before dispersing down Main St., please be aware that there will be road closures during that time. Please find an alternate route if you need to drive out of town, or do your errands downtown before 11 a.m. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

The schedule of events is filled with fun things to do from 10 am through the fireworks, with a short break to let the vendors break down from 4-6 p.m. We encourage you to patronize the area restaurants and shops that do so much for our community. Beginning at 6 p.m., the amazing Fossils will be entertaining us from the gazebo – so bring a chair or blanket and plan to enjoy the evening before the grand fireworks at dusk. Many thanks to the Bethel Resort and Suites for sponsoring the fireworks.

The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society are collaborating with the Chamber this year and providing a full array of children’s activities and games from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (with a short break during the parade), as well as exhibits and guided tours. You can learn more about the Evolving Legacy of Mali Agat (Molly Ockett) in a presentation from 12-1 p.m. The Bethel Library will have a wonderful book sale on Friday and Saturday.

We are still seeking volunteers if you have an hour or two to help out. Please call the Chamber office at 824-2282 or e-mail [email protected] if you can help. An event of this complexity could not be possible without a ton of work, planning, and support from our wonderful sponsors.

A huge shout-out to the following businesses: Mahoosuc Realty & Maine Ski Lodging Company; Oxford Federal Credit Union; Northeast Bank; Oxford Casino Hotel; Renewal by Anderson; the Rotary Club of Bethel; Stephens Memorial Hospital; Stonybrook Campground; the Sudbury Inn; Holidae House B & B; the Elizabeth Guest House & Restaurant; Mainely Provisions; Good Food Store & Catering Co.; Smokin’ Good BBQ; Bennett Auto & Power Equipment and the Town of Bethel.

Please stop by these businesses and thank them for helping to keep this long-held traditional festival alive. Hope to see you at the event.

Stephanie Savage-Cayer

Board of Directors

Chamber of Commerce

Bethel