July 1, 7 p.m. Woodblock Prints by Holly Meade, opening reception, Denmark Arts Center, 50 West Main Street, Denmark Village. FMI: www.denmarkarts.org.

July 2-4, all day and night, NATEVA, music and camping festival, a 50-band jam featuring mostly jam and indie-rock bands, including Further with surviving Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir on Sunday, plus yoga classes, roving performing artists, a Ferris wheel and bouncy house, legal fireworks, farmers' market, massage tent and kids' craft area, prices vary, on-site camping sold out, free shuttle buses available, Oxford County Fairgrounds, Route 26, Oxford. FMI: www.natevafestival.com.

July 2, 5-7 p.m. First Friday Art Walk, various locations throughout Bridgton, sponsored by Gallery 302, 112 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.ARTS, www.gallery302.org.

July 2, 5-8 p.m. In Harmony with Nature: Etchings by Vito DeVito, opening reception, free, light refreshments, Frost Farm Gallery, 272 Pikes Hill, Norway. FMI: 207.743.8041, www.frostfarmgallery.com.

July 2, 3 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., July 4 at 5 p.m. "West Side Story," $18/adults, $16/students, Schoolhouse Arts Center, 16 Richville Road, Standish. FMI: 207.642.3743, www.schoolhousearts.org.

July 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 21st Annual Bethel Art Fair, featuring 60 of the finest artists and artisans in Maine, plus hand-painted ARTirondack Chairs on preview, musical and theatrical performances, and great food, Bethel Common, Bethel. FMI: 207.824.3575, www.mahoosucarts.org.

July 3, 7:30 p.m. Stone Mountain LIVE! presented by Carol Noonan and friends, featuring Scottish master fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cello ace Natalie Haas, tickets available as general admission for $45 (arrive at 6:30) or with a big family style dinner included for $68 (dinner served at 6, arrive at 5:30), Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

July 3, 7:30 p.m. Band Concert featuring the Bridgton Community Band, followed by fireworks, at the band stand, Stevens Brook Elementary School, Francis Bell Drive, Bridgton. FMI: www.bridgtoncommunityband.org.

July 4, 8 a.m. 34th annual 4 on the 4th Road Race, race begins by Food City on Lower Main Street and ends at Bridgton Memorial School, online registration ($15) closes July 2 at 11:59 p.m., paper registration July 2 ($20), race day registration ($25), pick up chip and number at Bridgton Memorial School, Francis Bell Drive, Bridgton. FMI: www.4onthefourth.com.

July 5, 7 p.m. Act V, musical memories from the 1950s -70s, $7.50/person, refreshments served, Poland Spring Preservation Society, 37 Preservation Way, Poland Spring. FMI: 207.998.4142, www.polandspringps.org.

July 6, 6:30 p.m. Paul Winterman's art exhibit, opening reception in the Backstage Art Gallery, followed by an 8 p.m. show of The Radio Gang, featuring vintage American country music from the 1930s and 40s, Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison. FMI: 207.583.6747, www.deertreestheatre.org.

July 1, 7 p.m. Antiques Appraisal with Frank Wood, one item/attendee, sponsored by Waterborough Historical Society, Waterboro Town Hall, 24 Townhouse Road, East Waterboro. FMI: 207.247.6166 x 227, www.waterboro-me.net.

July 2-6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 23rd Annual Rose Open House, walk the 5-acre display gardens and see more than 400 roses, tours at 2 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, free, Old Sheep Meadows Nursery, 90 Federal Street, Alfred. FMI: 207.324.5211, www.oldsheepmeadowsnursery.com.

July 2, 5 p.m. 60s Invasion in concert, music from the Beatles and other 60s bands, Too Far North: 70s and 80s cover band, $5/person, free/children under 10 accompanied by parent or guardian, bring a picnic supper, vendors available, Goodall Park, Roberts Street, Sanford. FMI: 207.324.4280, www.sanfordchamber.org.

July 3, 7:30 p.m. Banjo Virtuoso Peter Mezoian and friends, including Mark Tiptin on trumpet, Gary Gemitti on drums, Kyle Hardy on sax and Chris Sprague on double bass, $14/adults, $12/students, free/12 and under, The Saco River Grange Hall, 29 Salmon Falls Road, Buxton. FMI: 207.929.6472, www.sacorivergrangehall.org.

July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Heritage Hog Barbecue plus bluegrass, menu may include pig's ass on a blulky, coca cola barbecued chicken breast, expresso ‘qued flank steak on a roll, our own homemade smoked onion sausage on a roll, plus sides and all the fixin's, Raven Hill Orchard, 255 Ossipee Hill Road, East Waterboro. FMI: 207.247.4455, www.ravenhillorchard.com.

July 4, noon -3 p.m. Independence Day activities, free admission, pack a picnic, make firecracker ice cream the old-fashioned way, play lawn games, 19th Century Willowbrook Village, 70 Elm Street, Newfield. FMI: 207.793.2784, www.willowbrookmuseum.org.

July 5, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Community Carnival, following Independence Day parade, sponsored by Sanford Maine Stage Company, featuring moon bounces, face painting, games, entertainment, contests, pony rides, food drive and bottle drive, Gowen Park, Gowen Park Drive, Sanford. FMI: 207.324.9130, www.sanfordchamber.org.

July 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Casco Bay Concert Band, directed by Dr. Peter Martin, performing a wide variety of music appealing to all ages, free, food vendors, bring your own blanket or chair, Cornish Band Stand, Maple Street, Cornish. FMI: www.cornish-maine.org.

July 7, 7:30 p.m. "The Louvre: Leonardo and the Origins of the Collection," art and artist video series, free, Barn Gallery, Bourne Lane, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.8400, www.barngallery.org.

July 1-4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 20th Annual Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration, includes chicken BBQ, music, food booths, street dance, all day fun at Fort Halifax Park, parade and more, Fort Halifax Park, Bay Street, Route 201, Winslow. FMI: www.winslow4thofjuly.com.

July 1, 6:30 p.m. The Ladies of the Lake, traditional Celtic Instrumental music and ballad singing, free, Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta. FMI: 207.626.2415, www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

July 1, 7 p.m. "Belgrade Lakes, The Last 2 Million Years: How We Got to Where We Are," a biogeomorphological history with Mel Croft and Pete Kallin, sponsored by Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, Union Church, Route 27, Belgrade. FMI: 207.495.6039, www.belgradelakes.org.

July 1, 2, 4 and 5, 7 p.m. "Little Shop of Horrors," produced by Rangeley Friends of the Arts, $15, Lakeside Theatre, 2493 Main Street, Rangeley. FMI: 207.864.2963, www.rangeleyarts.com.

July 2, 5-8 p.m. Kennebec Valley Art Association Members' Show, opening reception, free, refreshments served, Harlow Gallery, 160 Water Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207.622.2813, www.harlowgallery.org.

July 3, noon-2 p.m. Don and Cindy Roy, blend of fiddle and piano, The Center for Maine Craft, 24 Service Plaza Drive, West Gardiner. FMI: 207.588.0021, www.mainecrafts.org.

July 3, 7:30 p.m. Black Fly Follies, annual party and fundraiser filled with comedy and music, $22/adults, $18/seniors and students, Theater at Monmouth, 796 Main Street, Monmouth. FMI: 207.933.9999, www.theateratmonmouth.org.

July 3, 10 a.m. -dusk, Independence Day activities including children's parade, silent auction, arts and crafts, lobster bake, chicken BBQ, fireworks, various venues, Rangeley. FMI: 207.864.5364, www.rangeleymaine.com.

July 4, 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Celebrate the 4th of July on the shores of Maranacook Lake, food, games, music, dance contest at 3, fireworks, Norcross Point, Winthrop. FMI: 207.377.8020, www.winthropmaine.org.

July 4-5, 9-1, Saturday, 9-2, Sunday, Book Sale, thousands of gently used books, movies, audios, games and puzzles, Turner Public Library, 98 Matthews Way, Turner. FMI: 207.225.2030, www.turnerpubliclibrary.org.

July 7, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Walker Brothers Circus, featuring aerialists, tumbling artists, contortionists, and the biggest stars of the circus world, Union Fairgrounds, Fairground Lane, Union. FMI: www.walkerbrotherscircus.com

Pristine Flying Pond is nestled in the Belgrade Lakes Region. Flying Pond covers 360 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 80 feet, with a mean depth of 27 feet. The water quality is average.

According to local legend, Flying Pond received its name from an Abenaki tribe. In her article entitled "A  History of Vienna, Maine,"  Ivy Woodcock wrote, "Years ago two or three Indians canoed across this pond and being attracted by its beauty carefully marked the place and went back to bring others. On coming back, they lost the trail and supposing they knew exactly where it was, they said, "It has flown away," thus it got the name of "Flying Pond."

The pond is managed primarily for warmwater species. Anglers will find excellent conditions for largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as chain pickerel.The pond is stocked with brook trout. And it maintains one of the highest smelt populations in the area.  Long stretches of natural shoreline still exist, adding to the success of these fisheries.

A public boat ramp is located on Route 41. The picturesque village of Vienna, the smallest town in Kennebec County, sits at the north shore of Flying Pond.

The certified organic farm, Flying Pond Farm, owned by Dave Blanchard and Cindy Rubinfine, has been protected with a conservation easement by the Kennebec Land Trust. Their 40 acres along the Flying Pond shoreline and adjoining marsh is protected for scenic, wildlife and ecological values.

Though Flying Pond and Vienna are not very big, you'll discover there is plenty to do here throughout the year. From hunter's breakfasts to oyster stew suppers, a Memorial Day parade, variety show, auction, dances and historical plays are just a few of the community activities this small town produces. If you enjoy being outdoors, you'll enjoy boating, relaxing at the Vienna Town Park on Flying Pond, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing and hiking up any of the surrounding mountains in this western Maine foothill community. The Vienna Mountaineers Snowmobile Club maintains trails throughout town.

Milton Bradley, inventor of the board game "The Checkered Game of Life," and early version of what became "The Game of Life," and founder of the Milton Bradley Company, was born in Vienna. Another notable citizen in her early years was Carrie Wills Stevens, a world-renowned fly-tier, who created the Gray Ghost streamer fly.

Dotted with islands and surrounded with towering pines, white birches and quaking aspens, Flying Pond is one of the best kept secrets in the area. Shhhh! Don't tell!

Visit for a day and you'll want to stay for a lifetime. If you are interested in lakefront property, just click below:

Search for lakefront properties on Flying Pond, Vienna

Located in the heart of the Winthrop Lakes Region is the crown jewel known as the Theater at Monmouth.

In 1899, Dr. Charles M. Cumston of Monmouth commissioned Harry Cochran, an accomplished painter, writer, composer and musician, to design a building with an opera hall, caucus room and town hall. Today, Cumston Hall continues to tower dramatically over Main Street. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the 250-seat opera house, town hall and public library.

This is the 41st season for the Theater at Monmouth or TAM as it is known locally. In 1970, Richard Sewell and Dr. Robert Joyce established the theater as a professional summer theater to produce Shakespeare's plays and the classics. The mission is "to bring innovative approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays through professional productions which enrich the lives of people in Maine at historic Cumston Hall, Monmouth and throughout the state." In 1975, the Maine State Legislature named TAM the Shakespearean Theater of Maine.

About 45 professional artists and college-age theater students from Maine and all around the country perform multiple roles in several rotating shows each summer. Many return for several seasons or more. David Greenham is the Producing Director. Jeri Pitcher and Bill Van Horn are the Associate Artistic Directors and Dennis A. Price is the Company Manager.

This season's shows include the following: Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" and "Pericles, Prince of Tyre," Mark Twain's "Is He Dead?" George Bernard Shaw's "Misalliance," and an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "The Canterville Ghost." The fall performance will be Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." Throughout the year, Theater Workshops and Residency Programs are also offered.

The Monmouth Community Players, founded in 1992, also performs at TAM. Their mission is to "provide a positive and affordable theater experience for adults and youth in the Winthrop Lakes Region by presenting exciting productions and talented casts under skilled directing."

Hallmarks of the theater include excellent acoustics and sight lines. Stained glass windows, stenciled murals, ornate trim and plaster ornamentations set TAM apart from other summer theaters in Maine. A long-term restoration project has been completed. Tony Castro, an accomplished painter, had been hired to touch up some apple blossoms. In the process, he discovered something underneath and through using a photo to do some detective work, discovered a strip of ornamental banding that once spanned the entire theater. It's thought that during the Depression, they covered the ornate strip with something easier to maintain.

Back in 1979, Kenneth S. Rothwell of the University of Vermont wrote an article in the spring issue of Shakespeare Quarterly entitled "Shakespeare in Northern New England: Monmouth and Champlain." "The Theater at Monmouth (Maine) offered a variety of surprises. As a start, there was the saucy little opera house concealed inside the sparse but elegant Victorian-Gothic Town Hall."

This summer, you might want to take in a show or two at the "saucy little opera house," set in the classic New England town of Monmouth. And before the show check out lakefront property on Cobbosseeconte Lake, Annabessacook Lake, Sand Pond, Cochnewagon Lake and Wilson Pond.

Search for lakefront properties in Monmouth

Have you ever dreamed of having a four season Maine vacation lakefront home, but could never stretch the budget far enough to make it happen? Have you ever thought that to get the kind of vacation home that you'd really like you'd have to spend a minimum of $400,000 and that was a price you could not afford?

Well, there is no free lunch and great Maine vacation homes on the water at unreasonably low prices do not exist, at least to my knowledge. However, there may be a property out there that affords many of the features you crave without having the high price tag and the high property taxes that go along with it.

Try this on. Nearly new, post and beam log home, year round living, with almost 2000 sf of living area. Open layout with plenty of light and great views of the lake from your living room or deck. Two bedrooms with more room in the partially finished, walk out basement. Easy access, right across the street, to a beautiful public sand beach, picnic area, ball field, and boat launch. Walking distance to a lovely New England village with two restaurants, two convenience stores, library, post office, town office, churches, and lots of white clapboard houses and friendly townspeople.

We currently have such a property for sale located at 25 Norway Road in Harrison, Maine. It lists for well under $400,000. In fact, it lists for well under $300,000. If this place had it's own, private 100 feet of lake frontage it would probably list for close to $500,000. But, it does not have its own private frontage and, because of that, comes in at an affordable asking price of just $255,900.

What this property affords its owner is the cheerful ambiance found in a post and beam log home, and easy access to all the amenities offered at the south end of Crystal Lake in Harrison, which lies just across the street from its front door. Grab your towel and walk 200 feet to the beautiful sand beach and swim area. Get your picnic basket and walk 150 feet to the shaded picnic area overlooking the lake. Put your boat in just 100 feet down the road at the public boat launch.

And don't forget, this is a year round home. Come up in January, turn up the heat, and go skiing at Shawnee Peak, just 20 minutes away, or Sunday River, about 45 minutes away. Of course, there's always plenty of ice fishing and cross country skiing on Crystal Lake, as well as easy access to miles and miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Are you getting the picture? Would you like more information or a closer look? Click here to see more details and call or email Jon Whitney at jon@mrlakefront.net  and 207-671-7595 to set up a showing. Come have a look. I think you'll be pleased with what you'll find.

June 25, 9 a.m. Native Plant Walk, led by Colin Holme, LEA Field Services Director, introduction to native plants to help inspire natural landscaping for water quality production and habitat enhancement, easy terrain, $5/non-members, free/members, meet to carpool at Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Maine Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

June 25-26, 5 p.m. Friday - 8 p.m. Saturday, Standish Summer Spectacular, celebrating the 225th anniversary of Standish, live music and fireworks at Kiwanis Beach on Friday, community marketplace, "Spectacular" parade, musical show, bean supper and "Mr. Magic" on Saturday at various venues throughout the three villages, Route 25, Standish. FMI: 207.642.2875, www.standish.org.

June 26, 6:30 p.m. Strawberry Festival, preceded by historical talk, "What Everyday Life was Like in Raymond in the early 1800s," by John Manoush, strawberry shortcake served at 7 p.m, $5/adults, $3/ages 8 and under, Hawthorne House, Raymond Cape Road, South Casco. FMI: 207.655.7660, www.hawthorneassoc.com.

June 26, 7 p.m. African Drumming with Annegret Baier, Push Back the Stacks performance, free, Spaulding Memorial Library, 282 Sebago Road, Sebago. FMI: 207.787.2321, www.spaulding.lib.me.us.

June 26, 7:30 p.m. The Toughcats, band with an unusual sound, a blend of old-time bluegrass, thoughtful indie rock and classical pop, $10/person, Denmark Arts Center, 50 West Main Street, Denmark. FMI: 207.452.2412, www.toughcat.com.

June 26, 7:30 p.m. Matthew Savage, jazz pianist, performing since age 8, has performed with Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Ben Vereen and more plus the Ellington All Stars and the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, $10/adults, $7/seniors, $5/students, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, 745 Main Street, Fryeburg. FMI: 207.935.9232, www.fryeburgacademy.org.

June 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Car Show, sponsored by Harrison Lions Club, $5/registration fee for car and driver, register from 8-11 a.m., voting from 9-noon, awards at 2 p.m., free to public, donations accepted, benefits kids and community programs, Crystal Lake Park, Route 117, Harrison. FMI: 207.693.4051, www.mainemustang.com.

June 27, 2-3:30 p.m. Edible, Medicinal Plant ID Workshop taught by Rebecca Golden, an herbalist from Vermont, learn about these plants that grow in your backyard, Deerwood Farm and Gardens, 571 Norway Road (Route 118), Norway. FMI: 207.583.2412, www.deerwoodgarden.com.

June 27, 8 p.m. Kevin Barry and Consuelo Candelaria-Barry, stellar guitar player of the Stone Mountain Boys joined by his pianist wife, $10/person (plus $3 handling fee), dinner available before the show by reservation, cash or check only on night of show, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695, Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

June 30, 4 p.m. Pondicherry Park Walk, led by Mary Jewett, LEA Teacher/Naturalist, description of the natural and cultural features of the park, easy terrain, free, meet at Bridgton Public Library, 1 Church Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

June 30, 6:30 p.m. West Side Story Champagne Gala and Opening Night Celebration, complimentary Hors d'oeuvres and Champagne served prior to the 7:30 p.m performance, desserts served at intermission, cash bar available for wine and beer, $30/person, reservations requested by June 25, proceeds benefit Schoolhouse Arts Center's Arts Education Program, School House Arts Center, 16 Richville Road, Standish. FMI: 207.642.3743, www.schoolhousearts.org.

June 24-26, 8 p.m. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," the enchanted fairy tale, prices vary, Hackmatack Playhouse, 538 School Street, Berwick. FMI: 207.698.1807, www.hackmatack.org.

June 24-27, times vary, Spirit in America Hot Air Balloon Festival, music, food, tethered balloon rides, arts and crafts, various venues, Old Orchard Beach. FMI: www.oob365.com.

June 25, 12:30 p.m. 19th Annual Sanford-Springvale YMCA Golf Tournament, $400/team, $100/individual, price includes greens fees, cart rental, boxed lunch, dinner, gift bag and giveaways, benefits YMCA's scholarship program, Sanford Country Club, Route 4, Sanford. FMI: 207.324.4942, www.sanfordymca.org.

June 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Summer Solstice Celebration, jazz, blues and swing music by Sea Smoke, cocktails, hot hors d'oeuvres, gourmet sandwiches, silent auction, $25/person, The York Art Association, 394 York Street, York Harbor. FMI: 207.363.4049, www.yorkartassociation.com.

June 25, 7-9:30 p.m. Big Band Sound featuring The Music Makers under the direction of Jack Kazenski, $12/person, Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.5657, www.nassoncc.org.

June 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Strawberry Festival, entertainment, food, artisans and strawberry shortcake, plus fee tours of Sarah Orne Jewett's house, Central School grounds, 197 Main Street, South Berwick. FMI: 207.384.2454, www.historicnewengland.org.

June 26, 6:30-9 p.m. Community Jeopardy, teams of 4, compete for your favorite charity, $40/team, pre-registration required, audience $5/person, Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.9273, www.nassoncc.org.

June 26, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Bayside Trio, featuring Nicole Kabata, flute; Ani Kalayjian, cello; and Anastasia Antonacos, piano, $15/adults and seniors, $12/students, free/under 12 when accompanied by an adult, Springvale-Sanford Historical Museum, 505 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.2797, www.sanfordhistory.org.

June 26, 7:30 p.m. Evgeny Genchev, pianist, rising young star from Russia will perform at the Steinway in the Old White Church, 15 Salmon Falls Road, Bar Mills. FMI: 207.929.6472, www.sacorivergrangehall.org.

June 27, 6-8 p.m. History Open House, includes "Collecting-A Hobby That is Always in Style" exhibit, demonstration of floor cloths by Diane Nyren and stenciling for children, Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society, 92 Main Street, Porter. FMI: 207.625.8344, www.parsonsfieldporterhistorical.org.

June 30, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music," preview, $52/matinee, $56/evening performance, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.5511, www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

June 30, 7-9 p.m. Lincoln, Lewis and Twain: The Pilgrim's Progress in America and Britain, author Kevin Belmonte to speak about his new book, a biography of John Bunyan, talk to explore the influence of "The Pilgrim's Progress" on leaders and literary figures over the last 250 years, York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York. FMI: 207.363.2818, www.york.lib.me.us.

June 24, 11a.m.-4 p.m. Living History Tours, 19th century home and farm of the Washburns, one of the great political and industrial dynasties, guided tour includes visit to the one room schoolhouse to experience how "scholars" of 1853 learned their lessons and a visit to the library to meet members of the Washburn family, Washburn-Norlands Living  Center, 290 Norlands Road, Livermore. FMI: 207.897.4366, www.norlands.org.

June 24, 5 p.m. Giffords 30th Anniversary Celebration, Maine's award-winning ice cream company with more than 140 years in the dairy industry, celebrating 30 years of ice cream stands, Giffords Ice Cream Stand, 293 Main Street, Farmington. FMI 207.699.5500, www.giffordsicecream.com.

June 24, 6 p.m. Annual Potluck Supper, Rangeley Lakes Historical Society, held at Church of the Good Shepard, 2614 Main Street, Rangeley. FMI: 207.864.5571, www.rangeleymaine.com.

June 25-27, 8 a.m. 15th Annual Maine Antique Tractor Club Festival, feature tractor: 1949 Ferguson TO 20, stone boat pulls, lawn and garden pulls, progressive drag pulls, pedal pulls, doddle bug pulls, tractor games, skillet toss, hammer toss, pancake breakfast, bean supper, contests, demonstrations, displays, auction and more, $5/adults, $2/ages 11-17, free/age 10 and under, Farmington Fairgrounds, Maple Street, Farmington. FMI: 207.737.9206, www.maineantiquetractorclub.com.

June 25-27, times vary, River Fest and Upper Kennebec Valley Outdoor Expo, celebrate the Kennebec River and enjoy a weekend of outdoor activities, outdoor expo, free raft trips, 5K race, glow stick rover run and more, music by Aztec Two Step, Emilia Dahlin and Rustic Overtones, various venues, Skowhegan. FMI: 207.858.2550, www.skowsavings.com/riverfest.

June 25, 7 p.m. Teen Band Show featuring Almost Doesn't Count, Chronic Indecision and Arms Against the Sea, hardcore, screamo and rock, music and dance, supervised, chemical-free, $6/person, Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, 280 Water Street, Gardiner. FMI: 207.582.7144, www.johnsonhall.org.

June 26-27, 2 p.m. Saturday-noon Sunday, Radio Amateur American Radio Relay League's Field Day, see HAMS in action as they practice emergency communication, show their skills and equipment, and compete in nationwide and worldwide communications contests, sponsored by Waterville Area Wireless Association, Waterville Airport, 70 Airport Road, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.2071, www.wa1wa.net.

June 26, 7:30 p.m. "Shakespeare's Clownes: A Foole's Guide to Shakespeare," Curt L. Tofteland explores the wide range of comedic characters who populate William Shakespeare's plays, one night only, $22/adults, $18/seniors and students, The Theater at Monmouth, 796 Main Street, Monmouth. FMI: 207.933.9999, www.theateratmonmouth.org.

June 29, 10 a.m. Kayak/Canoe, Lost Pond, call for directions, Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, 171 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes. FMI: 207.495.6039, www.belgradelakes.org.

June 29, 7 p.m. Celtic Concert with Paul McKenna Band, $15/door, $12.50/advance, Lakeside Theater, 2493 Main Street, Rangeley. FMI: www.rangeleymovies.com.

June 30, 7-8:15 p.m. Around the World in 80 Minutes, collaboration of show tunes, movie hits and TV themes, including Brazilian, British, European, Latin, Spanish and Hawaiian, presented by Auburn Community Band, Festival Plaza, corner of Court and Main Streets, Auburn. FMI: 207.333.6601x 2108, www.laitshappeninghere.com.

Lake Wesserunsett in Madison, Maine, is fringed with birch and pine trees. Four outlets and a couple of marshy areas enhance this relatively flat, shallow basin. The lake covers 1,446 acres and has a maximum depth of 22 feet with a mean depth of 12 feet.

Anglers will discover that the coves, ledges, brush, stream outlets, docks and rocky shoreline offer perfect fish cover. Brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch and chain pickerel are the key fisheries. Lake Wesserunsett is open for summer and winter fishing seasons. A public boat launch is located near the outlet of Mill Stream in East Madison.

Since 1648 the lake has seen a variety of spellings for its name and the name has been changed several times. In the 1600s the area was frequented by the Kennebec Indian tribe, who set up a camping ground where present day Lakewood Theater sits. A 1648 deed spells the lake name as Wesserunskiek. It's also spelled Usserunskcut, Wesserunscut, Arressewinsuck and Wesseronsaeg on other documents. At one time it was called Madison Pond and in the 1800s-early 1900s, it was named Hayden Pond for the Jebediah Hayden family who settled here. The present spelling was officially adopted and recognized by the State Legislature in 1912.

Eric Lahti is president of the Lake Wesserunsett Association, which oversees water quality tests, conducts invasive plant surveys and plans social events including boat parades and kayak regattas. Will Reid volunteers with the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program and has been testing Lake Wesserunsett since 1982. The water quality of this glacially formed lake is considered average.

Kids of all ages enjoy paddling about in murky channels of the edge marshes to observe green frogs and painted turtles. The rich habitat also supports red-winged blackbirds, warblers, swallows, loons, ducks, osprey, great blue heron and bald eagles plus other wildlife.

There's plenty to do on or beside the lake with fishing, waterskiing, boating and swimming. The Lakewood Golf Course is located along the shoreline. Nearby, winter ski enthusiasts will discover Eaton Mountain Ski Area. Sugarloaf USA is only an hour away.

The area also offers a rich cultural history. The historic summer stock theater, Lakewood Theater, is located here. People used to get off the trolley from Skowhegan to Wesserunsett and walk to the theater to enjoy a show. Today, they don't ride the trolley, but they still enjoy shows. And during the theater's glory days, 9-hole Lakewood Golf Course was frequented by celebrities who came as summer stock for the theater. Now it is a par 72, 18-hole course.

Let Lake Wesserunsett be the location for your lakefront property. Fish from your dock or relax on your porch. Kayak at sunrise or spend the evening listening to the loons call to each other  over the moonlit lake. Think theater, golf, fresh air and splendid scenery on the lakefront with no city traffic or sounds. If you are looking for a place to relax and recharge your life, look no further than Lake Wesserunsett.

Search for lakefront properties on Lake Wesserunsett