AUGUSTA – Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store and house museum on the Kennebec River, will host the first of two Kennebec-Chaudiere Corridor weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20.

The purpose is to make corridor residents and the public more aware of the corridor’s human history, natural history and cultural heritage.

The corridor extends from Quebec City, follows the Chaudiere River and routes 73/173, crosses into Maine at Jackman, continues south along Route 201 and the Kennebec River and terminates in Bath and the lower Kennebec at Popham Beach.

All residents of the Maine towns or other governmental units which border on the Kennebec River or on Route 201 and all visitors from Quebec Province will be admitted to the fort free both days. A second corridor weekend will be held on Aug. 2 and 3 for those who are unable to attend the July event.

In addition, representatives form corridor history and heritage organizations will be invited to talk about their communities and backgrounds. And on July 19 the Kennebec Jet Boat will be available for short rides, for which a fee will be charged.

Old Fort Western is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. now through Labor Day. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children the ages of 6 and 16. Kids under 6 and are admitted free. The fort’s complete special event schedule is available by calling 626-2385 or on the Internet at www.oldfortwestern.org.