DIXFIELD – Though the threat of rain drove some vendors to close early, the sunny skies and warm temperatures brought a large crowd out for the annual Dixfield Open Market held this year in conjunction with the town’s Bicentennial Celebration.

“We’re glad to see so many people participating,” said Norine Clarke of Log Cabin Craftworks. “And we’re absolutely grateful for the good weather.”

Other events held as part of the bicentennial included a “fun run” for kids, a 5K road race for adults, an art exhibit held at the Ludden Library, a hat show and a flower show both held at the Historical Society, and “The Ancient Ones,” a pre-1840s re-enactment group encampment held behind the Historical Society building.

The Outdoor Market seemed to be a hit with the crowd. Vendors lined Main Street and congregated in the parking lots of the library/post office, Log Cabin Craftworks and the Bangor Savings Bank selling handmade baskets, knitted and crocheted items and knickknacks.

“We’re doing very good,” said Anne McKay of Dixfield, a vendor of American Girl and Barbie doll clothes. “It’s always good when the weather is nice.”

“We’re doing good, nothing to complain about,” said Steve Zadakis of Treasures on the Island in Rumford. Zadakis said this was his first time participating in the annual Outdoor Market.

Other first time vendors were Jody Smith of Mexico and Caryn Leighton of Rumford who teamed up to sell handmade crocheted dishcloths, afghans, and knitted baby items.

“I do the crocheting and Jody does the knitting,” said Leighton.

Other vendors participating included Virgin Woodworks of Carthage; Holly’s Sweet-N-Simple Gifts of Peru; M. Dirk MacKnight, photographer of Andover; Eileen’s Handwoven Baskets of Farmington; Simple Things of Dixfield; and Earth and Fire Pottery of Woodstock.

Another popular event was “The Ancient Ones,” which demonstrated tomahawk throwing and even let the audience try their hand at it. David Bradley, a member of “The Ancient Ones,” also took the time to explain about raccoon an otter pelts to some curious children.

Norm Voelkel brought out his coonskin cap and buckskin shirt to show the youngsters and explained how in the spring and summer when it’s rainy, the shirt may be worn with the hide out to protect the wearer from the rain.

“The Ancient Ones” will be holding a rendezvous Columbus Day weekend at Meadowview in Canton.

“There will be demonstrations and audience participation,” said member Ray Hamilton of Livermore who invited the public to attend.

“Bicentennial events are being held all year to celebrate this milestone,” said Norine Clarke of Log Cabin Craftworks, a member of the committee. “The first event was the choosing of Little Mr. and Miss Dixfield last November. We’re planning some type of wrap-up in January but it’s not decided yet exactly what it will be,” said Clarke.



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