THE FORKS -The first Country Music at The Forks festival hosted by Northern Outdoors will offer an evening of country music, food and entertainment under the stars this Fourth of July.

The festival, set along the banks of the Kennebec River, features four bands: North Star Sisters, Silver Rain Band, Borderline Express and the headliner, Northern Lights, who for the past 30 years has performed rock classics, blue grass, folk, and country rock.

The Northern Lights hail from Long Island and have four core members: Gloria Steding, Dean Steding, Sara Steding and Gregg Lindholm. Joining them for this one-time event will be accomplished Maine musicians David Mellow and Mike Clemens.

Borderline Express will also be featured in the evening performances. The band is from the Waterville area and has played a broad spectrum of music from old to new country as well as classic rock.

For 25 years, the group has garnered a reputation for playing a variety of crowd-pleasing tunes. Members are Larry Tilton, Tom Cole, Byron Pooler and Tom Dickey.

The Silver Rain Band is also on the performance lineup. This group is from the greater Portland area and plays a variety of fast and slow dance songs from older to newer country rock. Members are Mat Poland, Penny Hillman, Chuck Hillman and Ron Richardson.

This marks the first year for this event to commemorate the Fourth of July which coincides with Maximum Magic -Turbine Test Days on the Kennebec River Monday, July 5. On this day Florida Power & Light will test its turbines by releasing the maximum amount of water possible from Harris Station Dam, which makes for great rafting on the river gorge.

Promoters hope that the success of this year’s concert will establish the Country Music at The Forks July 4th Celebration Festival as an annual event.

Promoters encourage fans to plan for a full weekend of rafting, kayaking, hiking and music in a riverside setting.

Grounds will open at 2 p.m., with entertainment to begin at 4 p.m. Ticket prices: $20 for advance purchases; $25 day of show; $10 for children 12 and younger. Rain or shine, no refunds due to bad weather.

For event information and festival tickets, visit www.mainemusicevents.com online or purchase in person at Northern Outdoors’ Forks Resort Center or in Kingfield at Riverside at Annie’s. For activity information, lodging and reservations, visit www.northernoutdoors.com or call 1-800-765-7238.