BETHEL – Hundreds of Bethel-area residents and summer visitors gathered Saturday to enjoy the town’s annual Mollyockett Day celebration.

Sponsored this year by the Mahoosuc Arts Council, the festival celebrates the life and times of Pequawket Indian Princess Molyockett who lived in the area and graciously helped early settlers all across Western Maine.

According to Dr. Stanley Howe, town historian and executive director of the Bethel Historical Society, the event was known as the Bethel Bazaar when it first took place in the late 1940s. It continued under that name until about 1960, when its name was changed to Mollyockett Day. No one is absolutely sure today why the name was changed.

“I guess it just seemed appropriate as Princess Mollyockett lived in Bethel at one time,” Howe said.

He added that Mollyockett was known to help early settlers in Western Maine when and where she could and tried hard to make them welcome on her tribe’s land.

Saturday’s event began at 8:30 a.m. with the annual Key Bank Road Race, featuring 1, 3 and 5K competitions. Following the race, the grand parade stepped off at 11 a.m., winding its way up Main Street with gaily decorated floats, Bethel’s Community Band and units from local fire departments and rescue services. In addition, Boy and Girl Scout troops marched, as did with children from SAD 44 schools.

Other events included musical entertainment from the gazebo on the town common, the 22nd annual Frog Jumping contest, an Adirondack chair auction, a duck race on the Sunday River and a bevy of children’s games.

To add to the enjoyment of young and old, food booths were busy throughout the day along the common.

For a grand finale, midevening saw a spectacular fireworks display that lit the sky with a rainbow of colors.

Money raised through rented spaces on the commons, raffles, breakfasts, suppers and private and business donations will go to support local charities in the coming year.