House parties are being held Thursday at six locations in western Maine for people to celebrate the Democratic National Convention as Sen. John Kerry accepts his party’s nomination as presidential candidate.

County Democratic Chairwoman Cathy Newell has announced that the list of parties registered on the www.johnkerry.com Web site includes events in Bethel, Mexico, Bridgton, Norway, Buckfield and Fryeburg.

The Bethel party, featuring snacks and convention watching, will be held at 7 p.m. at the home of Ginger and Eugene Kelly on the Skillings Road. The Mexico event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Mexico Town Hall and will feature a pizza party hosted by County Commissioner Fred Kennard, state Rep. John Patrick, House candidate Linda Petrie and state Sen. Bruce Bryant. It will be followed by an organizational meeting of local Democrats. The party will then move to a location to be announced, where convention watching will take place.

The Bridgton event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a barbecue at the home of House candidate Margaret Reimer and continue with convention watching.

The Norway party will be at the Yagger Road home of Miriam Laster beginning at 7 p.m. for snacks and convention watching.

In Buckfield, House candidate Terry Hayes will welcome guests to her home for convention watching and snacks at 7:30 p.m.

In Fryeburg, Alan Whittemore will host a party beginning at 7 p.m.

People may obtain details about the parties and RSVP by visiting the www.johnkerry.com Web site, or by contacting a party’s host.

Additional parties may be added before July 29, and details will be available on the Web site. All Kerry supporters are encouraged to register on the Web site, which provides an opportunity to link up with activities sponsored by the campaign.

Michael Broderick of Bethel will be attending the Democratic Convention as an alternate and is expected to phone several of the house parties for a report on the convention week, as is U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud.