BETHEL – The 26th annual Sudbury Canada Days, summer heritage festival of the Bethel Historical Society on Aug. 12 to 14, took place on the society’s grounds at the Hastings Homestead barn and at Middle Intervale Meetinghouse.

The weekend began on Aug. 12 with the 14th annual Hall Memorial Lecture. Lecturer was Bunny McBride, author of a number of works on Indian women and an adjunct lecturer of cultural anthropology at Kansas State University. Taking the topic, “Molly Ockett and Other Wabanaki Women Healers,” McBride cited numerous instances of healing activities and reviewed some of the remedies used in that day that are still effective today.

A number of 18th-century re-enactors camped on the grounds of the Dr. Moses Mason House on Aug. 13. Activities officially began with a cannon volley on the Bethel Common. Throughout the day and continuing into Sunday, they provided insight into camp life in the 1700s and demonstrated and showed examples of the crafts of that era.

A horseshoe tournament was held with participants coming from a number of towns. Winners included: first, Alan Pratt, Waterford; second, Mark Bruno, South Paris; third, Steve Estes, Waterford; fourth, David Pratt, Harrison.

Afternoon events included the children’s parade, won by Elissa Dyer, portraying Dr. Timothy Carter. Game winners included: sack race, first, Michael O’Keefe; second, Elisabeth O’Keefe; third, Christie O’Keefe; three-legged race, won by Michael and Elisabeth O’Keefe; egg roll, first, Elissa Dyer; second, Michael O’Keefe; third, Elizabeth O’Keefe; penny toss, tie, Michael O’Keefe and Elisabeth O’Keefe; second, Elissa Dyer; third, Christy O’Keefe; egg toss, first, Daniel Dollins; second, Elisabeth O’Keefe; ice cream eating contest, first, Josh (no last name recorded); second, Elisabeth O’Keefe; third, Matt (no last name recorded).

Several players were noted for the croquet tournament, but now winner emerged. There were no participants in the badminton tournament due to the hot weather. Craft demonstrators included Grace McKivergan, dyeing; Eileen Laperle, basketmaking; Lorrie Hoeh, spinning; Ed Sommers, post and beam; and Ann Carlson, rugmaking.

Historical videos were shown throughout the afternoon. Assisting Danna Nickerson with the flower show was Jane Vogt. Participants included Amy Davis, Wende Gray, Mabel Kennett, Sue Brown Kettinger, Harry Kuzyk, Danna Nickerson, Carol Nielson, Pooh Corner Farm and Jane Vogt. The Oxford County Bicentennial Quilt was on display.

Ice cream sales were handled by Al Cressy, Joe and Lynn Arizzi and Jane Hosterman. Shop volunteers included Karen Bean, Kate Nickerson, Kathy Kunkel and Joanna Drummond.

Guides in the Dr. Mason Museum were Judy Haskell, Amy Davis, Helen Morton and Alan Marcotte. The supper crew included staff members plus George and Kate Nickerson. The door prize was won by Jane Hosterman of West Bethel.

The annual log driver’s bean supper was followed by music from the local banjo band and a fashion show by the re-enactors. On Sunday, the re-enactors did a salute to the veterans at the monument on the Bethel Common. In the afternoon, there was another opportunity to visit the exhibits, view historical videos, tour the 1895 Sunday River Schoolhouse and end with a hymn sing at the historic Middle Intervale Meetinghouse, Bethel’s earliest surviving religious structure.

Sudbury Canada was Bethel’s original name, which was officially used from the date of granting in 1768 until 1796 when it was incorporated as the town of Bethel.

For information about the society, call 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910, e-mail info@bethelhistorical.org or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.