BETHEL – Approximately 450 attended the eighth annual New Year’s Bethel celebration on Dec. 31.

This year’s event, sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society with assistance from the Mahoosuc Art Council, Gould Academy, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and the West Parish Congregational Church, offered a variety of family entertainment in a chem-free environment.

Venues included Fred Barbo and his inflatable theater, the State Street Jazz Band, Three Wheel Drive folk music, Maine humorist Joe Perham and Ti’Acadie contra dancing.

Also featured were a children’s dragon parade around the Bethel Common, marshmallow roasting, horse and wagon rides, fireworks, refreshments and a community bell ringing at midnight.

Volunteers, recruited by volunteer Jan Stowell, included Arlene Lowell, Amy Davis, Sylvia Vander Sluis, Harold Mahon, Bill and Susan Herlihy, Jackie Van Leuven, Marlene Engdahl, Larry Engdahl, Joe and Lynn Arizzi, Jean Owen, Carol and Walt Hatch, Dean and Priscella Walker, Lucia and Eric Schwarz, Al Cressy, Diana Bell and Steve Seames.

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, or by sending an e-mail to info@bethelhistorical.org. People can check the Web site at www.bethelhistorical.org or write to P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.