RANGELEY – Artists, crafters and vendors are wanted for the Black Fly Festival planned for Sunday, June 25, at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center at Saddleback Mountain.

Organizers say that in Rangeley, mud and black fly season also happen to be the harbingers of summer and the height of one of the most lovely lupine displays anywhere in the northeast.

They want to share the beauty and the beasties during a celebration of the start of summer and invite the public to join them for a day of fun, family and kids activities, arts, crafts and food like mud pies and barbecues, finishing with a show at the Club House Restaurant presented by that wacky threesome known as the Maine Hysterical Society.

Booth spaces of approximately 10′ x 10′ will be available to artists, crafters and vendors. Spaces will be tented to accommodate the weather. Cost per space is $25 for the day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities will be based at the Trails Center location on Saddleback Mountain Road so vendors are assured foot traffic.

Activities already planned for the day include a 5K trail run, mountain bike race, treasure hunt for children, kid’s games, all-day silent auction, mud pie eating contests and prizes with more in development.

It is hoped this will become the Rangeley region’s own opening day of summer for years to come. All proceeds will benefit the Building Fund for a permanent lodge for the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center.

The center, operated and maintained by the Rangeley Lakes Cross Country Ski Club Inc., is an extensive network of trails on lower Saddleback Mountain dedicated to nonmotorized year-round sport and recreational use for all who properly access its trails and facilities.

To reserve booth space or inquire about sponsorship of the festival,call Carol Sullivan at 864-3640 or e-mail carol@rangeleyblackflyfest.com.