Parade theme

OTISFIELD – The theme of this year’s Fourth of July parade is “Spirit of Freedom.” All are invited to enter a float, an antique vehicle, firetruck or just about anything. Staging begins at 9 a.m. south side of Spurr’s Corner on Route 121, Cutter’s field.

The parade starts at 10 followed by a program at the fire station. There will be a watermelon spitting contest, face painting and pie making contest. Registration for the pie making contest will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. All pies should be baked in a disposable pie pan. First place prize is a $50 gift certificate from a local eatery, second place prize is a Shaw’s certificate and third place prize is a certificate to Smedberg’s Greenhouse. Winners will be announced at the end of the program. All pies will be sold after the judging for $5 to benefit the recreation department.

Church program

PARIS – First Congregational Church in South Paris will meet for worship at 9 a.m. Sunday in July and August. The church is providing activities for Sunday school age children and child care for the younger children. This will allow them to continue to bond over the summer and make it easier for families to attend services. “The Benefit of Conditional Love” is the topic of Rev. Mayberry’s message on Sunday, Aug. 2. For information call the church at 743-2437 or check online at www.southpariscongregational.com. Services are broadcast live on AM 1450 and AM 780.

Summer series

PARIS – The First Baptist Church of Paris will hold its summer vesper series beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 2, and conintuing through to Aug. 27. This includes a half-hour of music, readings, prayer and fellowship. Anyone who wants to participate by playing music or offering a reading contact Jean at 743-8661.

Musket firing

BUCKFIELD – Members of John D. Long Post 58 will be firing the “Kings Arm” musket at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, on the lawn of the John D. Long Public Library. Post members will then go to Turner Center and lead their 4th of July parade starting at 10 a.m.

This “King’s Arm” was brought from England in 1683 by Thomas Parris and used in the French and Indian War. It has been handed down to the oldest son in the Parris family. When the news of the Declaration of Independence reached Pembroke, Mass., where the family lived, the old gun was fired in celebration and has been every July 4th since. Two other occasions are, Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918, and V.E. Day, May 8, 1945.

It has been owned by Revolutionary Capt. Josiah Parris of Buckfield, 1760 to 1851; Virgil Parris, 1807 to 1874; Edward L. Parris, 1837 to 1950; and given to the Long Library by a sister and daughter of the last named.

Boosters recruiting

OXFORD HILLS – The Oxford Hills Athletic Boosters Club is recruiting volunteers, who are energetic and creative. Anyone who lives in the Oxford Hills community or has a child participating in Oxford Hills athletics and are interested in joining, should contact Mark or Barbara Dolloff at 743-9575 or 739-2378 or attend the next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.