Items submitted to Check it Out must be events that benefit nonprofit organizations and be open to the public. Submissions should be received at least seven days in advance of the event.

Farmington area

Farmington, Tuesday, July 4: Homemade strawberry shortcake, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pierce House lawn, Main Street. Large (whole biscuit) $4; small (half-biscuit) $3. To benefit Old South Church Kitchen Remodeling Fund.

Farmington, Tuesday, July 4: Free hot dogs, during concert following parade, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church front lawn. Donations accepted. Benefits Ecumenical Heating Fund that helps provide oil to local families in need.

Wilton, Wednesday, July 5: Walk a trail at Kineowatha Park as part of the summer reading program at Wilton Free Public Library. Meet at the library at 5:45 p.m, walk starts 6 p.m.

New Sharon, Thursdays, July 6, 13 and 20: “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales,” 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jim Ditzler Memorial Library, preschool through sixth-grade. FMI: 779-1128.

Wilton, Thursday, July 6: Master Rob Goding reading and presentation on Tae Kwon Do, 6 p.m., Wilton Free Public Library. Part of the summer reading program.

Farmington, Friday, July 7: American Red Cross blood drive, 12 to 6 p.m., Franklin Memorial Hospital, Bass Room, 1 Hospital Drive.

Rangeley, Friday, July 7: Rangeley’s ACME Productions will hold auditions for Beauty and the Beast, noon to 2 p.m., Episcopal Church Undercroft. If you are interested and unable to attend, call Susan Hamilton at 864-3312.

Wilton, Friday, July 7: Scrapbooking, 1 p.m., Wilton Free Public Library. Bring pictures to create a scrapbook. Part of the summer reading program.

Oxford Hills area

Otisfield, Tuesday, July 4: Parade 10 a.m., staging 9 a.m. south side of Spurr’s Corner, Route 121, Cutter’s field. Program at fire station follows. Watermelon seed spitting contest, face painting, pie making contest and refreshments. FMI: 627-6950 or e-mail [email protected].

Waterford, Tuesday, July 4: Annual book sale, 8 a.m. to noon, public library. Large selection of hardcover books, $2, trade and mass market paperbacks for $1 each and children’s books for $1 or $2, also some videos and audio books.

Gorham, N.H.,Wednesday, July 5: Wednesday Night with a Ranger speaker series presents “Skins and Skulls”, 8 p.m., Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16, 11 miles south of Gorham. A hands-on way to learn about the biology of our native wildlife. Presented by conservation educator Clare Long. Free and open to the public. FMI: Androscoggin Ranger Station 603-466-2713, TTY 603-466-2856 or Appalachian Mountain Club 603-466-2721.

Oxford, Wednesday, July 5: American Red Cross blood drive, 2 to 7 p.m., American Legion Post 112, King Street, Route 121, south.

Paris, Wednesday, July 5: Moore Park Summer Entertainment Series presents The Bel Airs, 6 to 8 p.m., at Moore Park. In case of rain event will be held at the Paris fire hall, Western Ave. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. FMI: 743-2501.

West Paris, Wednesday, July 5: Summer reading program, Animal Tales, for elementary school children, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Little Castle Library. FMI: 674-2004.

Paris, Thursday, July 6: Preschool story and craft time, 10 a.m., public library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, July 7: First Fridays, work by Lajos Matolcsy, 6 to 9 p.m., Norway Memorial Library. FMI: 743-5309.

Norway, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 7, 8, 9: Norway summer festival. Events include library programs, sidewalk art show, 5K run and fun walk, music, food and bake sales and more.

Paris, Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8: Live auction, 5:30 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. To donate items call 744-0204.

Paris, Friday, July 7: Art in the Barn opening night, 5 to 8 p.m., McLaughlin Foundation Garden, 97 Main St. FMI: 743-8820 or www.mclaughlingarden.org.

River Valley area

Gorham, N.H.,Wednesday, July 5: Wednesday Night with a Ranger speaker series presents “Skins and Skulls”, 8 p.m., Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16, 11 miles south of Gorham. A hands-on way to learn about the biology of our native wildlife. Presented by Conservation Educator Clare Long. Free and open to the public. FMI: Androscoggin Ranger Station 603-466-2713, TTY 603-466-2856 or Appalachian Mountain Club 603-466-2721.

Bethel, Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9: Gem, mineral and jewelry festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; Crescent Park School, Crescent Lane. Museum quality displays, mineral booth, guided field trips to local mines, hourly door prizes and a grand prize drawn at the end of the show. Mineral swap Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Crescent Park School parking lot. FMI: 743-8729.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Wednesday, July 5: Auburn Community Band, “An Evening of Patriotic Music,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunity band.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, July 5: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Fountain Park; rain location, Franco-American Heritage Center. Cenedl and Dave Rowe Trio (Celtic and traditional folk). FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, July 5: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 6: Conjuring Carroll Magic Show, 10 a.m., Public Library. Ages 3 to 12.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 6: National Geographic Movie, 2 p.m., Public Library. Ages 5 to 12.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 6: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Courthouse Plaza; rain date Friday. Douce (Cajun). FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday, July 7: Pre-school storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lisbon Falls, Friday, July 7: Public turkey dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Masonic Hall, Oak St. Donations: adults $8; or two for $15. Children under 12, $4; preschool, Free. Sponsored by Pioneer Chapter 11, Order of the Eastern Star.

Auburn, Saturday, July 8: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Hoodwinked” (PG). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Casco, Saturday, July 8: Annual flea market from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Casco Village Church on Route 121 in Casco Village, with a rain date of July 15. Coffee, cold drinks, hot dogs and baked goods will be available to keep your energy up while you browse. A limited number of spaces are available for vendors at $20 per table. To reserve a table, contact the church office at 627-4282.

Gray, Saturday, July 8: Gray Fire-Rescue Department 125th anniversary parade and festival, 2 p.m. Parades, kids games and rides, antique fire truck show, fire-fighting demonstrations, historical exhibits, live entertainment, hot air balloon launches, an evening block party dance. Free admission.

Topsham, Saturday, July 8: Art Show to be held at the Topsham Fair Mall on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Lewiston, Sunday, July 9: Summer reading, week 4, “The Parrot” Public Library; FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4

Lewiston, Monday, July 10: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Tuesday, July 11: Festival Plaza Tuesday Night Concerts (weather permitting) 7 p.m., at the Festival Plaza on Main St., The Colwell Brothers (Rhythm and Blues). FMI: call 784-0191.

Lewiston, Tuesday, July 11: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, July 12: Auburn Community Band, “Music of Famous Composers,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Casco, Wednesday, July 12: American Red Cross blood drive, 1 to 7 p.m., Casco Fire and Rescue, Route 121.

Lewiston, Wednesday, July 12: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 13: Partner and line dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance: fourth level of Canal Street garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 13: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Courthouse Plaza; rain date Friday. Half Moon Jug Band (folk and pop with attitude). FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday, July 14: Pre-school storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Turner, Friday, July 14: North Turner Church, “Welcome Back” to summer friends at Bear Pond from 5 to 7 p.m. Casseroles, homemade bread, desserts. Free will donations.

Auburn, Saturday, July 15: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (G). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

New Gloucester, Saturday, July 15: 20th annual Shaker Village concert, 7 p.m., Shaker Meetinghouse, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26. Portland String Quartet will perform classical music; $10; reservations required. Benefits Shaker Library. Sponsors: Curry Printing, LARK Society, Cook’s Hardware, Pine Tree Networks, Hartford Agency, Downeast Energy. FMI: 926-4597 or [email protected].

Lewiston, Sunday, July 16: Summer reading, week 5, “The Cat” Public Library; FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4

Lewiston, Monday, July 17: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Tuesday, July 18: Festival Plaza Tuesday Night Concerts (weather permitting) 7 p.m., at the Festival Plaza on Main St., The Debbie Myers Show (Country Singer). FMI: call 784-0191.

Lewiston, Tuesday, July 18: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, July 19: Auburn Community Band, “It’s Show Time!,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, July 19: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 20: Partner and line dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance: fourth level of Canal Street garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 20: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Courthouse Plaza; rain date Friday. Simon Apple (pop rock). FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday, July 21: Pre-school storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Auburn, Saturday, July 22: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Yours, Mine and Ours” (PG). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

New Gloucester, Saturday, July 22: Flea market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Amvets Post 6, Route 100. Sponsored by Auxiliary. Tables, $10. Reserve by July 18. FMI or to reserve a table: Joyce Wotherspoon, 926-4693, Joyce Hamilton, 926-4079.

Lewiston, Sunday, July 23: Summer reading, week 6, “The Hamster” Public Library; FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4

Lewiston, Monday, July 24: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Tuesday, July 25: Festival Plaza Tuesday Night Concerts (weather permitting) 7 p.m., at the Festival Plaza on Main St., Delta Knights (Rhythm and Blues, Classic Rock, Swing and Blues). FMI: call 784-0191.

Lewiston, Tuesday, July 25: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, July 26: Auburn Community Band, “Famous Groups and People,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, July 26: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 27: Chewonki Animal Shows, Public Library. Amazing Reptiles, 9:30 a.m., ages 3 to 10; Owls of Maine, 11 a.m., ages 5 to 10. Lewiston, Thursday, July 27: Partner and line dancing with the Countryside Dancers, 7 p.m., Central Hall, 191 Lisbon St. Entrance: fourth level of Canal Street garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, July 27: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Courthouse Plaza; rain date Friday. Para La Gente (Latin salsa). FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Lewiston, Friday, July 28: Pre-school storytime, 10 a.m., Public Library.

Lewiston, Friday, July 28: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Fountain Park; rain location, Franco-American Heritage Center. Singer/songwriter Martin Swinger. FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Auburn, Saturday, July 29: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Nannie McFee” (PG). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Poland, through Saturday, July 29: Miss Nettie Ricker Art Gallery hosts “The All in the Family” art show, Tuesday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon, Maine State Building in Poland Spring. Watercolors, quilts, photography, wood carvings, primitive furniture. FMI: 998-4142.

Lewiston, Sunday, July 30: Summer reading, week 7, “The Crab” Public Library; FMI: 784-0135 ext. 4

Lewiston, Monday, July 31: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Tuesday, August 1: Festival Plaza Tuesday Night Concerts (weather permitting) 7 p.m., at the Festival Plaza on Main St., The tone Kings (Blues, Rhythm and Blue, Soul and Funk). FMI: call 784-0191.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 2: Auburn Community Band, “America’s Favorite Songs,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Aug. 2: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Auburn, Thursday, Aug. 3: L/A Arts Music in the Parks, noon, Festival Plaza. FMI: [email protected]; www.laarts.org.

Auburn, Saturday, August 5: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Edward Scissorshands” (PG-13). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Lewiston, Monday, Aug. 7: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 8: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 9: Auburn Community Band, “Big Band and Dance Music,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Aug. 9: Lewiston Public Library computer lab open to senior citizens looking to develop basic computer skills, 1 to 3 p.m. Staffed by high school student volunteers. Sessions are free, no pre-registration is required.

Cumberland, Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 10 to 13: Cumberland Craft Show; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Cumberland Fairgrounds, 169 Blanchard Road. Presented by United Maine Craftsmen. 300 artisans. Rain or shine. FMI: 207-621-2818 or visit www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com.

Auburn, Saturday, August 12: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “The Incredibles” (PG). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Lewiston, Monday, Aug. 14: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 15: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 16: Auburn Community Band, “Take Two,” 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Auburn, Saturday, August 18 – 20 City of Auburn’s 12th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival.

Lewiston, Monday, Aug. 21: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 22: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Aug. 23: Auburn Community Band, “Greatest Hits” from past 25 summer seasons, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Festival Plaza, Main Street, weather permitting. FMI: www.auburncommunityband.org.

Auburn, Saturday, August 26: City of Auburn’s Festival Plaza, at the Movies beginning at dusk, (weather permitting), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (PG). Purchase popcorn and drinks from the concession stand. FMI: 784-0191.

Lewiston, Monday, Aug. 28: Bookin’ It with Babies, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Aug. 29: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., Lewiston Public Library.

Turner, Saturday, September 2: Annual Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Goodwin Well and Water on Route 4. There will be snacks and drinks for sale during the event.

Poland, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16: Second annual quilt retreat, Poland Spring Resort, hosted by the Poland Spring Preservation Society. Froncie Quinn is coming from Vermont to share her talent and knowledge at a workshop. Workshops, vendors, yard sale. FMI or reservations: 998-4142.