BETHEL – The 45th annual Western Maine Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Festival starts today, operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at SAD 44’s Crescent Park School on Crescent Lane off Chapman and Main streets.

Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily admission for adults is $2; children, 50 cents.

Dealers from Maine and across the country are to have available, specimens, jewelry, rough gems, museum quality displays. Additionally, there is to be a fluorescent mineral booth, and, guided field trips on both days to area mines and quarries.

On Saturday, a 5:30 p.m. parking-lot mineral swap has been added to the mix of activities.

For more information, contact Albert Holden of Newry at 743-8729 or [email protected].