BETHEL – The 27th annual Sudbury Canada Days, the Bethel Historical Society’s annual summer heritage festival, featured a variety of activities recently.

The name of the festival harkens back to Bethel’s original name, Sudbury Canada, in use from the granting of the township in 1768 until the incorporation of the town in 1796. The early name honored the original grantees from Sudbury, Mass., who fought unsuccessfully to conquer Canada in 1690.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts rewarded the men with land in the District of Maine, naming it in honor of their Massachusetts town and the campaign in which they served. Bethel was never part of Canada. There were once more than a dozen “Canada” townships in northern New England at one time. The festival honors the town’s heritage dating from the 18th century.

As 2006 marked the 225th anniversary of what is often referred to as “New England’s last Indian raid,” the milestone was highlighted at a memorial service and other ceremonies by 18th century re-enactors throughout the festival.

Events began on Friday with the 15th annual Hall Memorial Lecture that, in honor of the society’s 40th anniversary, focused on New England history. David H. Watters, PhD, director of the University of New Hampshire’s Center for New England Culture, presented “New England’s Legacy: Memory and Identity in an American Region.” Watters quoted from a variety of individuals who have attempted to understand the New England mind throughout its long history.

Saturday began with tours of the re-enactors’ camp. A horseshoe tournament was held throughout the day. Winners were: first, Darryl Pratt; second, Alan Pratt; third, Wally Hamlin.

The children’s parade kicked off the formal beginning of the day’s events. The theme was “Indians and Early Settlers.” Winners were: cleverest, first, Elisa Dyer of Upton; most authentic, first, Tim Dunn of Winthrop and second, Alexandra Kuehne, Waterville.

Also, prettiest, first, Jordan Kulig of Rumford Point and second, Johanna Kuehne of Waterville; judges’ choice, first, Curtis Dunn of Wnthrop and second, Austin Hill of Feeding Hills, Mass.

Flower show participants included Bessie Bennett, Amy Davis, Wende Gray, Bettyann Hastings, Harry Kuzyk, Danna Nickerson, John Payne, Pooh Corner Farm, Steve Seames, Sally Taylor and Jane Vogt.

Demonstrating old-time crafts were Alden Kennett, Grace McKivergan, Lorrie Hoeh, Mabel Kennett, Lucy Nordahl, Eileen LaPerle and Ann Carlson. Among the old-time children’s games played were sack, three-legged, egg and spoon, suitcase and farmer and crow races, clothespin drop, battle of the oranges and an ice cream-eating contest.

Winners included Elissa Dyer of Upton, Jordan Kulig of Rumford Point, Tim and Curtis Dunn of Winthrop, Austin Hill of Feeding Hills, Mass., Alexandra and Johanna Kuehne of Waterville, Jackson Humphrey of Hanover, Mass., Rob Fogarty of Falmouth, Mass., Allison Humphrey of Hanover, Mass., Dillon Gaudet of Mexico and Bradley Sperl of Minot.

Croquet tournament winners were Elissa Dyer of Upton and Jordan Kulig of Rumford Point. Volunteers who oversaw the games included David Meltzer of East Providence, R.I., Brenda Dyer of Upton and Barbara Moyer of Paris Hill and Wallingford, Conn.

The art show was chaired by June Abbott and featured the works of a number of local artists. Historical videos were shown throughout the afternoon. The logging/farming exhibit in the Hastings Homestead barn was hosted by Avery Angevine and Owen Wight. Nearly 100 took in the log-driver’s bean supper, followed by an 18th-century fashion show courtesy of the re-enactors and music from that era as well.

On Sunday, there were more events by the re-enactors, including a memorial service and commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the Indian raid.

Hosting the open house at the Lower Sunday River Schoolhouse were Caroline Gould, Florence Morgan and Jane Young. A lecture by Tom Hubka on “Maine’s Connected Farm Buildings: The Uncommon Architecture of Common Farmers” was followed by a book signing of the second edition of his book, “Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn,” and his latest book, “Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th-Century Polish Community.”

A hymn sing at the Middle Intervale Meetinghouse with Judy Webster at the piano concluded the weekend.