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, Saturday, Nov. 25: Downtown free horse-drawn sleigh rides, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Downtown Business and Professional Association.

Livermore Falls, Saturday, Nov. 25: Baked bean and casserole supper, 4:30 to 7 p.m., American Legion hall, 17 Reynolds Ave. Delivery within five-mile radius.

Mount Vernon, Saturday, Nov. 25: Christmas in the Village craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mt. Vernon Community Center and Masonic Hall. Lunch available.

Farmington, Sunday, Nov. 26: UMF Sunday film series “Woman in the Dunes,” 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF.

Farmington, Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 30 to Dec. 3: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Alumni Theater, UMF. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Advance tickets, Howard’s Rexall, Main Street. Adults, $8; children 12 and under, seniors and UMF students, $5. Opening night, $5.

New Sharon, Thursday, Nov. 30: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Fairbanks, Saturday, Dec. 2: Silent auction, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fairbanks Union Church, Route 4, benefits Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association Building Fund.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 2: Craft fair and luncheon, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., American Legion Post home. Hosted by Auxiliary. FMI: Katie Hallman, 778-4720.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 2: Chester Greenwood Day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festival of trees, wreath sale, Chamber of Commerce food drive, more.

Farmington, Saturday, Dec. 2: Grand opening of the Ski Museum at the Farmington Ski History Meuseum Chester Greenwood Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church Stree Commons, around the corner from Java Joes. FMI: call 491-5481.

New Sharon, Saturday, Dec. 2: Baked bean takeout, 10 a.m. to noon, New Sharon Congregational United Church of Christ on Cape Cod Hill Road, $14. To reserve, call Mary at 778-2366.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 3: UMF Sunday film series “Nobody Knows,” 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 7: Sole Expression a cappella concert at 7:30 p.m. in Nordica Auditorium in Merrill Hall at UMF. Special guests the On and Off Girls.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 8: Comedy by Lawn Chair Pirates, 8:45 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Friday, Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9: Friendly Workers holiday fair, Fairbanks Union Church, ham supper Friday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., food fest on Saturday.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 8: Holiday crafts and food fair, 9 a.m. to noon, Franklin Memorial Hospital lobby. Sponsored by the hospital auxiliary.

Avon, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas in Avon Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Avon Community Hall. Items by area craftsmen. 50/50 raffle.

Farmington, Sunday, Dec. 10: UMF Sunday film series “Spirited Away,” 7 p.m., Lincoln Auditorium, UMF.

Livermore Falls, Tuesday, Dec. 12: American Red Cross blood drive at Tri Town Area, Route 4 from noon to 6 p.m.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: American Red Cross blood drive at University of Maine, North Dining Hall, from noon to 5 p.m.

Farmington, Wednesday, Dec. 13: UMF’s Star or Dud Search, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: UMF’s Tom O’Donnell sings lost songs of the ’90s, noon, The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: Comedian Chris Coccia, 7:15 p.m., The Landing, UMF Olsen Student Center. Free. FMI: melvin.adams@maine.edu; 778-7346.

Farmington, Thursday, Dec. 14: American Red Cross blood drive at University of Maine, North Dining Hall, from noon to 5 p.m.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 14: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

New Sharon, Thursday, Dec. 28: Story hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., New Sharon-Jim Ditzler Memorial Library.

Farmington, Friday, Dec. 29: American Red Cross blood drive, Franklin Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oxford Hills area

Norway, Friday, Nov. 24: Christmas Sale from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church. Free refreshments and gift-wrapping.

Oxford, Friday, Nov. 24: OHHS 15 year reunion, 7 p.m., Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub, 68 Main St, Auburn. FMI: 780-0915.

Paris, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 and 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., VFW Hall, Main Street.

Locke Mills, Saturday, Nov. 25: Old Time dance at the Locke Mills Town Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. Music by the Richard Felt Orchestra. Benefit of the Greenwood Historical Society.

Norway, Saturday, Nov. 25: Craft fair and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fare Share Commons next to Fare Share Market, Main Street.

Paris, Saturday, Nov. 25: “Head for the Hills…The Hills of Western Maine”, Oxford Hills Christmas parade. beginning at 11 a.m. from Market Square proceeding to Advertiser Square in Norway. Sponsored by Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce. FMI: 743-2281 or e-mail info@oxfordhillsmaine.com.

South Paris, Saturday, Nov. 25: Chicken Pie dinner from noon until 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Church Street. Adults $6, children 12 and under, $3. Benefit for area veterans and their families.

Waterford, Saturday, Nov. 25: Pick and cut your own Christmas tree, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in South Waterford. Cost: $20. To benefit Norway/Oxford Boosters and Waterford Recreation.

Bridgton, Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 27, 28: Lake Region Community Theatre auditions for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” at Bridgton Memorial School, Depot Street, 7 to 9 p.m.

Norway, Tuesday, Nov. 28: November Best of Health at Stephens Memorial Hospital. Your colon questions answered by Dr. Fernanco Navarro, 6 p.m. Call 743-1562 Ext. 326 to register.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 1: Alcoholism and Substance Abuse conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stephens Memorial Hospital. $10 per person. Lunch provided. Pre-registration necessary by calling 739-2644.

Bethel, Thursday, Nov. 30: Silent film “The Phantom of the Opera,” 7 p.m., Bingham Hall, Gould Academy, Church Street. Live accompaniment by the Alloy Orchestra. Tickets at the door. Adults, $6; students, $4. FMI: 824-3575

Paris, Thursday, Nov. 30: Story time for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Library. FMI: 743-6994.

Norway, Friday, Dec. 1: Oen Kennedy and Mary Ukelady performance, 7 p.m., Books N Things, 430 Main St. FMI: 739-6200.

Paris, Friday, Dec. 1: Take-a-chance auction, doors open 5 p.m., auction at 7 p.m., Oxford Hills Middle School cafeteria, Pine Street. Host: Oxford County 4-H Leaders’ Association.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 2: Greens sale, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., West Bethel Union Church. Crafts, baked goods, cookie walk.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 2: Telstar craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Telstar Middle/High School, Route 26. Crafters reserve space by contacting the school, 824-2136, or Pat Nasta, 824-0547.

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 2: Taste of Bethel and theme wreath silent auction, noon to 2 p.m. FMI: call the Chamber of Commerce at 824-2282 or visit www.bethelmaine.com.

Bridgton, Saturday, Dec. 2: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town Hall. FMI: 743-6175.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 2: Holiday craft fair extravaganza, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Buckfield Jr/Sr High School. Sponsored by the Nezinscot Valley Music Boosters. FMI: 890-5731 or 336-2557.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 2: Christmas Beano, 2 p.m., doors open 1 p.m., American Legion Hall John D. Long Post 58, Route 140. Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 58.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Holiday fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Madison Avenue Elementary School, 5 Madison Ave. Sponsored by Paris Elementary PTO. FMI: Wendy, 744-0318.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 2: “Toys Galore” Chinese auction, 2 p.m., Hosanna Church building. Drawing begins at 3:30 p.m. Snow date, Saturday, Dec. 16. Sponsored by Resistance Ministries. FMI: 743-6982.

Oxford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Roast beef supper, 4 to 6:30 p.m., Rock-O-Dundee Rider’s club house, Paine Road. $6.50 for adults; $3 under 12. FMI: 539-2616.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 2: Craft and bake fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Market Square Health Care Center. FMI: Lynne Wheeler 743-7086 Ext. 330.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 2: Pot roast supper with strawberry shortcake, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Deering Memorial Methodist Church, Main and Church streets. Adults $7, children under 12, $3.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 2: Open house and Advent fair, 8 to 11 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 34 Buckfield Road. Proceeds to benefit Oxford Hills Food Pantry, Oxford Hills Christian Academy and Trinity’s music program.

Waterford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Pick and cut your own Christmas tree, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in South Waterford. Cost: $20. To benefit Norway/Oxford Boosters and Waterford Recreation.

West Paris, Saturday, Dec. 2: Community showcase and craft fair, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Agnes Gray gymnasium, Main Street. Christmas parade to tree lighting, 5 p.m. Display space, $5 with own table, $10 otherwise. FMI: Lisa, 674-2127 or Cindy, 674-3507.

Paris, Friday, Dec. 8: Tree of Caring lighting ceremony, 7 p.m., Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High Street. Music and refreshments following tree lighting.

Paris, Saturday, Dec. 9: Auburn Methodist Ringers and Androscoggin Chorale concert, 7:30 p.m., South Paris First Congregational Church. FMI: www.mainemusicsociety.org.

Bridgton, Monday, Dec. 11: American Red Cross Blood Drive at Howell Laboratories, Route 117, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: American Red Cross Blood Drive at Canton Town Hall, 36 School St. from noon to 6 p.m.

Locke Mills, Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas Cantata, 4 p.m., Union Church. FMI: Joyce Hathaway, 674-2259.

Bridgton, Tuesday, Dec. 26: American Red Cross Blood Drive, Bridgton Masonic Hall, Route 117, 2 to 7 p.m.

River Valley area

Mexico, Saturday, Nov. 25: Craft fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town Hall, sponsored by Friends of Mexico Rec Park. Tables for rent, $20. Hot lunch served. FMI: 514-7639; debskitchen@adelphia.net.

Bethel, Thursday, Nov. 30: Silent film “The Phantom of the Opera,” 7 p.m., Bingham Hall, Gould Academy, Church Street. Live accompaniment by the Alloy Orchestra. Tickets at the door. Adults, $6; students, $4. FMI: 824-3575

Bethel, Saturday, Dec. 2: Telstar craft fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Telstar Middle/High School, Route 26. Crafters reserve space by calling school, 824-2136, or Pat, 824-0547.

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Christmas fair and breakfast, 8 a.m., Rumford Point Congregational Church U.C.C.

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Christmas Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Athanasius-St. John Church. Wreaths, crafts, Chinese Auction and more. Hot turkey luncheon, eat in or takeout. FMI: 369-8026.

Rumford, Saturday, Dec. 2: Adult Christmas Party at the Snowshoe Club. Social hour 5 to 6 p.m.; roast pork supper at 6 p.m. Music by E/I Band 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets on sale at club. Members, $7; Guests, $8.

West Paris, Saturday, Dec. 2: Craft Fair and Showcase from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Agnes Gray School gym. Christmas parade and tree lighting at 5 p.m. FMI: Lisa 674-2127.

Andover, Monday, Dec. 4: Andover Service Circle hosts its 5th annual Senior Appreciation dinner at 4 p.m. at Andover Town Hall. All interested persons are asked to call Pat Meek at 392-2281 to let her know you plan to attend.

Peru, Saturday, Dec. 9: Christmas craft fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockemeka Grange Hall, 92 Peru Center Road. Benefits Families in Crisis Task Force. FMI: 562-8581; Rod Jamison, 562-8799.

Canton, Friday, Dec. 15: American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Canton Town Hall.

Lewiston area

Auburn, Friday, Nov. 24: Blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Masonic Hall, 1021 Turner St. Free pancake breakfast and t-shirt for donors. Appointments, 1-800-482-0743.

Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 25: Bean and casserole supper, 5 p.m., United Methodist Church, 439 Park Ave., adults $6, children 6 to 10, $3, five and under, free.

Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 25: Winterberry fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Woman’s Literary Union, 19 Elm St. Luncheon, 11 a.m.

Lisbon Falls, Saturday, Nov. 25: Home-baked bean and ham supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Lisbon Methodist Church, School Street. Sponsored by the Methodist Women. Adults, $6; children, $2.

Poland, Saturday, Nov. 25: Excelsior Grange will hold its Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Harris Hill. a fish chowder luncheon. FMI: call 998-2301.

Auburn, Sunday, Nov. 26: Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits children’s Christmas party. FMI: 784-6883.

Lisbon, Sunday, Nov. 26: VFW Post 9459 benefit supper for Bob Robbins, 1 to 4 p.m. at post home, Route 196. FMI: 783-6311, 657-4198.

Auburn, Monday, Nov. 27: Downtown holiday celebration, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., hay rides, arts and crafts, scavenger hunt, model train exhibition. 6:15 p.m., parade of lights. 6:30 p.m., parade arrives at festival plaza, EL band plays, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. Rain date, Nov. 29.

Lewiston, Monday, Nov. 27: Babytime, 10 a.m., public library.

Auburn, Wednesday, Nov. 29: Preschool story time, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Auburn Public Library.

Lewiston, Tuesday, Nov. 28: Preschool story time, 10 a.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 29: After-school art, 3:30 p.m., public library.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Nov. 29: Open gym, 2 to 4 p.m., the Toy Library, 134 College St. For home-schoolers; $2 a child. FMI: 782-1112.

Auburn, Thursday, Nov. 30: Teenior Knitting Club, 6 p.m., Auburn Public Library.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 30: Line and partner dancing, 7 p.m., Central Hall; entrance, 4th level of Centreville Garage.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 30: Women in Islam to be discussed at USM/L-A, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 170 at USM on 51 Westminster St. A light dinner will be served. The public is invited to attend at no charge. FMI: contact Khadra Jama at mohamedkhadra@yahoo.com.

Lewiston, Thursday, Nov. 30: 7 p.m., at Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., Route 196, at the corner of Pine Street a concert by the band The Grumps to benefit the Lewiston Youth Empowerment Program, Admission: $5. FMI: 753-6534.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 1: Scrabble for Teens, 3 p.m., Auburn Public Library. FMI: Sally, 333-6640, ext. 2008, or sholt@auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 1: United Methodist Church of Auburn handbell Christmas performance, 7 p.m. Pie social follows at fellowship hall. Free will offering.

Auburn, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2: first annual holiday fair, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lutheran Social Services, 155 Center St. (green building). Free admission. Crafters needed, $10 per table both days.

Lisbon, Friday, Dec. 1: Ladies Auxiliary Post 9459 casserole and bean supper, 5:30 to 7 p.m., $6 for adults, $3 for children under 10, at post home, Route 196. FMI: 353-2152.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 2: Androscoggin Valley String Quartet will perform a benefit concert at 3 p.m. for the Casa Hogar orphanage at the West Auburn Congregational Church, corner of Marston Hill Road and West Auburn Road, FMI: call 777-4643.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 2: Christmas Beano, 2 p.m., doors open 1 p.m., American Legion Hall John D. Long Post 58, Route 140. Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 58.

Gray, Saturday, Dec. 2: Sabbathday Lake Grange 365 Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our hall on Sabbathday Road, off Route 26. Lunch will be served. FMI: call Pam Dyer at 657-4612.

Gray, Saturday, Dec. 2: Christmas Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Good Shepherd UMC, 151 West Gray Road.

Greene, Saturday, Dec. 2: Old Fashioned Christmas, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Universalist Church, Route 202. Benefits Sunday School children’s heifer project. FMI: 225-5181.

Lewiston, Saturday, Dec. 2: Holy Cross Knights of Columbus bean supper, Holy Cross Church hall, 1080 Lisbon St., 4 to 6:30 p.m. $6 per person, $3 12 and under. Takeout available. FMI: Dan Leclair, 240-3537.

Mechanic Falls, Saturday, Dec. 2: Lamplighter Smorgasbord at the First Congregational Church, from 5 to 6 p.m. Adults $7, Children $3.

New Gloucester, Saturday, Dec. 2: Shaker Christmas fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26.

Sabattus, Sunday, Dec. 3: Monthly breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., American Legion Post 135, Island Road. Adults, $6; children under 10, $3.

Lewiston, Wednesday, Dec. 6: American Red Cross blood drive, Lepage Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, from noon to 6 p.m.

Auburn, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7, 8 9: Auburn Middle School drama students will perform “Dracula” by Bram Stoker at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday at Auburn Middle School. Tickets at door. FMI: call 784-1356.

Auburn, Friday, Dec. 8: Scrabble for Teens, 3 p.m., Auburn Public Library. FMI: Sally, 333-6640, ext. 2008, or sholt@auburnpubliclibrary.org.

Topsham, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9, 10: “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” by Midcoast Youth Theater, Mt. Ararat High School, Eagle’s Way (off Route 201). Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Adults $10; students/seniors, $8; kids age 6 to 12, $5. FMI: 729-1819; www.youth-theater.org.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Ham dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., St. Louis Church Hall, Third Street, Adults, $6.50; children under 12, $3.25.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 9: Book fair, Child Health Center, 24 Falcon Drive, 9 to 11 a.m. Proceeds to purchase adaptive, playground equipment, storage containers.

Buckfield, Saturday, Dec. 9: Holiday home tours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Benefits Buckfield High School Class of 2007 Project Graduation. Tickets available at Tilton’s Market, $10 each. FMI: Joan Abrams, 336-3600; Regina Hutchinson, 336-3312.

Lisbon, Saturday, Dec. 9: VFW Post 9459 40th anniversary dinner, 5:30 to 7 p.m., $6 adults, $3 children under 10. Music, 7 to 11 p.m., at post home, Route 196. FMI: 353-5291 Wednesday – Friday after 4 p.m.

Auburn, Sunday, Dec. 10: Public breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., VFW Post 1603, 588 Minot Ave. $3.50/$4.50. Benefits children’s Christmas party.

Lewiston, Sunday Dec. 10: Auburn Methodist Ringers, Androscoggin Chorale concert, 3 p.m. at Franco-American Heritage Center. FMI: www.mainemusicsociety.org.

Winthrop, Sunday, Dec. 10: CODA Chorus Christmas concert, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Children’s choir 2 p.m. concert. Free-will offering.

Winthrop, Thursday, Dec. 14: American Red Cross blood drive, St. Francis Church, Lake St. from 1 to 6 p.m.

Lewiston, Friday, Dec. 15: Christmas Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., Saints Peter and Paul Basilica, 27 Bartlett St. An evening of traditional Christmas music performed by the Bath Municipal Band. Admission by donation.

Topsham, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 15, 16, 17: “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” by Midcoast Youth Theater, Mt. Ararat High School, Eagle’s Way (off Route 201). Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Adults $10; students/seniors, $8; kids age 6 to 12, $5. FMI: 729-1819; www.youth-theater.org.

Auburn, Saturday, Dec. 16: Christmas bake/craft sale, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Kmart. Sponsored by Tommys Feral Feline Friends. Benefits sick feral felines and animals who need medicine and surgery. Donations appreciated.

Poland, Monday, Dec. 18: American Red Cross blood drive, Poland Whittier Middle School, 1457 Main St., Route 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Auburn, Tuesday, Dec. 19: American Red Cross blood drive, Auburn Motor Sales, 699 Center St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Winthrop, Tuesday Dec. 21: American Red Cross blood drive, Winthrop High School gym, 221 Rambler Road, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Auburn, Wednesday, Dec. 27: American Red Cross blood drive, Auburn mall, 550 Center St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.