BETHEL – The Bethel Historical Society will sponsor its annual New Year’s Bethel, a family oriented, chemical-free event on Sunday, Dec. 31, in Bethel Hill Village. The ninth annual celebration will appeal to all ages.

Performers will include George Saterial, magician; the Maine Kanteles, a group of 10 women from western and central Maine playing the kantele, a traditional Finnish lap-harp; the State Street Traditional Jazz Band; Maine humorist Henry Bascomb, aka Chaitanya York; Spring Creek, a four-member group with selections of bluegrass music; and Ti-Acadie, a three-member band who will call and accompany an evening of contra dancing.

Venues will include Gould Academy’s Bingham Auditorium and Bingham Gym, plus the West Parish Congregational Church and the Nazarene Church.

There will be marshmallow roasting on the town common and hospitality and refreshments offered at the Dr. Moses Mason House throughout the evening until just before midnight, when visitors will be invited to bring a bell to officially ring 2007 in at the town clock on Main Street.

Sponsors are being sought to support the event. Categories for individuals range from patron, $200 or more, to contributor, under $100. Business sponsorship is available for $250 or more.

Anyone wishing to become a sponsor can call the society at 824-2908 or 1-800-824-2910 or send it to P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012. More information may be obtained by checking www.bethelhistorical.org.