Nestled in the Western Mountains of Maine is the “River Valley” consisting of the towns of Andover, Byron, Canton, Carthage, Dixfield, Hanover, Mexico, Peru, Roxbury and Rumford. Inside of these little towns are the works of many talented artists, flavorful music demonstrated by local musicians, and theatre performances by youth and adults whose talents are the best kept secrets in the River Valley. Listed below are some of the annual programs/attractions that can be found right here in the River Valley:

Reflection Pool at the base of the Pennacook Falls(highest Falls east of Niagara Falls; plunges 108 feet over granite) near Rumford’s Information Center where you will find a depiction of the native Indians who once occupied our riverbanks; visit and have pictures taken with the Indian tribe made by local artesian J. Eugene Boivin of Rumford.

Located near the Information Center in Rumford is a statue of Paul Bunyan holding his ax donated by the Puiia family. A perfect photo spot for tourists.

Rumford Association for the Advancement of Performing Arts Annual Holiday Production is the second weekend in December; Saturday and Sunday performances held in the Muskie Auditorium at the Mountain Valley High School; 50 person chorus; Bob Bohren, director. 207-364-2536 for contact info.

Rumford Association for the Advancement of Performing Arts Annual Spring Dinner Theatre held the next to the last weekend in June; Judith Kuhn, director. Contact info: 207-369-2209, Duane Glover.

Rumford Community Concerts series of three concerts held in March, May, and November in the Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School by professional musicians. Contact info: 369-9141. Rumford Community Concert Association was founded in 1946 to present a series of live, professional concerts in our communities at the lowest possible cost to the membership. This is still the same mission today except our concept of community has expanded from just Rumford and Mexico to include Dixfield, Canton, Carthage, Weld, Roxbury, Andover, Sumner, Buckfield, Bethel, Hanover & Newry. Currently three concerts a year are presented for members and one matinee for area students. The association is comprised of a board of directors, 30 campaign workers, and 400 members. The concerts are performed by, and managed by, all volunteers with no paid employees. The membership fees remain at $35 for adults, $75 for families, $30 for seniors, and $10 for students as they have for several years.

Rumford Public Library Children’s Theatre Program – the last Thursday of July; two performances held at the Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico; directed by Nancy Deming, 207-562-7735.

In the town of Dixfield near the gazebo you will find a life-size carved moose named Bullrock done by local artesian Ted Walker.

Mountain Valley High School Spring Musical and Fall Play; directed by Bob Bohren; 207-364-2536

Miss Stephanie’s School of Dance recital; second Friday and Saturday in May held at Mountain Valley High School. Stephanie Jacques, instructor.

Pennacook Art Center, 94 River St., Rumford, 207-364-7408 for hours.

Red Hill Photography Show presented at Red Hill Foods on Waldo St., Rumford every November through Christmas. The event has featured area photographers from the River Valley Area whose photography is available for sale.

Dixfield’s Main Street Mural as it appeared in the 1940s is depicted on a four foot by 32 foot mural on the wall of the Dixfield Market Store in the center of town near the traffic light. Done by Artist Alan Hutchinson.

Coos Canyon in Byron – a beautiful gorge carved into bedrock by the Swift River. Gold panning is popular here. Pack a picnic lunch and visit this gorge.

Lovejoy Covered Bridge, Route 5 north at South Andover. A beautiful old covered bridge.

Black Mountain of Maine located off the Glover Rd. in Rumford is a Winter sports facility with alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and Olympic quality cross-country skiing trails.

Oakdale Country Club, Mexico. 6,198 yard, par 72. FMI, call 364-3951.

Canoeing and kayaking on the beautiful Androscoggin River; boat launches in Hanover, Rumford, Mexico, Dixfield, and Canton. Fall Foliage River Run in October sponsored by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. 364-3241 for more information.