BETHEL – The 11th annual New Year’s Bethel celebration will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society in cooperation with the West Parish Congregational Church and Gould Academy.

It is a chem-free, family festival featuring live entertainment at several sites in Bethel Hill Village. A new feature has been added this year – a community potluck supper. It will be held at the Dr. Moses Mason House Meeting Room from 5 to 6 p.m. Those wishing to attend are invited to bring their favorite hot dish, salad or dessert to share.

The Children’s Dragon Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Participants should gather near the fire station prior to parading around the Bethel Common. From 7 to 10 p.m., there will be an opportunity for marshmallow roasting and a bonfire on the Common.

The Judy Lee All New Fun-Filled Family Show will begin at 7 p.m. at Bingham Hall, Gould Academy. At 8 p.m., the State Street Jazz Band will hold their first concert at the West Parish Congregational Church. Ti’Acadie will offer contra dancing in Bingham Gym from 8 to 10 p.m..

From 8:45 to 9:15, the Western Mountain Senior College Senior Players will entertain in the West Parish Congregational Church dining room. The State Street Jazz Band will hold a second performance at the church from 9:15 to 10:15 p.m.

Throughout the evening, refreshments and hospitality will be offered at the Dr. Moses Mason House Meeting Room, including a community sing-along with Lynn Arizzi at the piano from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. At 11:45 p.m., those wishing to welcome 2009 should bring bells and gather at the town clock near Key Bank on Main Street for the count down to midnight.

Tickets are available through Dec. 31 at the following locations: Bethel Historical Society Museum Shop, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bethel Citizen and Maine Line Products in Locke Mills.

Advance tickets are adults, $10; ages 6 to 18, $8; free, ages 5 and under. At the door, tickets will be $12 for adults; $10, ages 6 to 18; free. ages 5 and under.

Sponsors are still being sought to help support this year’s celebration. Categories for individuals are: Patron, $200 or more; Backer, $100; or Contributor, under $100. Business sponsorships are also available, and “Gifts in Kind” are welcome. All sponsors will be listed at each venue, as well as on the society’s Web site.

To become a sponsor, mail a check to the Bethel Historical Society at P.O. Box 12, Bethel , ME 04217-0012.

For more information about the society, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bethelhistorical.org.