BANGOR (AP) – Maine’s third-largest city is making plans for next month’s celebration of its 175th birthday.

Bangor was incorporated in 1834, and the anniversary will be Feb. 12. The schedule will include a bonfire, a dance, re-enactments and a time capsule.

In light of the poor economy, Mayor Gerry Palmer says the city intends to keep costs down. But he says that “now more than ever, we need a celebration.”

The mayor hopes to enlists some of Bangor’s more famous residents in the party, including Gov. John Baldacci and perhaps author Stephen King. But more than that, Palmer says he wants to direct attention to the people he calls Bangor’s “unsung heroes.”

AP-ES-01-21-09 1008EST