DIXFIELD — Six youth musicians received scholarship awards on Aug. 1 during the annual Countryfolk Music Theatre Music and Minerals Festival in East Dixfield.

Musicians from Biddeford to Bangor performed to raise scholarship monies for youth musicians.

The 2010 scholarships were awarded by Larry Bisbee and Sally Latham in honor of Maine Country Music Hall of Famer Ginger Mae Dyer of Corrina who was in the audience and performed during the festival.

Receiving certificates and cash awards were Adam Mitchell, 15, of Fayette; Mathew Thomas Remillard of Dayton; Noel Redlon, 8, of Windham; and Lucas Mitchell, 11, of Fayette. By popular audience vote, 3-year-old Madison Rich and 5-year-old Dakota Rich were awarded certificates as well. They are seen with guitars on a weekly basis with their mom, Tracey Rick and grandfather Alan Rich, guitarist and performer.

A letter was read from Meaghan Martin of Hollis who had received a special Countryfolk award earlier this year in memory of Linda Latham. Martin, like Latham, is a photographer as well as a youth musician. Another letter was read thanking Countryfolk for their contributions to the Wilton Food Pantry with donations from patrons of the Countryfolk Music Theatre.

“This year’s event, with gem and mineral exhibitors, chainsaw art, live animals, Dixfield Historical Society display and performances by dozens of Maine musicians, cooks and volunteer supporters made the weekend a tremendous success,” said Bisbee. 

“It’s such a great feeling to see community come together to provide inspiration for young people with their music. Music is something they can enjoy throughout their lives and we at Countryfolk are pleased to be able to offer a venue to showcase their talent and give encouragement for them to follow their dreams,” he said.

Country music Sundays continue each week through Labor Day weekend, from noon to 6 p.m.