RUMFORD — The River Valley celebrates the Fourth of July weekend with a grand buffet of events for the whole family. Many in the River Valley are especially pleased to see Fourth of July fireworks, along with many other holiday festivities, returning to Rumford this year.

Here are some of the events scheduled for the weekend:

Saturday, July 2

Bethel begins its Fourth of July celebration on Saturday with the 22nd annual Bethel Art Fair on the Bethel Common in downtown Bethel, followed by a fireworks show in the evening behind the Bethel Inn.

9 a.m to 4 p.m.: The Seventh Annual Shy, Novice and Closeted Art Show, 18 High St. in Bethel

Entertainment on the Bethel Common

10 a.m.: The Punch and Judy Puppet Show

11 a.m.: The Mollyocket Circus

Noon: Art fair artist winners announced; musical preview of upcoming performers

1 p.m.: Harpist Conni St. Pierre

2 p.m.: The Artirondack Chair Auction

3 p.m. : The Swift River Jazz Ensemble

8:30 p.m.: Live music with Chad Porter in the Millbrook Tavern and Grille

9 p.m.: Fireworks behind the Bethel Inn

Sunday, July 3

Rangeley

10 a.m.: Children’s Parade, Main Street

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Rangeley Lakes Arts and Crafts Show, Lake Street

10:30 a.m.: The Duck Race, Haley Pond

Noon to 7:30 p.m.: Silent Auction, Rangeley Chamber of Commerce

4;30 p.m.: Chicken barbecue, Episcopal Church

7:30 p.m.: Watermelon Series Concert featuring Robert Ludwig on organ, Episcopal Church

9:00/9:15 p.m.: Fireworks over the lake

Monday, July 4

Bethel

11:30 a.m.: Fourth of July community picnic, presentation of colors and singing of national anthem, Dr. Moses Mason Library side lawn

Dixfield

5 to 7 p.m.: Concert featuring Sammy Angel playing patriotic and contemporary music, Dixfield Village Green

Rumford

Fourth of July festivities (rain date July 5) at Hosmer Athletic Field, off Route 2 in Rumford. Bring your own blanket, food vendors on site.

4 p.m.:  Gates open

4:30 p.m.: Music by Jimmy Austin and Kenny Chapman

5 to 7:30 p.m.: Kids’ activities and music

5:15 p.m.: Music by Jaimie Virgin and Gary Petrie

6 p.m.: Walk of Danger performed by Scot Grassette

6:30 p.m.: Lucky Duck Race

7 p.m.: Magic show

7:30 p.m.: Music by Jamie Virgin and Gary Petrie

8 p.m.: Gymnastics demonstration

9 p.m.: 50/50 drawing

9 p.m.: Moment of silence and national anthem

9:15 p.m.: Fireworks

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