If you haven’t already given thought to the many attractions in Hebron, Maine, you know you soon will — what with the first Redneck Olympics, Pig Roast and Music Festival about ready to launch in this small town Aug. 5-7.

The festival will pretty much keep you entertained, no doubt, but if you find yourself looking for a festival intermission road trip, we offer you some history and highlights to help familiarize you with the home of Maine’s newest festival.

Hebron, a town of 22.5 square miles and slightly more than 1,000 people, was founded in March of 1777 when the area was granted to Alexander Shepard Jr. of Newton, Mass., as payment for a survey he was doing of the Maine coast. Not a bad payment.

Early on it was named Shepardsfield Plantation, later changed to Hebron. The first settlers were the Buckman family in 1778. (Related to the Buck family who founded nearby Buckfield? Inquiring minds want to know.) Agriculture was the main occupation of its residents, with hay being the major crop, along with fruit orchards. Mills sprang up at the outlet of Marshall Pond and a sawmill, shingle mill, pail factory, blacksmith shop and shoe shop were the first businesses.

In 1804 Hebron Academy was founded. One hundred years later, with the railroad cutting through the small town, Western Maine Sanatorium opened, and was the first of its kind in the state. It was for tuberculosis patients who needed rest, a healthy diet and plenty of fresh air. It was taken over by the state in 1915 and closed in 1959.

The center of town is now crossed by Route 119. Hebron Academy sits directly in the heart of the town. The school is a college prep boarding school and day school for children in middle school and high school. The academy is one of the nation’s oldest boarding schools and for two centuries it has maintained its original goal of teaching the students to be “taught liberal arts and sciences and educated to revere life and to respect and honor individuality.” (For more information go to www.hebronacademy.org.)

And for more on what Hebron has to offer, read on!

Meadow Ridge Perennial Farm

316 Back St.

577-1612

Owned by Cindy Creps and her husband, who also runs a granite business on site, this lovely farm is situated on a small hill, and while you are deciding which plants to bring home you’ll be serenaded by birds singing and the quiet you’ll only find out in the country.

Valley View Orchards

212 Hebron Center Road

http://www.valleyvieworchardpies.com

966 2630

They grow apples mainly to make the pies they are so well-known for and to sell to wholesalers, but you can still call them and order a pie and get it fresh from the oven. The owner is not sure if he will open the orchards to “pick your own” this year, so you can call for more information. Want to know where to buy one of their pies? Check out their website for locations near you. Look for the Bumbleberry Pie — made with five fruits. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before!

Greenwood Mountain Inn

168 Greenwood Mountain Road

966-2233

http://greenwoodmtninn.com/

If you are looking for a special place to get away for a night or two, or a place for a wedding or other special occasion, Greenwood Mountain Inn is the place for you. Located on a quiet hill, the inn is surrounded by corn fields and has beautiful mountain views all around. Check out their website.

Hebron Historical Society

358 Paris Road

966-2233

They are working very hard to renovate a building they acquired to house the Historical Society’s artifacts. So far they have reached about a third of their goal. If you would like to help and have fun at the same time, they are having a Maine baked bean dinner today, Sunday July 24, at the West Minot Grange Hall at the intersection of routes 119 and 124, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Streaked Mountain

Hebron and Buckfield

http://netrailhead.com/me/other/streaked.html

You can either hike the mountain or bike it! It is a steep hike, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. For directions, visit the website. From the Buckfield side of the mountain you can go biking or rock hunting or pick fresh blueberries. The land is privately owned, but public access is allowed on the trails and old roads. Don’t forget to respect the landowner’s rights and carry out what you carry in.

Storekeepers

911 Station Road

966-2733

This is the only convenience store and pizza shop in Hebron, so if you get hungry while you’re out hiking or mountain biking, stop in. Check out the old photos on the walls.

The Redneck Olympics, Pig Roast and Music Festival

12 Harold Lane

966-3333

http://www.maine.info/events/festivals/august.php

This first-time, three-day event will feature eight Redneck Olympic events, including bobbing for pigs feet, wife carrying, pie eating and watermelon hauling, along with other events, contests, food and festivities. At the event will be six bands supplying the musical entertainment. Free camping. Admission fee is $20 at gate or $15 in advance by calling. The event is being held from Friday, Aug. 5, to Sunday, Aug. 7: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m on Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

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