DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the reader who broke her “Our Home” Thomas Kinkade plate, this site helped me get a plate: http://www.replacements.com/webquote/CO_KNOMISPHWH.htm/. You can register for email so you can know when the plate you are looking for is available. — J.B-D. via online submission form.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When is the Franco American Festival in Biddeford? It is usually held in the summer each year. — Franco American, No Town.

ANSWER: You must be referring to the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival which will be held from Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28, on the Biddeford Middle School field, 335 Hill St. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://lakermessefestival.com or email president@lakermessefestival.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love to play cribbage. Are there any groups that meet regularly? — No Name in central Maine.

ANSWER: A Drop-In Cribbage event will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm St., Yarmouth. The organizers encourage players to bring their own board or cards and come ready to play. For more information, call 207-846-6259 or email info@yarmouthmehistory.org.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are there any events for dogs like parades or festivals that dogs can actually participate in? Thanks. — No Name, No Town.

ANSWER: Responsible Pet Care will host a Fun Dog Day at the Oxford Fairgrounds, 68 Pottle Road, all day on Sunday, June 28. Their press release states: The sponsored dog walk is short and suitable for families and people of all abilities. Gather your pledges and join as a team or individual, with or without a dog.

Download a pledge form at www.rpc.petfinder.com or stop by the shelter at 9 Swallow Road in Paris. Prizes, T-shirts, and dog-themed gifts included for all registered walkers. All proceeds benefit the 700-plus homeless dogs and cats cared for annually at Responsible Pet Care’s no-kill, non-profit shelter. Free activities during Fun Dog Day include a dog show, pup tent for kids activities, water park for dogs, working dog and agility demonstrations, and dog games. The event will include food, vendor and educational booths.

All are welcome to join in the fun and celebration of dogs and dog lovers. Admission is free. For more information email ebenner7307@roadrunner.com or call 207-743-7307.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do I find a trustworthy home-improvement contractor? — No Name, No Town.

ANSWER: Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and neighbors are the best source, according to Consumer Reports.  Get estimates from at least three contractors. Check references, the Better Business Bureau, and contractors-license.org. Make sure to get a written contract. Pay by check; a reasonable down payment is 30 percent.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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