PARIS — The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead welcomes all to “Garden Illuminated”, a signature fundraising event and magical late summer evening celebration on Saturday, August 24 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Outside, guests will enjoy the peace and serenity of the McLaughlin Garden’s grounds as hundreds of candles illuminate garden pathways, transforming this special space in a magical way.

Inside the McLaughlin Garden’s historic barn, visitors will be treated to live music by Maine’s favorite Motown – Memphis Soul revue band, Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations, who will delight the crowd with their rich vocals and upbeat rhythms while performing classic soul covers and originals.

“Experiencing the beauty of the garden under the stars, while simultaneously enjoying such wonderful music in the barn, is sure to both bring you back and lift you up.”, said Karla Horecky, the McLaughlin Garden’s Managing Director.

Garden Illuminated is one of the McLaughlin Garden’s most anticipated signature events each season, and is a major fundraising event for the McLaughlin Garden. Proceeds from Garden Illuminated provide the critical funding needed to sustain the garden grounds and to support the wide range of programs offered by the McLaughlin Garden for all ages.

The McLaughlin Garden is committed to the local and broader communities, and extends free and low-cost programming for all ages, whenever possible, and provides a beautiful, safe and healthy environment where discovery, creativity and connections are nurtured.

Garden Illuminated is made possible thanks to the support of the McLaughlin Garden’s sponsors – the 2024 season sponsor – Stephens Memorial Hospital – Maine Health; event sponsors – 290 Maine Street and Roopers Beverage and Redemption; and, by beverage sponsors, Geary Brewing Company and Eighteen Twenty Brewing Company.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Tickets are available now and may be purchased online at www.mclaughlingarden.org, or by calling the McLaughlin Garden at (207) 743-8820. A limited snack bar and selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available during Garden Illuminated by donation.

The McLaughlin Garden’s Thursday Night in the Garden Series continues this week with Line Dancing with Dee Dee Allen on August 1. The final evening of the series will be August 8, when multi-instrumentalists Vanessa Jones and Jerry Adams of Sky Blue Canoe share folk, bluegrass and original music, certain to delight audience members of all ages.

Each of the Thursday Night In The Garden Series events runs from 6-8 p.m. All are free and open to the public, and are generously sponsored by Oxford Federal Credit Union.

Watch for the upcoming Fall Signature Event is the Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular on October 17, 18 & 19 from 6-8:30 p.m.

For more information, please see the McLaughlin Garden events page at www.mclaughlingarden.org or call (207) 743-8820 to learn more about these events and other programs at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.