AUBURN — A statewide Lights on Afterschool rally and celebration of after-school programs in Maine will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Festival Plaza.

In case of rain, the celebration will move to the Franco-American Heritage Center at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston.

The celebration will feature opening remarks by the mayors of Lewiston and Auburn, youth performances and booths showcasing after-school programs throughout Maine. The booths will include interactive exhibits for ages 8 to 89.

Lewiston and Auburn have signed on as the statewide hosts. Two students from the cities will serve as masters of ceremonies.

Auburn schools’ after-school program offers homework help, cooking classes, environmental education and community service.

Lewiston schools’ program provides a place for students to do homework, get help with homework and engage in enrichment activities such as sewing, art, woodworking and gardening.

After-school programs are sponsored by grants from the Maine Afterschool Network, the Afterschool Alliance, the Maine Department of Education and the 21st Century Community Learning Center.

Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of after-school programs that keep children safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. Since the Afterschool Alliance organized the first Lights On Afterschool in 2000, it has grown to include more than 7,500 events across the country and at U.S. military bases worldwide.