Highlights include a reading by a descendant of the famed poet and a Cajun dance.

BRUNSWICK – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of Maine’s most beloved native sons and one of Bowdoin College’s most illustrious graduates (class of 1825), will be celebrated Feb. 11 to March 4, during the second annual Longfellow Days.

Longfellow’s epic poem, “Evangeline,” is this year’s theme, and events will have an Acadian focus.

A wide array of cultural and community events are planned to celebrate the life, works, and times of the famous American poet, including lectures, poetry readings, concerts, silhouette portraiture, exhibits, house tours and family activities.

An Acadian dinner party with a poetry reading by Layne Longfellow, a descendant of the poet, will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Brunswick Bed & Breakfast, 165 Park Row. The evening will feature a souvenir recipe booklet with traditional Acadian dishes. Special guests include Peggy Muir and Francoise Paradis. Tickets are $50 per person, with seating limited to 35. Proceeds will benefit Longfellow Days 2007. For reservations, call 729-4914 or e-mail [email protected].

Friday, Feb. 24, there will be a Cajun/Acadian dance concert with JimmyJo & the Jumbol’ayuhs playing their traditional repertoire with vocals in French. The dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Columbus Drive will begin at 7:30 p.m., with instruction in two-step a half hour earlier. Families, dancers and listeners of all ages are welcome. Donations at the door will benefit Longfellow Days 2007. There will be a cash bar.

For a schedule of events and more information, go to www.-brunswickdowntown.com.

Beside public events, Longfellow Days will sponsor poets in residence in Brunswick’s elementary schools Feb. 3-19.