BETHEL – A wide variety of entertainment was featured at the 10th annual New Year’s Bethel held on Dec. 31. Among the new performers this year was Judy Lee, who presented a Broadway-style cabaret show that was fast-paced and interactive. Also new was Maine humorist Clyde Folsom, who entertained with stories.

Also on board were Ti’ Acadie with contra dancing music from a variety of traditions; Jewel Clark and Donnie Katlin, local singing duo featuring country, honky tonk, rock n’roll, blues and yodeling music; the Maine Kanteles with their Finnish lap-harp music; and the State Street Traditional Jazz Band.

A children’s dragon parade, marshmallow roasting on the town common, horse and wagon rides, refreshments, sing-along and a community bell ringing officially ringing in 2008 at the Bethel Town Clock at the stroke of midnight completed the list of events and venues.

Volunteers included Gary Inman for the dragon parade, David Walker and Nancy Babcock of Outward Bound for the marshmallow roasting fire on the town common, and Jan Stowell , who organized volunteers for the venues.

Venue volunteers included Amy Davis, Walt and Carol Hatch, Marvin and Tineke Ouwinga, Bonnie Pooley, Norm and Sylvia Clanton, Sharon and Seabury Lyon, Jim Mitchell, Tom Talarico, Joe and Lynn Arizzi, Ginger and Gene Kelly, Susan and Bill Herlihy, Ginger Rickeman, Lorrie and Dick Hoeh, Eric and Lucia Schwarz.

Helping Stan Howe with the refreshments and hospitality reception at the Dr. Mason House were Hal Mahon and Sylvia Vandersluis. Lynn Arizzi played and led the sing-along. Al Cressy and Walt Hatch coordinated the event and Rosabelle Tifft secured venues and helped with the event in many ways.