UNION — “As Union prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, anticipation is building for a weekend of festivities from July 19 to 21,” said the Union Sestercentennial Committee, in a news release. “Such a significant milestone deserves several days of celebration and ceremony.”

The full schedule of events spanning Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 is now available on the Union Historical Society website, the “Celebrating Union’s 250 Years” Facebook and Instagram pages, and can be accessed via a QR code located on posters and stickers in businesses and community hubs all over the Midcoast.

Some of the featured events and activities curated to celebrate Union’s two hundred and fifty years of history include a grand parade, a beard contest, a free concert featuring Enter the Haggis, several traditional arts demonstrations including blacksmithing and weaving, dozens of kids’ games, movies, raffles, “and SO. MUCH. FOOD!” said the Committee.

The full schedule with times and details can be found on the Union Historical Society’s website at https://unionhistoricalsociety.org/ and on the Town of Union’s website at https://www.union.maine.gov/.

“When I think of growing up in the idyllic little village of East Union, I think of how truly blessed we all were to have such a beautiful place to grow up,” said Union resident Sonja Burns, reflecting on what makes Union such a special place. “I have so many wonderful childhood memories, like building rafts and floating them down the stream that flowed from Lermond Pond to the mill pond, walking to Payson’s General Store to purchase penny candy, and to Bennet’s ice cream shop for an ice cream. To this day I often dream about East Union.”

“Mark your calendar - plan to come back to Union this summer - a 250th birthday party is as special, and more rare, than our recent solar eclipse,” said the committee.

For those interested in volunteering to help with an activity, contact the Union Sestercentennial Committee at unionme250@gmail.com.