Open Farm Day in NG
Visit three participating New Gloucester farms in the statewide “Maine Open Farm Day” on Sunday, July 24. In all, more than 150 farms throughout the state Maine join in this one-day celebration of agriculture and farming.

Check out Maine’s largest Angora rabbit farm, Acker’s Acres Angoras, 359 Gloucester Hill Road, open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Owner Beth Acker gives tours of her rabbit barn and fiber studio, as well as demonstrations of spinning with spinning wheels and drop spindles.

Foggs Hill Farm, 943 Intervale Road, is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tour the petting zoo at this farm, which has all-natural meats, sheep, goats, pigs, beef and poultry. Co-owner Gail Kolda is happy to answer your farm-related questions.

From noon until 4 p.m., Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, 707 Shaker Road, offers free special events for the whole family. It is among the oldest farms in Maine still operated under the same management – since 1783. See Scottish highland cattle, a flock of more than 40 sheep, bees, barn cats, apple orchards, herb and vegetable gardens.

Featured activities of the day include guided tours of the 1830 barns by Brother Arnold Hadd, tractor-drawn wagon rides, honey bee display and hives and tours of the Shakers’ historic herb gardens. Traditional craft demonstrations wll include woodcarving, blacksmithing, yarn spinning, chair seat weaving, “Lamb to Loom” demonstrations, rug hooking and a tin-type photography demonstration. Additionally, there is going to be a bake sale and a plant sale, plus barbecue lunch plates are available for purchase.

The Shaker Store and Shaker Museum Visitors’ Center are both open. Also taking place will be book signings by Chris Becksvoort, “The Shaker Legacy;” Mary Doyle, “Unique Maine Farms;” and Don Perkins, “Barns of Maine.”

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see parts of Shaker Village that are not regularly open to the public. Bring your cameras. For more information, contact the Shakers at 926-4597, info@maineshakers.com, www.maineshakers.com, or follow them on Facebook.

Amvets Post 6 Auxiliary flea market
Amvets Post 6 Auxiliary will be having its annual flea market on Saturday, July 30, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the post home on Route 100, New Gloucester, across from Hodgman’s Frozen Custard. New and used items, unique crafts and collectibles will be available for purchase. Table rentals cost $15.

The flea market will be held rain or shine. Call Joyce at 926-4693 or Helen at 576-7189 to reserve your table for this event. The proceeds will benefit the auxiliary’s yearly projects.

Casting call for library play
Calling all thespians! The New Gloucester Public Library, 379 Intervale Road, will be conducting a casting call at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, for this year’s play. Each child who wants a part is guaranteed one, and there will be speaking and nonspeaking roles available.

The Library Players will present the superhero-themed play on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 6:30 p.m. Co-written by Tim and Jobin Terranova, the plot will keep you on the edge of your chair wondering what will happen next, now that NGPL guy is back and RedRay has arrived.

If acting isn’t your thing, come support the young actors as an audience member. Call Sue or Carla at 926-4840 for more details.

Water park discount tickets
The New Gloucester Parks and Recreation Department is offering Funtown Splashtown USA combination passes for $28 (the regular price is $36) and Aquaboggan tickets for $15 (the regular price is $20). Tickets are available at the town office. For more information, contact Harvey Price at 926-4126 or hprice@newgloucester.com.

Gentle Flow Yoga
Gentle Flow Yoga will be offered from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30. This class, led by Sue Faunce of Gingko Leaf Yoga, is great for beginners or those with experience who would prefer a more gentle, relaxing and meditative movement at peaceful Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. Bring a yoga mat and bottled water. The fee is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required.

Shaker Village is located at 707 Shaker Road, just off Route 26, in New Gloucester. Call 926-4597 or email info@maineshakers.com to register. Alternatively, register online at www.maineshakers.com/workshops.

Sandra Lerette of New Gloucester and her 10-year-old daughter Maisie enjoy their kayaking tour of the Royal River Reservoir. Through a new program overseen by the New Gloucester Parks and Recreation Committee, two canoes and two kayaks are available for use, provided that borrowers follow a set procedure. More information can be obtained by contacting director Harvey Price at 926-4126 or hprice@newgloucester.com.