SANFORD — Kick up your heels at an old fashioned barn dance, listen to some Franco music and learn about nine farms in the area at the Springvale Farm Walk .

Sanford is marking its 250th birthday this year and there are a number of events — some sponsored by the 250th Committee and some by other groups, that will lend a celebratory air to the summer.

On Friday, July 20, there will be a dance, in the big old barn at McDougal Orchard on Hanson’s Ridge Road, which starts at 5 p.m. It is a family event sponsored by the Sanford 250th Committee and will feature country music by the Boot Cut Boys and bluegrass by Sugar Shack Grass, lawn games and kid’s activities, wood-fired pizza, gourmet hot dogs, soft drinks, and beer and wine. Tickets are limited to 200 people and organizers say those interested should get them soon. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids older than 5. They are available online at: www.nassonevents.com or at the City Manager’s Office at City Hall.

On Saturday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m., Famille LeBlanc will perform traditional Franco-American music at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum. This will be the first appearance of this family group in the Sanford Springvale area. Organizers say they welcome the opportunity to hear music that represents so many of the families who contributed to the history of the Sanford and nearby communities. Seating is limited to 100 people, so early ticket sales or reservations are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for those over 18 years old and free for those younger. For reservations, call the Historical Museum at 490-1028 when open from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, the Springvale Farm walk, a four-mile, self-guided walk that connects to nine farms, begins at 9 a.m. The walk is organized by Sanford Trails and participating farms. Featured farms raise sheep, Christmas trees, mushrooms, vegetables, berries and apples. They also make cheese and other dairy products, hard cider and maple syrup. The path is well-marked and generally follows gentle terrain but sturdy shoes are recommended. There is a shuttle service available. Prior to the 9 a.m. start time, at 7 a.m. participants can join a mountain bike ride at Fast & Happy Bicycles, 463 Main St. The ride ends at McDougal Orchards where a breakfast served by Three Rivers Land Trust starts at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. there’s a guided bird walk with Will Broussard, outreach coordinator at Mount Washington Observatory starting at McDougal Orchards. At 11 a.m., Hazen Carpenter is scheduled to talk about the agricultural history of Springvale. Learn about dairy farming, Christmas tree farming and more. Meet at the corner of Blanchard Road and Hanson Ridge Road. The Springvale Farm Walk is held rain or shine. For more information visit: www.sanfordtrails.org.

A number of other events, like a block party and antique and classic car show and Sanford on Tap — a craft brew and food festival — take place in August.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].