Two of the first events are Chamber events, one beginning Memorial Day Weekend. We hope you will join the Chamber, Saturday, May 28, (rain date May 29) with our first-ever Car Show, partnering with Thundering Valley Raceway, Palmyra Road, St. Albans, for "Thunder in the Valley," hoping to be the "largest car show" in Maine. Registration is 9 to noon; $5 registers a car, and admits the driver and one guest. Regular admission is $2 for adults, with children age 10 and younger free. A fire department tug-of-war is planned for the afternoon for interested departments wanting to display some equipment and participate in a tug-of-war competition.

The afternoon will feature a live remote with radio station WWMJ, 95.7 FM., sponsored by Hartley's Auto Mall, Coveside Wheel & Ski, Thundering Valley and the Chamber, coinciding with judging of the cars. Trophies sponsored by Varney Ford & Chevrolet will be awarded in a number of categories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd as well as farthest traveled, oldest, and Best in Show. Concessions will be available all day. For more information call the Chamber 368-4698 or Thundering Valley 938-3007.

On June 18, the Chamber will host "Hit 'em for Hospice" a fundraising Golf Scramble to benefit Pine Tree Hospice and Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County. The two groups are partnering with the Chamber to share proceeds. The event will be held at the Palmyra Golf and RV Resort. 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. shotgun start. Major sponsors already signed on include Sebasticook Valley Health, Peoples United Bank, Somatex, Inc., and H.R. Block of Skowhegan and Newport. Individual teams are still signing on. More info at the Chamber 368-4698.

Other events planned for this summer include:
The Central Maine Egg Festival, this year July 23, for the early bird breakfast, parade and festival activities at Manson Park with the historic Kiwanis Karnival, and large crafts tent, capped with evening fireworks and entertainment. A week's worth of activities leads up to the main event. More information : 680-0646.

Also July 23 (rain date July 24) The Corinna Recreation Department will host its First Annual Car Show at the Corinna Elementary School, free to the public, with a $10 entry fee for classic vehicles in any of 11 categories. More info 416-2551 or 461-2561.

St. Albans Summerfest this year is July 15, 16, and 17. A parade and competitions, usually including a horseshoe tournament and children's games and competitions, is on Saturday, along with a chicken BBQ. A full list of activities is still being developed. More info at Indian Stream Hardware 938-2107.

Newport is planning a new regional festival this year for Sept. 3 featuring a parade, canoe races, and vendor village, possibly an art event with the Valley Arts Alliance. The festival coincides with the annual North Country Inter-Tribal Powwow in E. Newport. For more info:Powwow 368-4247 or the festival Roger Car 355-0026. Festival organizers are hoping the parade can coincide with the official opening of the new Main Street bridge.

Corinna will host a Fall Festival, Sept. 17, featuring a parade, games, street dance, chicken BBQ. A full list of activities is being developed. More info: 278-3834.

If other towns in the valley are hosting special events of festivals, the Chamber would like to know (368-4698 or svcc@midmaine.com ) to pass on to visitors in our area and also to post to the events page at the Chamber website: www.ourchamber.org .

With our monthly email bulletin, the Chamber also distributes information to more than 250 members and friends on our mailing list or check us out at Facebook and Twitter.