"Not only is it a fun event and brings the child out in both adults and children, but it also is great for the local businesses in the Dexter area," Judy Craig said Sunday.

Craig, a Town Council member, president of Dexter Development Corp., and media representative of the North Country Riding Club, has spent countless hours helping to ensure the weekend's festivities go as planned.

All events are sponsored and funded by businesses and service providers in the region, according to Craig. The only big expense to the town is the cost of liability insurance, which she hopes will be funded this year through private donations.

Craig said last year's event drew several thousand people to the town. In fact, the Dexter Historical Society had a record number of people visit the museum during the event.

Performances by three bands and a soloist are scheduled - Midnight Rose, Debbie Myers, Big Daddy-O and the Accelerators and acoustic guitarist Tom Evans of Dexter.

A variety of other activities are on tap, including bingo games, a tour of Wassookeag Lake, a costume contest, arts and crafts, children's games, face painting and a pig scramble.

Craig hinted that a special event will be held between noon and 1 p.m. Saturday but would not elaborate. People will just have to come visit the town to watch the dramatic performance, she said.

Food venders will serve refreshments, local merchants will hold sales, and free hayrides will be offered.

The North Country Riding Club also will present its popular Equitation Trophy Show on Sunday.

Dexter will be a "horse-friendly town," Craig said.

For more information, contact Craig at 924-3067 or e-mail judy@DexterMaine.com