BETHEL — For more than 40 years, the Bethel Historical Society has sponsored special summer events that have enriched the lives of all who attend. This summer, the society will again host the ever-popular Fourth of July Community Picnic and Concert, fea­turing a two-hour performance by the Portland Brass Quintet.

The picnic and concert will begin at 11:30 a.m. on the grounds of the Dr. Moses Mason House, 14 Broad St., or at the Middle Intervale Meetinghouse if the weather is inclement. This annual event was inaugurated by Dr. Mason in his “Grove” in the 1850s.

The Historical Society has also announced that the Yankee Brass Band will return to Bethel on Saturday, July 30, after a three-year hiatus. With its collection of antique instruments and authentic music scores, the Yankee Brass Band gives the audience an auditory living-history experience they will long remember. The quicksteps, gallops, pol­kas, mazurkas, schottisches and waltzes, and the many overtures and medleys popular in the mid-19th century make up the program of the typical brass band concert of yesteryear. Also performing that afternoon, starting at 1 p.m., will be the Carter Mountain Brass Band of New Hampshire, Newmont Band from Vermont and the Centennial Brass Band, from Maine. In order to cover expenses of these events, which total $2800, the society welcomes tax-deductible donations.

Founded in 1966, the Bethel Historical Society is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive historical agency. With over 1000 members, the society fosters a sense of place — with a focus on western Maine and the White Mountain region — by collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting historically significant artifacts and documents for residents, visitors, students and scholars.  For more information call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or email info@bethelhistorical.org.