LISBON — A Lisbon tradition will have a few new twists this year.

Gina Mason in 2014. (Jim Baumer file photo)

The Moxie Festival — whose theme is “Moxie Through the Decades” — will still offer traditional fare during the event July 13-15, but people should expect some additions.

For starters, the parade was renamed the Gina Mason Memorial Moxie parade, in honor of Lisbon’s state representative who passed away in September, and who was instrumental in planning the parade.

And the Planning Committee is looking to enhance the tried-and-true offerings with some new events and entertainment.

“We’re always trying to add new things,” said Lisbon Economic and Community Development Director Tracey Steuber. “We’ll have a live band at the high school Friday night.”

The band ties into the theme of celebrating Moxie’s history, with a sock hop in the Lisbon High School parking lot. Steuber said those attending are encouraged to dress up, and a prize will be given for the best 1950s-style outfit.

“On Main Street there will also be swing dancers,” Steuber said. “The idea of ‘Moxie Through the Decades’ is to highlight something from each decade.”

Local art will be celebrated this year with an art walk giving artists a chance to exhibit and sell their work. The town has accepted applications from local artists to participate.

A beer garden is planned for the concert in the park event at the MTM Community Center. The concert, a separate event run by Positive Change Lisbon, will take place after festival events end.

While a vendor for that has been approved, Steuber said, the sale of alcohol during the concert is still contingent on having proper permits in place.

Jonny Doyle, 14, of Durham downs a can of Moxie during the Moxie Chugging Challenge at Miller’s Variety in Lisbon in 2017. “It’s not fun,” Doyle said. “I drank two and thought my stomach was going to explode.” (Sun Journal file photo)