DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Outdoor Market on Saturday and Sunday will offer an array of activities and items, including entertainment, lobster rolls, barbecued chicken and handmade crafts.

“The event is designed to attract people to our area and to get the community involved,” market committee member Deb Morang said. “And the goal is to have a nice, fun day and a good turnout.”

There will be no parade or 5K run as in the past because of a lack of volunteers.

“We just can’t do it by ourselves anymore,” committee member Kristi Holmquist said. In past years, the committee has included half a dozen or more members but this year it’s down to the Morang, Holmquist and Nancy Volkernick.

By keeping the market going they are hoping that new businesses will be inspired to come to the area, Holmquist said. The committee helps support businesses in the area, too, she added.

The market kicks off Saturday at 5 p.m. with a chicken barbecue sponsored by the local Masons. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. country music singers Debbie and Norman Pelletier of Hot Damn will entertain.

On Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the market opens with Dan Richards’ DJ music at the gazebo and vendors selling handcrafted items, jewelry, antiques and collectibles, homemade goat’s milk soap, and lobster rolls, french fries, popcorn, donuts, fudge and candy.

From noon to 3 p.m., people to listen to local musicians Fat and Jack perform.

A children’s area with games and prizes run by students from Dirigo Middle eighth-graders and Dirigo High School students will be available. Eighth-graders will raffle off children’s backpacks.

Throughout the day a photo contest featuring categories of hometown and military pride, landscapes, wildlife and pets, portraits and still lifes will be featured in the Historical Society building.

State Sen. Lisa Keim and state Rep. Richard Pickett, both of Dixfield, and other politicians will meet attendees.

The market is still accepting vendors. The cost is $25 per table. Contact Morang at 207-357-7007 or visit the Dixfield Outdoor Market Facebook page for more information.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Dixfield Outdoor Market committee members Deb Morang, left, and Kristi Holmquist are preparing for the 41st Outdoor Market this weekend. (Marianne Hutchinson/Rumford Falls Times)