Preservation Party, Lincoln County Historical Association’s annual gathering for food, fun, and good-natured bidding at the Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, takes place on Sunday, Sept. 13. This year’s event celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a menu inspired by colonial dinners that might have been served in the historic courthouse tavern.

Now, more than ever, we need to honor Maine’s important place in the growth of this nation. The elegant courthouse on the banks of the Kennebec provides the perfect setting. Enjoy the music, take a Court House tour, wander the grounds, then find your seat at a table under the tent for some fun.

As the dinner hour concludes, auctioneer Kaja Vielleux will offer up a variety of special adventures. For example, you could reserve a private sail and lunch for four guests aboard the schooner Sycamore, a representation of an 1820s Maine fishing boat. Or bid on tour of the Midcoast in a private plane, take in productions at a handful of local repertory theaters, spend a few days in a rustic lakeside camp, enjoy the beauty of West Bath in a riverside cottage, or explore southern California from a luxurious Hollywood home.

Food lovers can bid on a history-themed dinner for eight in the tavern of the Pownalborough Court House, a Murder Mystery Dinner at a lovely Wiscasset home, and a baking class with Jan Flowers.

And there’s more. Bidding for delectable desserts from LCHA's best bakers is always lively and fun. The cake auction gives everyone a chance for instant gratification when the high bidders share their prizes with other guests. And finally, a single $5 raffle ticket can win a bevy of gift cards from local businesses.

Tickets are available now, but seating is limited. Visit lincolncountyhistory.org and click on Events.

Lincoln County Historical Association is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset.

For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org or Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine).