Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:00am

Peter Walsh

Past cider-pressing at Pownalborough Court House in Dresden. File photo

Dresden is a small, rural town in Lincoln County. It is bordered on the west by the mighty Kennebec River, and the beautiful Eastern River flows through the Village and eventually into Merrymeeting Bay. It has the highest hill in this part of Maine, the 450-foot tall Blinn Hill. In addition to views of most of Maine’s mountains, it is home to many large Maine blueberry fields. The town is also rich in Maine history and, during colonial times, was the county seat for all of Maine up to the Canadian border. The Pownalborough Court House is a living testament to this rich history. Built in 1760, it is the oldest three-story wooden building north of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, you are invited to come to Dresden to participate in a variety of community events. If you have never been to this beautiful place, this is your chance!

Second Selectman Don Gleason adds: “I am thrilled with the efforts of the Recreation Committee ... to increase awareness and support for these events. The Committee is seeking to foster our community revitalization, support economic growth and diversification, and offer new opportunities for people to connect with others in our community. This weekend’s events are the start of our year-round effort to promote and support events throughout Dresden.”

Oct. 7 at Pownalborough Court House, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the annual Cider Press. Apples will be available, but bring your own if you wish. There will also be guided tours of the Court House and grounds. And at 2 p.m. is a group hike. October is one of the most beautiful months to enjoy Dresden’s scenic trails.

Oct. 8, come ring the bell at St John’s Meetinghouse. This event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. In addition to light refreshments, there will be music by Scott Murray playing the dulcimer, and the Olsen Twins playing violin selections. The building has undergone renovations, and the Friends of St. John’s Meetinghouse are coordinating with the Recreation Committee to host the event. According to the “History of Dresden,” the bell was donated by Samuel Bridge in 1860. Cast in Boston, it weighs 769 pounds, and was to be rung “on all proper occasions, as July 4, town meetings, fire, funerals, and public worship.”

And on Oct. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tandem Glass hosts an annual fundraiser. Ten guest artists will represent a range of collectible arts and crafts; and 20% of all sales will be split between Maine Craft Association and Midcoast Conservancy.