Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson has so much to celebrate that the entire day of Sept. 6 is being dedicated to enjoying and learning from all that the HVNC community has to offer. Everyone is invited to take part in the SWOAM/Tree Farm Field Days and Live Edge Music Festival.

“HVNC touches so many parts of our diverse communities from outdoor recreation and kid’s activities to forestry and carpentry skills. There will be something for everyone to enjoy on Sept. 6,” HVNC Director Andy McEvoy said.

The first half of the day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature over 50 vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators all sharing something about the Maine woods. Resource professionals like NRCS, Maine Audubon, and the Maine Forest Service will be on hand to answer landowner questions. A dozen local artists will be there with work inspired by Maine’s deep woods and remote places. An entire tent will be dedicated to kids’ games designed and based on HVNC. There will also be face painting and some more educational kids’ activities led by educators.

Also, during the morning sessions there will be a long list of engaging speakers. Speakers include representatives from Forest Society of Maine, Maine Audubon, Maine Farmland Trust, the Chewonki Foundation, and more.

If talks aren’t for you, or you just want to stretch your legs you can attend one of the dozen or so guided tours of HVNC. Some will be forestry focused, others will head towards the bog, and some will head off in search of mushrooms. The walks will all be led by professionals, educators, and folks who know HVNC well. Visitors are also encouraged to stroll across the nature center, or a take a shuttle, and see the three different logging operations ranging from horse logging to sophisticated machinery.

Make sure you plan to spend the day, however. The Live Edge Music Festival begins official at 2 p.m. when local favorites Red Bird hit the stage. They will be followed by Primo Cubano, the premier Cuban dance band. “The barn floor will be clean and ready for dancing,” said HVNC co-founder Bambi Jones. Lastly, world acclaimed musicians John McDowell and Phil Bloch will perform with their newest collaboration Luxury Sedan.

The day is completely free. Jyang Lee Kitchen and Sheepscot General will be serving food all day for fair prices, and Allagash beer will be on tap starting at 2 p..m. Parking is tight and some visitors will have to park off site. There will be shuttle vans running all day.

HVNC’s celebration of forestry, of new buildings, and of local community has many supporters. The Small Woodland Owner’s Association, Maine Tree Farm, and the Maine Forest Service are making the forestry portion of the day possible. Cribstone Capital and Mexicali Blues are supporting the live music. The entire day is a celebration of HVNC’s recent accolades and awards, but also of the community that has made the awards possible. “This is our chance to really show our community that we appreciate them, thank them, and want them to continue to celebrate with us,” said co-founder Tracy Moskovitz.

For more information, visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or write to info@hvnc.org.