Are you a crafter or vendor who likes to display or sell your wares? Or are you, perhaps, a talented individual who enjoys entertaining lots of people at one time?

If so, have you made your plans for the Fourth of July?

If not, Marla Saliba, president of the Bangor Area Kiwanis Clubs’ 4th of July Corp., would like to hear from you.

While plans are well under way for this year’s celebration, Saliba is still seeking vendors, entertainers and, particularly, crafters, to participate.

The event begins with the Kiwanis’ annual pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the Brewer Auditorium.

The breakfast is followed by the annual 3K family road race, which starts at 10:45 a.m. on Acme Road in Brewer, across from the Brewer Auditorium. The race is open to adults and children.

Once the racers take off, the annual Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m. on Acme Road led by this year’s parade grand marshal, Maine Discovery Museum executive director Sean Faircloth.

After celebrants participate in ongoing activities in downtown Bangor, the day closes with fireworks in the evening along the river.

In her search for vendors, entertainers and crafters, Saliba said her goal for this year’s Fourth of July celebration “is to try and get activity back at Pickering Square” in downtown Bangor.

A major draw this year is that the Maine Discovery Museum will be open all day.

“I know most of the crafters are already booked,” Saliba said, “but there must be a lot of free-lance crafters out there who would like to come in, knowing the museum will be open all day.”

If enough crafters agree to participate, Saliba said, they would not be charged an entry fee to be part of the Fourth of July celebration.

Saliba welcomes crafters, food vendors and talented individuals in what promises to be a full day of family and community fun and old-fashioned Fourth of July activities.

Entries are also welcome for the Fourth of July parade and the 3K family road race.

Individuals or organizations needing more information about entering the parade should call parade chairman Ron Lunn at 947-0591.

Those seeking more information about the Road Race can call race chairman Dave Torey at 581-3372.

Crafters, vendors and entertainers can call Saliba at 942-4029, or write the Greater Bangor 4th of July Corp., c/o Marla Saliba, 46 North Main St., Brewer 04412.

Anne Crowley, president of the Carmel Senior Citizens, issues an open invitation to all senior citizens living in the area to attend a free membership luncheon at noon Wednesday, April 18, at the Carmel Snowmobile Club on Route 69 in Carmel. After the noontime meal, Carol Higgins of the Eastern Agency on Aging will address the gathering at 1 p.m.

A free meal and the dual opportunity to learn about the activities of the Carmel Senior Citizens and the programs and services of EAA, sounds like a deliciously educational experience not to be missed.

Here is a statistic that I found heartening, and I hope the same is true for you: More than 24,000 young people in Maine participate in 4-H Youth Development programs in our 16 counties.

That’s an impressive number of committed young people but, to help ensure the continued success of that program, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension needs volunteers to work with those 4-H members.

Last year, more than 4,000 volunteers helped support the Maine 4-H Youth Development program.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 22-28, the UMaine Cooperative Extension is asking adults to volunteer to be part of this program, which serves young Maine citizens between the ages of 5 and 19.

Among 4-H activities they participate in are day camps, overnight camping, after-school programs, school enrichment and special interest projects or groups.

Adults who believe they have something to contribute to this program are encouraged to offer their services by calling their county Cooperative Extension office or, toll-free (877) 444-8623.

“April in Paris” is the theme of this year’s fashion show sponsored by Altrusa International of Bangor at 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, at the Husson College Campus Center in Bangor. The event will be catered by Montes International of Bangor. Admission is $12. NEWS CENTER-2 newswoman Jan Smith will play host to the event that features fashions from Pretty Woman, Best Bib & Tucker, Talbot’s, The Children’s Place and Marlene’s Uniforms.

Billed as an evening of new spring fashions with a cosmopolitan flair, the clothing will be modeled by Altrusa members. Door prizes and giveaways also will be offered those who attend.

Altrusa’s annual fashion show is the nonprofit service organization’s major fund-raiser, and all proceeds benefit its scholarship fund.

Tickets can be obtained through their Web site at www.altrusa-Bangor.com/index.cfm? area=FashionShow or by calling Patty LeClair at 947-0705.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.