PRESQUE ISLE – The Historical Pavilion at the Northern Maine Fair has received a $1,000 grant from the Aroostook County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. The grant is for the expansion and development of the Historical Pavilion, including new banners for all historical participants, awards, and a better sound system for storytelling and musical events.

This year’s Pavilion will be open 4-8 p.m. from Tuesday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 2. On Seniors Day, Wednesday, July 31, the Pavilion will be open 2-8 p.m. Admission to the fair is $6 and there is no additional charge to enter the Historic Pavilion.

The Historical Pavilion is an annual four-day exhibit in the Forum Building at the Northern Maine Fair, in which many historical societies and family collections from northern Maine are combined into a exhibition of regional history. The Pavilion began five years ago as part of an effort to return the Northern Maine Fair to its agricultural and historical roots. Twenty-six historical displays are expected at this year’s Pavilion, making it possibly the largest assemblage of historical artifacts in northern Maine.

The Pavilion provides opportunities for the historical societies of northern Maine’s many small towns to display their collections and for outreach to a larger community.

Last year the Historical Pavilion initiated a storytellers program from 5-6 p.m. each day of the Pavilion. The program showcases some of the best storytellers in the region.

Also initiated last year was the “Folk Music and Bluegrass Jamboree,” a free-form program for regional folk musicians to play together and jam. This year the program will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1.

Many of the jamboree participants will also have scheduled one-hour slots to play together in smaller groups.

Thanks to the Maine Community foundation grant, the Pavilion will give awards this year for historical displays. Categories include: Best Exhibit, Best New Exhibitor, Best Living History Display, Exhibit with Most Knowledgeable Staff, and Best Individual Artifact.