For those who are unaware of some of the more unique opportunities available to locals and visitors, “Here’s the basics of what’s happening at the Finn Hall in Monson,” wrote Ned Garner.

For 68 years, he informs us, dances and the Finnish Farmers Club have been “going without interruption.”

Since 1935, he explained, “there generally is one dance per month from Memorial Day to Halloween,” at the Finn Hall on Route 15, which is about a mile before the Monson Center.

The dances run from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturdays, and are attended by people of all ages.

The next dance is 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Finn Hall. It features Veikko Honkala, an accordionist from Massachusetts.

Garner wants readers to know that “all dancers are welcome,” and that “the music consists of traditional Finnish waltzes, polkas, jennkas and novelty dances.” Instructions are also available for the dances.

“Our band, Woodsong, has been playing for most of the dances now for a couple of years,” he wrote while adding that the band is “in the process of applying” for grants so its members can visit Finland and to learn more about traditional dance tunes and dances.

Garner invites you to visit www.mainewoodsong.com/news for more details.

You can also reach him at 564-0866 or e-mail swampers@midmaine.com.

Other people to contact for fun at the Finn Hall are Alexandra Conover, 997-3723; Anna Lee Libby, 997-3268; or Don and Ethel Higgins, 294-0472 or dhiggins@ime.net.

Later dance dates are Saturday, Aug. 2; Saturday, Sept. 20; Saturday, Oct. 4; and Saturday, Oct. 25.

The seventh annual Hospice Regatta of Maine to benefit Hospice of Hancock County is Saturday, July 19, in Southwest Harbor.

According to Linda Tadema-Wielandt of Hospice of Hancock County, the first class begins at 10:05 a.m., followed by the B Class at 10:10 a.m. and the A class at 10:15 a.m.

The inaugural High Card Powerboat Race begins at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., she said, “spectator boats leave the marina.”

The event is expected to draw more than 40 ocean race-cruiser class sailboats and powerboats.

However, she added, boat owners have the opportunity to watch from the water.

The warning gun for the One Design Race will be sounded at 1:30 p.m., she said. That event begins at 1:35 p.m.

Both races will end at 4 p.m.

The public is invited to attend a lobster bake at the marina beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person. Tadema-Wielandt said you can make reservations by calling Hospice of Hancock County at 667-2531.

She will be happy to fax you a form on which you can order all the lobsters you want ahead of time.

Steve Thomas, Emmy Award-winning host of the Public Broadcasting Service’s “This Old House,” is honorary chairman of the benefit.

Members of the East Blue Hill Village Church invite you to attend Christmas in July from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the church.

According to information I’ve received, this new event features crafts, a white elephant table, cooked foods, a lunch of hot dogs, strawberry shortcake, cold drinks and many other surprises.

Since organizers have rented table space and will be setting up their own tables, they know you will find decorations and craft items but they’re not sure what else you might find, which is why you should go and see for yourself!

You are invited to a public supper that has two seatings, at 5 and 5:45 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Comins Hall on Route 9 in East Eddington.

Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children.

A former Grange Hall built in 1879, the building was the “center of community activities until the 1960s,” said Ruth Perry.

“The Eddington-Clifton Civic Center was established in 1983 to make the hall a safe and useful community meeting place again,” she added.

Proceeds from this supper, and another in August, will help pay for a new sprinkler system being installed later this summer.

“Once the sprinkler system is operational, it will be possible to use the large, upstairs auditorium for community events and private rentals,” Perry said.

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