For the first time in its 35-year history, the free children’s Farmstead Barn series is being offered by Washington County Children’s Program on the campus of the University of Maine at Machias.

WCCP development coordinator Diane Helder wrote that the series, “originated by Ginia Davis Wexler at her barn in East Sullivan,” will feature “a magician, a comic mime, a Native American flutist and an ‘odd company’ of entertainers” who will “brighten up summer” for children of that area.

The season begins at 10 a.m. today at UMM and continues at the same time on successive Wednesdays: July 13, July 20 and July 27 at the same site.

Today’s entertainment is the Odd Company of Buckfield, which Helder describes as a three-person troupe known for being “seriously amazing and dangerously funny.”

The group includes international, award-winning performers Fritz Grobe, a juggler; Amanda Houtari of the Boston improv comedy group Juice; and Mike Miclon, comic host of Maine’s “The Early Evening Show,” which was featured on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

Helder reminds readers the “series is free, and open to all.”

She wrote that the remaining performances are Nipmuc flute maker, flutist and digeridoo musician Hawk Henries, who appears July 13; comic mime Alan Tacheny in Charlie Who’s Theatre, July 20 and magician Bob Nixon, “a Maine audience favorite,” July 27.

“WCCP has taken a leap of faith in signing on to present this great series of summer entertainment for kids,” Helder explained about bringing the program to the Machias area.

To do so, Wexler teamed up with WCCC and the UMM Student Education Association, and “UMM is generously waiving rental fees for the performing arts center and science 102 auditorium” on campus, Helder added.

Local sponsors helping pay performer fees and lodging are Sunrise Senior College, Machias Rotary, the Maine Blackfly Breeders Association and NAPA Auto, but more sponsors are needed.

If you can help, call WCCP at 255-3426, Ext. 12.

And Helder had one final note for adults.

“Children attending the series should be accompanied by an adult,” she wrote of what she believes is “a great opportunity for kids, and caregivers, to share summer fun.”

Groups planning to attend should call WCCP in advance at the number above.

For adults in Washington County, there is interesting entertainment when SummerKeys Goes Baroque at 7:30 p.m. at Lubec Congregational Church.

Although there is no charge, donations will be accepted for the Piano Tuning Fund.

The third performance of the Mary Potterton Memorial Concert series features international performer Gwendolyn Toth on the harpsichord and organ.

Joining her will be Rosamund Morley, playing the viola da gamba, an instrument that predates present-day stringed instruments such as the violin, viola and cello.

Members of the Penobscot Historical Society and Penobscot Fire Department are hosting Penobscot Field Day Saturday, July 9, in that community.

Festivities begin at 7 a.m. with coffee and donuts at the Red School House, Audrey Peasley wrote.

A yard sale gets underway at 8 a.m., and crafters will display their wares from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The parade begins at 10 a.m., to be followed by children’s games on the historical society grounds.

A lunch of hot dogs, chips, drinks, ice cream and cookies will be available at 11:30 a.m. at the Red School House, and a Chicken Barbecue will be served at noon at the Penobscot Fire Station.

A demonstration of fire equipment begins at 2 p.m. at the station.

Enjoy a church supper at 5 p.m. at Penobscot United Methodist Church, and then watch the fireworks at 9 p.m. across from the church.

“Sylvia Arey has donated a beautiful planter, and raffle tickets are being sold,” Peasley wrote.

“The planter can be seen at Sylvia’s residence, and tickets are available from her, at Northern Bay Market, and from historical society members.”

Tickets are $1 each, or six for $5.

If you’re seeking craft space, call Arey at 326-4978.

If you have yard sale items to donate, excluding clothes, call 326-4429 or 326-8447.

During the day, the historical society and fire department facilities will be open for visitors.

“Everyone is welcome; no admission fees,” Peasley wrote. “Come and join your friends and neighbors and celebrate Penobscot Field Day.”

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