Nearing the end of its three-year capital campaign, Nichols Day Camps in Blue Hill has reached slightly more than half its $500,000 goal, wrote executive director Candy Eaton.

“We have worked hard for the money,” she wrote. “We have made many new friends in the process, and have enjoyed the recognition that this campaign has brought to us.”

Now in place at the camps on Walker Pond that provide programs for nearly 300 are children, Nichols wrote, is a “beautiful new building with six flush toilets and running water” which has made a tremendous difference in the camp experience for everyone.

“The next big event” to raise funds for this campaign is the 17th annual St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds.

Nichols said that each year fair sponsors choose a nonprofit organization “to split the proceeds with and, this year, we are the lucky recipients.”

“This event is huge,” she added.

“There will be lots of food for sale,” Nichols wrote, and “many tables of household items in good shape (which is referred to as junque),” a silent auction, where you will find an autographed Robert McCloskey book, and hundreds of other used books for sale.

The fair also will feature many other wonderful items from local artists, she added.

Face painting for children by the Nichols Camp staffers and other activities make for a really fun fundraiser.

While you are there, you need to be talking with Nichols Camps staff about the Blue Hill Country Club’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Golf Tournament to benefit this campaign.

Jan Crofoot reports the $50 fee includes morning coffee and doughnuts, lunch and afternoon refreshments.

Individuals and groups are welcome to participate in the scramble format tournament for men and women, and applications are available by calling Eaton at 374-5548 or Crofoot at 374-3277.

Eaton is equally grateful that Nichols Camps has been selected by the membership of Blue Hill Country Club to be the beneficiary of this special tournament.

So, while you’re browsing around the fair today, be thinking about the tournament to come, and all the good your participation in both events can do for the youngsters of the Blue Hill peninsula.

Bill Robertson wrote that the Franklin Historical Society is holding an Open House and Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, at the FHS Museum on Route 200 in Franklin.

“There will be wonderful refreshments,” he added, and “tours of the museum for all of those interested in viewing our wonderful collection of artifacts from the area.”

Robertson wrote that “the public is invited at no charge,” but added “any donations received will be applied to our Scholarship Fund.”

For more information about activities of the society, call 565-3336 or 565-2901.

No admission is charged, but donations are always welcome for those who attend the Concerts at Ecotat Gardens in Hermon.

The public is invited to hear the Penobscot Wind Ensemble at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at Ecotat, located at the intersection of 2699 U.S. Route 2 and Annis Road in Hermon.

Gaynor Reynolds reminds those attending to park in the Annis Road parking lot.

Castine Historical Society vice president Del Davis wants to be sure readers are aware that CHS is presenting the one-act, one-woman play, “The Little Locksmith,” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, and Thursday, Aug. 10, at Delano Auditorium on the campus of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.

Tickets are limited, and are $20 for the play, $50 for the play and a wine and cheese benefit reception after the Wednesday performance.

Tickets are available at Abbott School, the home of the CHS, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, or send a check to CHS, P.O. Box 238, Castine 04421-0238.

For more information, call Anne Fuentes, 326-9289 or e-mail info@castinehistoricalsociety.org.

Proceeds from the play and reception benefit the Abbott School Cupola Restoration and Roof Replacement School.

“The Little Locksmith” was adapted from the memoir of former Castine resident Katharine Butler Hathaway, who was stricken with scoliosis of the spine at age 5 and spent the next 10 years confined to bed. The book was published in 1942, shortly after her death.

Producer and co-author Tony Award winner John Wulp hopes to take the production, starring Lisa Hammond, to New York.

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