BANGOR – The Robinson Ballet board of directors and the Friends of Robinson Ballet announced the launch of its third coloring book for its Color for Costumes campaign to help raise money to enhance the company’s “Nutcracker” performances.

Get the very first editions of the new coloring books with four new “Nutcracker” characters and scenes, including the Russian dancers, the Hungry Wolf, Mother Ginger and Clara with her beloved nutcracker, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Bangor Public Library Children’s Room.

Activities scheduled:

. Readaloud of the “Nutcracker” story.

. Crayons and markers on hand so children can start coloring right at the library.

. Robinson Ballet heirloom costumes on display.

. “Nutcracker” books on display.

. Robinson Ballet “Nutcracker” bookmark giveaway.

. Tickets giveaway to the Nutcracker Tea Party at the Maine Discovery Museum.

. Tickets giveaway to the Robinson Ballet annual dance performance.

. “Nutcracker” corps de ballet mugs giveaway.

Coloring contest winners will receive tickets to the “Nutcracker” for the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono.

First prize is six tickets, second prize is four tickets and third prize is two tickets. Each winner also will receive a corps de ballet mug with either a Robinson Ballet logo or image of Herr Drosselmeyer.

Age categories in the coloring contest are 6 and under; 7, 8 and 9; and 10, 11 and 12. Be sure to include the child’s age on the entry form.

Contestants may enter as many of the illustrations as they like, and each one will be judged individually. Entries will be judged on creativity, use of color and medium. Entries must be submitted by mail to Color for Costumes, c/o Robinson Ballet, P.O. Box 1885, Bangor 04402-1885.

Entries must be received by noon Tuesday, Nov. 21. Winners will be notified by phone. Winners may pick up “Nutcracker” tickets noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s “Nutcracker” promotional event at the Maine Discovery Museum.

Since 1984, thousands of people have gathered at the Maine Center of the Arts to see Robinson Ballet perform “The Nutcracker” with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, Robinson Ballet takes its “Nutcracker” production on tour throughout eastern and northern Maine, conducts in-school “Nutcracker” programs with mini-performances, and collaborates with the Maine Discovery Museum and BSO to bring the Nutcracker Neighborhood, an interactive exhibit, to the museum.

To maintain the high quality of “Nutcracker” performances and programs, the Robinson Ballet board of directors is asking the Bangor community to help buy new costumes, renew and restore existing and heirloom costumes, improve technical and lighting equipment and “grow” a new Christmas tree.

The goal is to raise $10,000 each year, 2004-2007. This is being accomplished by the campaign that features a “Nutcracker” coloring contest. Each year, the Color for Costumes coloring book features four original ready-to-color illustrations by artist Katherine Wilkes, based on characters and scenes from Robinson Ballet’s “Nutcracker” performances.

The contest will involve children with dance in a meaningful way and help bring awareness to the campaign.

To contribute to Color for Costumes, mail a check to Color for Costumes, c/o Robinson Ballet, P.O. Box 1885, Bangor 04402-1885, or call campaign chairwoman Caroline Travis-Tully at 945-3807.

The campaign contributions and sponsorships will purchase new costumes and repair existing and heirloom costumes, purchase a new fantastic, mechanical Christmas tree, provide a professional set designer and upgraded sets, purchase new lighting equipment and provide for dance scholarships.

Robinson Ballet and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra will perform “The Nutcracker” at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Maine Center for the Arts. For tickets, call (800) 639-3221.

The Bangor Daily News, WEZQ, Friends of Robinson Ballet and KMW Design are sponsors of the campaign.

The Color for Costumes campaign has received a $500 grant from Bangor Savings Bank, $5,000 grant from Fisher Charitable Foundation and a $3,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation.