BELFAST — Bring your friends, your family, and lots of energy to the very first Belfast Peace Festival, happening September 5-6 on Miller and Court Streets in Belfast. Activity is included for all ages, rain or shine. All events are free of charge, except for food which can be purchased to offset the expenses of the Festival. T-shirts will also be available for purchase throughout the event.

According to Festival founder, Neva Allen, participants in the festival will "learn about peace in a fun and nonthreatening way (that will) open up their minds to the possibility of peace."

The Festival kicks off Friday night, Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a street dance broadcast live by WERU on the lawn of the First Church downtown at 8 Court St. (indoors in the event of rain). Enjoy music from the 1960's reminiscent of efforts to promote peace in our hearts without violence! Dance and enjoy refreshments, or bring your own picnic.

Saturday begins outdoors at the First Church with a meditation and labyrinth, a pancake breakfast, and a sign making workshop, followed by a public Peace Walk through Belfast. Lunch will be available at the Unitarian Church of Belfast on Miller Street behind the library. The afternoon brings a full schedule of music by Dave Johnson and friends, Voices for Peace and other area musicians, a Veterans for Peace panel discussion featuring its founder, Doug Rawlings, along with Dud Hendrick and Bruce Gagnon, drumming, and other festivities.

A children's tent for family activities will be open through the afternoon. A bean supper will be held at the First Baptist Church on High Street. The Festival closes out Saturday evening with a concert from 7 p.m. 9 p.m. of well know area musicians and their friends, including Lynn Deeves from Portland.

Plan to join this festive atmosphere and embrace peace with your neighbors. The time is now... the place is here... imagine. . . peace. Peace Festival activities and music are presented at no charge, and the Festival is open to the public, with donations accepted.

For more information, go to www.belfastpeacefestival.org or call (207) 323-5393.