The picturesque village of Bethel in western Maine will come alive when the 2nd Annual Maine Performing Arts Festival (MPAF) brings folklore, fanfare and families together. The festivities get underway on Sunday, Aug. 5 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 12 with daily theatrical performances.

“Bethel is the ideal place for the Maine Performing Arts Festival because its dramatic mountain views and classic New England village create an inspiring environment that promises to be as memorable as the entertainment,” said Harry ‘Dutch’ Dresser, president of the MPAF board of directors.

Performances include the U.S. premiere of the play Doc Faust! A Wild Western Musical, a hilarious adaptation of the legend of Faust and his pact with the devil set in the Wild West complete with cowboys, gunfights and saloon girls. Dreaming of Summer: A Piano Concert will also delight audiences along with Maine's own, internationally known, Figures of Speech Theatre with a puppet theatre production for all ages.

“The festival is targeted to attract a wide audience. With a funny yet classic play, a very accessible piano concert and family show in the program, I think there’s something for everyone.” said Andrew Harris, MPAF’s artistic director. “We also hope to engage local performing artists with the events we have planned.”

Specific show times are available at www.mainepaf.org. Doc Faust! tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Dreaming of Summer tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

As a non-profit event, the Maine Performing Arts Festival is being presented by Sunday River. Additional sponsors include the Mahoosuc Arts Council, Sudbury Inn, Gould Academy and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.