SOUTH THOMASTON — The Wessaweskeag Historical Society is planning a party on August 12 to celebrate the 175th birthday of the Town of South Thomaston. On Saturday, from 2 - 4 p.m., attendees will gather on the lawn of the Historical Society at 8 Dublin Road in South Thomaston “to delight in the music of Bay Winds North Jazz Ensemble and indulge in a piece of wonderful birthday cake,” said WHS, in a news release. “Bring a chair, have a piece of cake, and relish the amazing Jazz sounds of these talented musicians! All are welcome to join us! Donations are gratefully accepted.”

Sunday, from 12 - 4 p.m., WHS will open the doors of the Museum spaces and invite the public to come explore the curated exhibits that honor the history of South Thomaston.

“Each year we pick a special theme and what could be better than the very long and varied ‘Keag Store’ history!” said WHS. “From long ago stories told by the coal stove as the locals sat on wooden milk crates to today’s “best lobster roll” in Maine to be eaten by the Keag River, the store is the life of our village!”

The Midcoast Community Band will perform at 1 p.m. in the Keag park directly across the street from the Historical Society.

Buy a ticket (or several tickets) for an elegant hand-designed quilt that the Society is raffling off. The winning ticket will be drawn at 3 p.m., on Sunday, August 13. The quilt is on display at the WHS Museum, which is open each Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and raffle tickets can be purchased then. They are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Bay Winds North Wind Ensemble, based in Rockland, is a community band composed of musicians ranging from high school age to retirees from Midcoast Maine. The Ensemble was formed over 10 years ago. The musical director is Marlene Hall.

“The Wessaweskeag Historical Society is delighted to once again welcome the Midcoast Community Band to fill us with uplifting music at our annual Heritage Day celebration on Sunday, August 13, at 1 p.m.,” said the release. “These wonderful musical volunteers travel throughout the Midcoast and have done so under the direction of JoAnne Parker since 1987. Members are devoted to their craft, earn no salary, and come just to share their love of music with all of us.”

The Wessaweskeag Historical Society was founded three decades ago and is a nonprofit, charitable organization anchored in South Thomaston. It maintains an archives and museum, and hosts monthly potluck suppers and heritage programming that is available to the public. Higher education for local youth is supported through the Society’s scholarship program.