The Union Historical Society has announced the celebration of Founder's Day on July 18, 19, and 20. This year's festivities will kick off with a special unveiling ceremony on the Union Common, where community members will gather to witness the introduction of the new "Come Spring" map.

The "Come Spring" map has been a significant presence on the Common for centuries. The new map will not only showcase the well-known depiction of Union as illustrated in the book "Come Spring" by Ben Ames Williams but will also feature a photo index of historical photos and facts surrounding the Common area.

The weekend activities include a pie social and music on the Common, hosted by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, on Friday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, will start with a free pancake breakfast at the People's United Methodist Church. Other activities include a parade, old-fashioned children's games, open houses, movies, community gatherings, and various activities. Additionally, the Union Masonic Lodge will be hosting a chicken barbecue on the Common Saturday, July 19, at noon.

For a complete schedule, please visit Union Historical Society's website, or follow on Facebook: Union Historical Society. For more information, please call 785-5444.

Friday, July 18

4:00 to 7:00 PM - Union Farmer’s Market at the entrance to the Union Fairgrounds 
5:00 PM - Unveiling of the Come Spring Map, on the Common (see more information below)
5:30 to 7:00 PM - Pie Social and concert called “Union Area Chamber’s Concert on the Common and now Famous Pie Social”.
7:00 to 9:00 pm - Contra Dance at the Union Fairgrounds with a live caller.

Saturday, July 19

7:00 to 9:00 AM - Pancake Breakfast at the People’s United Methodist Church
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Union Country Club will be open to the public, The first nine holes will be free and open to all (no membership required).
Mid-Day - Children’s games on the Common before and after the parade
10:00 AM - Parade starting at the Union Town Office 
9:00 AM to Noon - Union Historical Society Open House at the Robbins House, serving refreshments made using Lena Grinnell's 1896 recipes, along with a merchandise booth
12:00 PM - Chicken Barbecue put on by the Union Masonic Lodge, on the Common
1:00 to 4:00 PM - Open house at the Old Town House
2:00 PM - Three film clips - at the Old Town House: “The Fire That Destroyed the Odd Fellows Building.”; “The Legacy of Union’s Birdhouse Street Signs” a brief news channel coverage of the history of Union’s birdhouses; and the story of the Union Casket Factory, from Lou McNally’s “Made in Maine”.
3:30 PM - Union Historical Society Walking Tour of the Common, meet at the Old Town House
7:00 PM - Silent Movie at the Old Town House, Union Historical Society – free old-fashioned Pop Corn!

Sunday, July 20

Update (Friday, July 18)

During the Friday evening unveiling ceremony for the revised historic map of the Common, Founder’s Day organizers announced changes to the Sunday schedule due to rain in the forecast.

The paddle on the pond event has been canceled.

The church service on the common will now take place at the Methodist Church

The family picnic will take place at the Old Town House with free ice cream afterwards from both Dorman’s and John’s

Original schedule:

6:00 AM - Serenity at Sunrise: A Sunday Morning Paddle on Seven Tree Pond. Bring your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and PFDs and gather at Ayer Park early.
10:45 AM - Peoples United Methodist Church Service on the Common
12:00 PM - Family picnic on the Common. Bring your favorite picnic lunch, ice cream social will be provided following lunch