WILTON — Countryfolk Music Theater youth music scholarships recently were awarded to Franklin and Kennebec county youths during a two-day “Hillbilly Days” themed event on U.S. Route 2 in the East Dixfield section of Wilton.

The recipients included Ethan Pelletier and Evan Pelletier, both of Jay; and Savanna Bowen, of Fayette. Ethan plays upright bass, guitar and banjo, Evan sings and plays harmonica and Savanna plays guitar and sings, according to a news release. They each received cash awards and certificates.

The event also honored the following 29 countryfolk musicians who have passed on — Victor Mercier, Ben Arsenault, Paul Richards, Lona Bedard, Les Rowell, Ginger Mae Dyer, Richard Leblanc, Vincent Harris, Russ Mathers, Mickey Arsenault, Linda Latham, Alvoid Barker, Ken Lambert, Slim Tanner, Vern Inman, Dick Paul, Pete Andrews, Dick Secord, Don Thibodeau, Fred Legere, Harley Parlin, Bobby Thibodeau, Wilfred Mercier, Dick Thornley, Ashley Parlin, Lib Parlin, Ken Proctor, Dick Haines and Bernie Kilbreth.

The theater makes the annual awards to encourage young people to continue with their musical dreams.

“More than $5,000 has been awarded since Countryfolk started in 2000,” said owner Larry Bisbee. “it’s meant to showcase and encourage young and older musicians in a venue setting that accommodates families and is always free to the public.

Countryfolk continues through the summer with music each Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., through Labor Day weekend, and is operated by volunteers and always free to the public.

For more information, call 645-4411.


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