Members of the Sally Valley Gang jam Tuesday at the Litchfield Fairgrounds while waiting for the 55th Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival to begin on stage Thursday. The four days of concerts have drawn guests from across the United States to hear American music performed by acts that toured continuously until the outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants. Founder Greg Cormier said attendance for the June show was up 32% from previous years and expects attendance in August will rival that record. The Sally Valley Gang said it has been performing together informally on the bluegrass circuit for 20 years. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

The driver of car 519 extinguishes his own engine fire Friday, Aug. 20, in the midst of the consolation heat of the annual demolition derby at the Skowhegan State Fair. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Amy Bubash reads in the shade Tuesday along the Kennebec River in Richmond. Bubash, who moved to the area recently from Pittsburgh, said the cool temperatures and fantastic view sometimes compel her to take a vacation day and read in Richmond. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

The field in the eighth harness race Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Skowhegan State Fair. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Doug Self, of Brunswick Country Club, plays in the early morning fog during the Maine Senior Amateur Championship on Tuesday at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Skowhegan High School’s field hockey head coach, Paula Doughty, works her team during a morning practice at Skowhegan High School in Skowhegan on Wednesday. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Kevin Wing, center, prays Saturday, Aug. 21, with the Rev. Shane Stoops, right, after being baptized Saturday in Kennebec River. The public baptism was led by First United Pentecostal Church of Augusta at the East Side Boat Landing in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Erik Thomas, programming manager for the Waterville Opera House, sands the new floor of the stage to prepare it for a fresh coat of paint Wednesday at the Waterville Opera House. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Stacy Hustus floats Wednesday on Cobbossee Stream in Gardiner. With air temperatures in the 90s, Hustus said the water felt “warm as a bathtub.” Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Joe Schmalzel and his son, Joshua, volunteer Tuesday to organize some of the antiquities at the L.C. Bates Museum at the Good Will-Hinckley campus. The Fairfield museum has received a $4,762 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for its ongoing efforts to preserve the museum’s collection. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel