Recycled Shakespeare Company plans to presents the ninth annual Bard’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 23, in Waterville.

This free event is open to all ages and skills, according to a news release from the company.

People can join RSC in dressing up and parading around Waterville reading sonnets, singing Shakespearean songs, and performing monologues and scenes. No memorizing, prior experience or costumes are necessary.

The bash will begin at 10 a.m. at Camden National Bank Lobby on Main Street for the first set of sonnet readings and songs. The parade then moves to Yardgoods Center and The Villager Restaurant along the upper Concourse, crosses over to Re-Books on the lower Concourse, and goes to Cancun by 11 a.m. where there will be a sword fight demonstration and more sonnets read.

Participants plan to proceed up Main Street stopping at stores and restaurants along the way, including Madlyn’s Consigment Shop, Incense and Peppermint, The Framemakes, Holy Cannoli and Days Jeweler, where shopkeepers will read sonnets.

At about noon there will be a lunch stop at Jin Yuan Chinese Restaurant, with live sonnets and music as well as performances from across the continent on Zoom. The event continues to Selah Tea from 3 to 5 p.m., with readings of all 154 sonnets.

A Renaissance Masquarde Ball will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lutheran Church Hall on Cool Street. It is open to all ages, and simple dances will be taught and led by Dancemistress Margaret May Lambert. No partner or experience necessary. People can come costumed, with a masquarede mask, or just as they are.

Throughout the day the company will celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and times with sword demonstrations, live Elizabethan music, Renaissance fortune telling by Sarah Love, and cake.

Those who would like to read a sonnet or get involved can call Lyn Rowden at 207-314-4730, or just show up and jump in. Each reader can introduce themselves, and briefly promote their business or organization.