The eighth annual Western Maine Recovery Rally — celebrating recovery, raising awareness, and inspiring action in the fight against substance use disorder — is set for Sunday, Sept. 22.

With national overdose rates at an all-time high, this rally is timely and vital and promises to deliver compelling stories that shine a light on both the challenges and the hope inherent in recovery, according to a news release from Kari Taylor, Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative.

The rally march is set for 11 a.m. at The HILLS Recovery Center, 15 Tannery St. in Norway. Participants will be escorted by local law enforcement to Moore Park in South Paris.

Free T-shirts and rally signs will be available upon arrival.

Once the march reaches Moore Park, the celebration begins with free food, resource tables, swag, lawn games and a Kid’s Zone.

Aattendees will have the chance to learn about local resources and the latest in addiction treatment and support.

The event will take place regardless of the weather. Transportation will be provided for participants from Norway to Moore Park and back, including those traveling from the River Valley region.

The rally is coordinated by the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative and The HILLS Recovery Center — an organization committed to offering a compassionate response to the substance use concerns affecting Oxford County.

For more details on the rally and WMARI’s work, visit wmari.org or follow the rally on Facebook.

Check out upcoming area events!