features storyspinner Van Reid as well as Castlebay. An alternative to the Nutcracker and Dickens, stories and songs of Maine's winter holiday season will be spiced with wit and humor in the style of an old time variety show and will feature selections from Castlebay's CD "The Night the Whisky Froze" and winter tales such as "How Portland Kept Christmas". The performers will combine their energy and talent to interweave seasonal tales and music in a multi-faceted and delightful evening of regional nostalgia and humor.

Van Reid, is a native Mainer gifted with a natural storytelling flair that shines throughout his work. His Moosepath League epic, a humorous and historical ongoing saga of late nineteenth century Maine attracted the attention of a New York literary agent who brokered a six book deal with Viking Penguin. It garnered praise from international reviewers who said "His stories are filled with , rollicking whimsy (Detroit Free Press), amiably and richly populated (The New York Times Book Review) with Dickensian characters and authentic New England (specifically, coastal Maine) locations, .... very gratifying." Van's ability to spin a story extends to the stage. Having tread the boards for many years in the mid-coast area, he combines performing experience with his vast store of pithy vernacular stories creating a masterful and engaging jaunt through the Maine cultural experience. He continues to write at his home in Edgecomb while enjoying his family. His most recent work,An American Zigzag is in the form of a 19th century literary magazine. In addition, his seventh Moosepath novel is due to be released this winter. www.moosepath.com

Tickets for this unique celebration of Maine's holiday season are $12 adult $5 children with a discount for Sagadahoc Preservation members FMI call 207-529-5438 or email castlebay@castlebay.net