Photos provided EPWORTH PARK cottages, shown here, are often the stars of the show at the Chautauqua Homecoming Days & Bethesda Festival, slated July 10-11.

BETHESDA — Organizers of the 31st annual Chautauqua Homecoming Days & Bethesda Festival, set for July 10-11, invites people to take a stroll down memory lane and relive the feelings of the days of yore at this historic Methodist Campground.

Visitors can stroll along the lake, enjoy the beautiful fountain and reminisce under the majestic oak trees.

Epworth Park was established in 1870, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic organizers were unable to celebrate the 150th anniversary in 2020. So,this year they are celebrating the “150 +1 anniversary.”

People are invited to join in at Epworth Park, 215 N. Main St., Bethesda, for the Chautauqua Homecoming Days & Bethesda Festival. The schedule of events include:

Saturday, July 10:

∫ 8 a.m. White Elephant sale;

∫ 8 a.m. The concession stand at the park entrance opens for breakfast with coffee, doughnuts,sausage gravy and biscuits and breakfast burritos;

∫ 8:30 a.m. Fishing Contest registration begins for children ages 2-14 at the auditorium;

∫ 9 a.m. Fishing Contest begins, Bethesda Hazen Lodge #251, sponsors this event;

∫ 9 a.m. Epworth Park souvenirs, memorabilia and delicious baked goods are available for purchase;

∫ 9 a.m. Visit the craft show along the avenue with more than 25 crafters, vendors, antique dealers;

∫ 9 a.m. Peruse the Auction on the Avenue items for that one of kind gift. Cottage #71

∫ 9 a.m. Visit more crafters at the Gazebo on the Hill;

— 10 a.m. Fishing Contest Awards at auditorium;

— 11 a.m. Purchase brat sandwiches at the auditorium or stop at the park concession stand for a chicken sandwich, hot dog, Coney dog, or sloppy joe along with potato salad and baked beans, also enjoy a root beer float, ice cream treats or an apple dumpling.

— 11 a.m. parade line up at Virginia Street;

— 11:30 a.m. Children’s Bicycle Parade (Ages 13 and under) line up at Virginia Street;

— Noon — Festival parade begins. Awards will be presented;

— Noon — Enjoy a delicious chicken barbecue dinner at the Hazen Lodge;

— 1 p.m. Interesting Facts About Abe Lincoln at auditorium;

— 1:30-3 p.m. Visit with Abe Lincoln as he strolls through the park;

— 6 p.m. The Shuman Family takes the concert stage performing Country, Folk, Rock at the Auditorium.

Sunday, July 11

— 10:45 a.m. Morning worship service begins in the auditorium with the Rev. Tom Detling, pastor of Bethesda United Methodist Church, leading the service;

— 11 a.m. The concession stand opens;

— 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins for the Bethesda Car Show sponsored by the Bethesda-Belmont-Morristown Rotary Club;

— Noon — A roast pork dinner will be served at the park concession stand as well as sandwiches and other food items;

— Noon — The White Elephant sale opens;

— Noon — The Antiques and craft sales and local artists continue;

— Noon — the Auction on the Avenue at Cottage #71;

— Noon — The Bethesda Car Show is from noon to 4 p.m. Registration fee is $8. Dash plaques for the first 100 entries. Trophies will be awarded. DJ Frank Prebeg will offer your favorite oldies music. Food and beverages are available at the shelter, plus door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. The car show will take place on the west side of Epworth Park at the corner of Lake and Virginia streets;

— 1 p.m. Purchase brat sandwiches at the auditorium;

— 2 p.m. in the auditorium, entertainment begins with the multi-talented bluegrass band, Almost Famous. All concerts go on rain or shine in the open-air covered auditorium;

— Dusk or about 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks at Shepherd Farm Barn & Events Center, 433 N. Main Street. People can also park at the Bethesda Christian Church to view the fireworks.

For more information about the festival, call Bruce at 740-359-8744