AUGUSTA — The Spring Running Festival, a celebration of life, and fish, on the Kennebec River, is set for Friday and Saturday in Augusta.

The festival celebrates and promotes the historic, cultural and economic connections of Augusta to the spring herring run and the Kennebec River.

The third annual event will take place at Mill Park and Old Fort Western, both in the area around downtown Augusta. The park was the site of the dam that blocked the passage of anadromous fish species for over 150 years.

The festival is named for the annual Kennebec River "run" of herring that return from the sea to their freshwater spawning grounds each spring. Activities include free fly-tying and casting instructions, kayk safety lessons, fish preservation techniques including a blacksmith and barrel-maker, local vendors, a craft show, and Native American music.

A seafood dinner and dance will be held at 5 p.m. Friday at the Calumet Club. Local artisans will have their products for sale at Mill Park Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., and the event will be in full swing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.springrunning.com.

Rain date is Sunday.

— Keith Edwards