BAR HARBOR — The star-filled night skies at Maine’s Acadia National Park are being celebrated.

The fifth annual Acadia Night Sky Festival kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday. The festival is a community celebration to promote and protect Acadia’s dark night skies.

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Star trails streak across the sky in a 75-minute time-exposure at Acadia National Park. The star-filled night skies are being celebrated during the fifth annual Acadia Night Sky Festival which began Thursday and runs through Sunday. 2006 Associated Press File Photo / Robert F. Bukaty

The event features nearly 40 programs and events, including hikes, workshops, lectures, films, art exhibits and stargazing opportunities, including what’s being billed as a “star party” on top of Cadillac Mountain on Saturday night.

The festival is organized by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and is a collaboration among a number of organizations, including the National Park Service.

More information is available at www.acadianightskyfestival.org.