BELGRADE — Ernest Thompson, the Academy Award-winning creator of the film “On Golden Pond,” plans to make a special appearance at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Belgrade Recreation Center for All Seasons, 1 Center Drive.

Hosted by Lakehome Group Real Estate, this free event is open to the public and will include an auction of “On Golden Pond” memorabilia donated by Thompson from his personal collection, with all proceeds benefiting Belgrade Lakes Association. Beverages and light snacks will be provided; those who attend can meet and take photos with Thompson and his Oscar.

Ernest Thompson Photo by Bruce Luetters

Thompson, who spent part of every summer on Great Pond in the Belgrade Lakes, will discuss and read from his new novel, “The Book of Maps,” available for purchase and signing by the author, and will also answer questions about the Maine roots of his play and the making of the movie starring Katharine Hepburn and Henry and Jane Fonda.

“The Book of Maps” is the hilarious and deeply moving tale of another complicated father, this one taking his young son on a cross-country trip from Los Angeles to New England, covering 16 states in 15 days, but it’s the interior journey that resonates powerfully, the dad trying to find the perfect, worst time to break the news to his kid that his parents are ending their marriage, according to a news release from Kerrin Thompson, president, The Office of Ernest Thompson.

The father, Brendan, puts it off for as long as he can, knowing it will affect the boy forever and knowing, too, that he’s got to learn to become a better man and earn his son’s love.

Released last fall, “The Book of Maps” has taken Thompson and his wife on a book tour, making stops on the west coast and throughout the Northeast and into the South, with additional bookstore and theater events scheduled well into next year. “I welcome the opportunity to engage with folks who love compelling stories as much as I do,” Thompson said.

After a 50-year career as an actor starring in two TV series and on Broadway and numerous films, and as the author of more than 35 plays and ten movies, Thompson brings a legacy of experience and no shortage of anecdotes from the 25 fellow Oscar winners or nominees with whom he’s collaborated.

This event will support the association’s campaign to protect Great Pond and the other Belgrade Lakes that have served as inspiration not only for Ernest Thompson but for the classic children’s author E.B. White and Nobel winner Eugene O’Neill. “I think there’s something in the water,” Thompson said. “And not just a fish named Walter.”

For more information, call 207-495-2500 or visit thebookofmaps.com.

Check out other upcoming area events!