READFIELD -- Ricky Gibson II can't find the words to say or write. No matter how hard or how often he tries, the words escape him.

He hopes they come tonight, when Maranacook Community High School dedicates the Ricky Gibson Field of Dreams against neighbor Winthrop. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

But if they don't?

"It's OK," the father said of the tribute to his son. "I know Ricky will be smiling. I've been thinking for months what I am going to say but still haven't written anything down. I just haven't been able to do it. It's been something I've been struggling with. I've sat down dozens of times and tried to write something. I just haven't been able to do it. I just have no idea."

The field dedication to honor Ricky Gibson III is part of homecoming weekend at Maranacook. Ricky Gibson III died in April of complications due to an inoperable brain tumor. He was 16.

Gibson's wish was for lights to illuminate the football field. Thanks to donations and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, his dream came true. Tonight, a school and a community will remember him with a special night of thanks.

Tom Peaco, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, and Gibson II are scheduled to speak before the crowd, which Maranacook athletic director Al MacGregor says could exceed 1,000 fans.

Cheerleaders from the University of Maine will perform at halftime, which will also feature a sign dedication and fireworks.

The football program will also unveil a brass bell, which will be rung by each Black Bear as they walk on to the field.

The bell, which will be engraved with a message about Gibson, will become a permanent fixture at the field. It will be called the Ricky Gibson Field of Dreams Bell, which was purchased for $495 through an Internet business.

The bell was paid for by donations to the football program.

"We're hoping it'll start a nice tradition," said Melissa Wade, who works on the school board and spearheaded much of the field fundraising project. "Our community came together like nothing I've ever seen before. Ricky was really amazing. He just gave back to the community. He'll be looking down (tonight) at his teammates and say 'way to go guys.'"

Maranacook (2-2) has already played two games under its new lights, but wanted to dedicate the field on homecoming with Winthrop in town. Winthrop last season donated its gate revenue from a playoff game -- more than $500 -- to Maranacook.

"It will be a special night," Winthrop coach Joel Stoneton said.

Added Winthrop junior running back Ryan Conant, who played baseball growing up with Ricky Gibson III: "It'll be moving. I feel very special to be a part of it. It's going to be very touching."

Gibson II says he expects an emotional night and game.

"It's going to be overwhelming for sure," he said. "It's unbelievable. I'm hoping we can win; that would be nice."

Another round of fireworks is scheduled for after the game.

MacGregor advised spectators to allow ample time for parking.

Bill Stewart -- 623-3811, ext. 515

bstewart@centralmaine.com