Archive for the ‘holiday’ Category
And so it begins.
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Take a peek at what’s in store for those lucky enough to be in Maine in the upcoming weeks. Just a partial list:
Christmas Tree Farms — links
Skiing – links
Rockland — Festival of Lights Celebration “Light up the Spirit of Giving” – - November. 27-29
Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat at Public Landing in Rockland, Historic Inns holds Holiday Open Houses, Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Ceremony, Downtown Festival of Lights Parade, family pancake breakfast with Santa, children’s activities, Santa’s Workshop, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa’s mailbox, holiday music, special events, extended shopping hours. Call for complete schedule: Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce at 207-596-0376.
Brewer — 35th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show — Nov 27-29
The long weekend is a perfect time to get out and shop before everything is gone. Free gift giveaway every hour. United Maine Craftsmen (if you’re interested, check the site for more events) – Brewer Auditorium, 203 State Street, Brewer – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, fee $1.00 Email: info@unitedmainecraftsmen.com
Ellsworth –Woodlawn — The 1st Annual Run For The Leftovers - – Saturday, – November 28th, 1 p.m.
Join the fun run at Woodlawn’s X-country trails. Runners can choose between a 3k, 4k, or 5k distance. The event will conclude with a Pie Festival. Bring a leftover pie to share. Water and apple cider provided. Come socialize and share in some great camaraderie! And a slice of pie or two. For more information, please contact Peter Keeney at 288-3909 or pktrldrt@myfairpoint.net. You can also contact the sub5 track Club, Eden Athletics, or Crow Athletics. Donations will be accepted for Woodlawn’s trails maintenance. Woodlawn site.
Rockport — 30th Annual Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market – - November 28
The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Annual Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market will be held on Saturday, November 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. The admission charge is $2.00 per person, no charge for children under 12.
The Knox County Ballroom & the Vinal Haven Room will be filled with unique artisans, gifts and craftspeople selling Maine-made items that have been reviewed for the highest quality. We have added new craftspeople for you to discover along with a spot to catch lunch or a snack while you shop. Ride the All Aboard Trolley to Main Street Rockland from the Samoset Resort from 10 am to 4 pm and shop for your holiday gifts from among the area’s most unique offerings. For more information, contact Barbara Heard at the Chamber office, 596-0376, ext. 24.
Freeport — Sparkle Weekend - - December 4th, 2009 — December 6th, 2009 - – Free
Join us for all of the festivities of Sparkle Weekend beginning with the Parade of Lights on Friday evening! The whole family can enjoy the talking tree, visits with Santa, children’s activities, Harrington House Vignettes, Tuba Concert, Jingle Bell Run and so much more! For more detailed information please visit the website – - Contact: Alison Wiest – (207) 865-1212
Boothbay – - Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea – - December 5, 2009, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Individual pots of tea will accompany plates of delicate scones served with Devonshire cream and jam, along with four tea sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, tomato, and herbed cheese). Mollie Moore, who’s originally from England and owned a wonderful tea room in Boothbay Harbor, will again make the scones for the Tea. Holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal music will add to the festive atmosphere in the Kitchen Garden Café and around the Saxon Fireplace. The price is $20 for members and $27 for non-members. Reservations are required for this delightful event – a Gardens tradition.
Ellsworth – - Tuesday, December 1st, 6-8 p.m. – - Holiday Open House – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Join us for some holiday cheer and delicious hors d’oeuvres as you enjoy Woodlawn’s beautifully decorated rooms. As space is limited, reservations are recommended. Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth – - December 1st – 23rd, 10 a.m., 4 p.m. – Holiday Tours – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Using the theme of A Victorian Christmas, area decorators have created wonderful displays for you to enjoy. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear a special audio tour presentation on the history of Christmas at Woodlawn and in New England. This year’s decorator include Cullen Schneider from Fairwinds Florist in Blue Hill, Gail Royal from Westside Florist in Southwest Harbor, Liani Nutter from NewLand Florist in Ellsworth, John Blake from M.M. Julz Christmas Shop in Ellsworth and members of the Ellsworth Garden Club and the Surry Garden Club. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 5-12, under 5 are free. Group and school tours are also available by appointment. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth - - Wednesdays December 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 3 pm, Sunday December 13 – - Holiday High Teas / A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Come enjoy a delicious traditional high tea and admire the splendid holiday decorations throughout the house. As space is limited, reservations are required by calling the museum. Cost: $18 for members, $20 for non-members. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn - - Saturdays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Family Saturdays – -
Join us in the Sleigh Barn for ornament making and holiday story time. In addition, families can have their picture taken on a decorated sleigh and take a hayride. “Family Saturdays” are free, although there is a charge for hayrides, photos, and to tour the house. Woodlawn site.
Bath — Festival of Trees “Holiday Gala” – December 1st, 2009 – 9:30 – 11:00 am and 4:00 – 5:30 pm — Website.
Cookie decorating, maritime holiday activities, and stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. To Benefit the Bath Area Family YMCA – 9:30 – 11am “Tots and Trees” – 4 – 5:30 pm “All Ages Welcome” – - 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530 – - Contact Cathy Crouch (207) 443-1316
Bath — Festival of Trees - - December 2nd, 2009, 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm – - The Festival of Trees is an annual event presented by the Bath Area Family YMCA featuring approximately 30 full size live Christmas trees decorated and sponsored by area businesses and non-profit organizations. Featuring music by the Oratorio Chorale, sparkling cider, champagne, hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $25.00. – - Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530 – - Phone: (207) 442-7291 – Toll-Free: 207 443-2067 – Fax: (207) 443-2067 — Website.
Boothbay –Festival of Trees Date - - December 4-5, 2009
The Garden Club’s annual celebration of the holidays – - come purchase one of a kind gifts, sweet selections and bid on one of the many beautifully decorated trees. This three day event is a fundraiser for the Garden Club. Website.
Boothbay – 25th Annual Harbor Lights Festival - - December 5, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Claus arrive by boat. Horse drawn wagon rides, holiday craft fair, lap time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lighting of the Town Tree, holiday carols, live nativity followed by the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade. Visit website.
Boothbay – - Maine Coastal Gardens – - Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea – - December 5, 2009, 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Enjoy a traditional cream tea at the Gardens. Individual pots of tea will accompany plates of delicate scones served with Devonshire cream and jam, along with four tea sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, tomato, and herbed cheese). Mollie Moore, who’s originally from England and owned a wonderful tea room in Boothbay Harbor, will again make the scones for the Tea. Holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal music will add to the festive atmosphere in the Kitchen Garden Café and around the Saxon Fireplace.
Boothbay – - Art In The Square Holiday Reception - – December 5, 2009 – - 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
The Artist and Public Reception welcomes everyone to join a celebration of our artistic youth , the creation of art and the Holiday Season.
Thomaston – - Hometown Holiday in Thomaston - – December 4 – 6
The town of Thomaston’s annual tree lighting ceremony on the mall takes place Friday night, December 4, at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Meanwhile, Santa will be at the Camden National Bank branch, sponsored by the Thomaston Merchants’ Association.
Warren – - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Holiday Open House – - Dec. 4 – 5
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks will open its doors Dec. 4-5 for a holiday Open House. Come watch demonstrations by accomplished artisans Chris Becksvoort, Charlie Durfee, and Jacque Vesery. Try out our entire collection of tools and learn woodworking techniques like razor sharp honing and hand plane tuning. Shop tours will be given hourly. Families are welcome. Bring your holiday wish list! Hours: Dec. 4th from Noon – 6 pm, and Dec. 5th from 10 am – 5 pm. Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Route 1, Warren.
For more information, contact Sarah Ewing at 207-273-1520 or 800-327-2520 (toll-free) - – email: sarah@lie-nielsen.com.
Camden — 2009 Christmas by the Sea - - December 4 – 6th
Experience Authentic Holiday Traditions in Award-Winning Maine Towns. No holiday celebration is more uniquely Maine than the ones that take place during the weeks after Thanksgiving in Camden and surrounding areas. Christmas By The Sea schedule here!
Here, a retired fire chief will make his way to the summit of Mt. Battie each afternoon as he has for the last 40 years to light a 27-foot star: a beacon of the season to residents, visitors and ships passing across Penobscot Bay. Santa Claus arrives aboard a tug boat and Coast Guard vessel. The trappings of Christmas delight young and old, as shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts explore the historic downtowns, waterways and surrounding mountains, experiencing shops, galleries and vistas found nowhere else.
Kennebunk — Christmas Prelude, December 4 -13th – - Check out the jam packed schecule of events.
Ogunquit - – 23rd Annual Christmas by the Sea 2009 – - December 11-13
Carolers, a concert, a bonfire, hayrides, Santa, shopping, a parade — it all sounds like fun. Visit the website to see the full schedule.
Lobster beats turkey.
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
It’s been a turkey of a year for lobstermen still struggling with the current market and various economic pressures, eventually resulting in scarey stories of shootings this summer.
The lobster story continues as Linda Bean, the L.L. Bean heiress, initiates her new Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine (Lobster) Company. Concerned about the plight of the local lobstermen, she’s invested millions into the company, with plans to open 100 franchises, nationwide, of her version of the lobster shack.
So this year, once again, give thanks to your local lobsterman by treating yourself to the luxury of a lobster dinner!
(A similar post ran last year and it’s still unforutnately appropriate this year. Don’t want to run it next!)
Maine celebrates the Fourth of July with parades, food, flags, fireworks, foolishness and widespread fun.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
This photo is from last year’s fantastic Fourth of July celebration in Thomaston. If you missed it, or just want to see what a classic Maine Fourth of July looks like, you can click here for last year’s post, or here for more photos.
Click on the links below to find just a few of the great ways Maine celebrates our independence. Will add to this list when new information arrives. If you know of something, please post it in the comments. Thanks!
Get out there and have fun!
Festival of Independence in the Midcoast
Easter Bunny arrives in Maine.
Sunday, April 12th, 2009
Maine’s wildlife heats up in the New Year.
Friday, January 2nd, 2009The Manor Inn in Castine threw a wicked New Years’ Eve party for the whole Castine community, hosted by the proprietors Nancy Watson and Tom Ehrman. And lots of nice folks pitched in to help. The lucky participants came from as far away as Florida, South Carolina, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
What a great start to the New Year!
Nancy Watson & Tom Ehrman.
The Manor Inn, 76 Battle Avenue, PO Box 873, Castine, ME 04421, Telephone 207 326 4861, Toll Free 800 464 7559, email: info@manor-inn.com
Merry Maine Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
This is the night for magic. Elves, gnomes and other enchanted creatures will be active tonight, including Santa.
Here is a link to the NORAD site so you can track his progress.
And this is a video about his visit to the International Space Station!
Below is a map of where he was as of 3:51pm, Eastern Standard Time, Christmas Eve. He has a ways to go before he’s in Maine. So there’s still time to be good.
Click on the image for a current update.
Merry Christmas to all!
Winter Solstice, Christmas Cheer.
Saturday, December 20th, 2008The Winter Solstice astronomically occurs between December 20 and 23. And we celebrate Christmas, of course, on December 25.
The days may be short but we make the most of them, often in small, but meaningful, ways.
Santa warms up Camden, and Lincolnville too.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008Wow, look at all the great stuff to do when Santa comes to Camden’s 22nd Annual Christmas by the Sea–
>>Thursday, December 4
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm -Open house and ‘Ornaments for Animals’ fundraiser at Prism Glass Gallery and the Gallery Café. 25% of all ornament sales and all proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Camden-Rockport-Animal Rescue League. 297 Commercial St. (Rt.1), Rockport. 230-0061
>>Friday, December 5
10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Let it Snow Gift Fair at the Camden Snow Bowl. A classic holiday gift fair featuring quality local products just for children. The juried vendors will be selling gorgeous, whimsical, decorative, and practical gifts of all kinds. The fair will also feature great stocking stuffer certificates for all of your favorite Snow Bowl activities, as well as plenty of other holiday treats. Don’t miss the raffle for a one-of-a- kind gingerbread Snow Bowl lodge!
12:15 pm – Organ and harp music of the season by Sheldon Gaard and guests First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden
4:30 pm—Santa arrives in West Rockport at Midcoast Recreation Center, Rt. 90, W. Rockport
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm—Opening Reception, Camden Public Library. Bring new or like new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves to decorate the Hat & Mitten Tree. Holiday selections performed by Camden Hills Regional High School vocal and instrumental students.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Join us for the opening reception of “In the Palm of Your Hand,” an exhibition featuring exquisite wooden vessels, boxes, ornaments, and sculptures perfect for holiday gift giving! Messler Gallery, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, 25 Mill Street, Rockport. 207-594-5611, Gallery hours: M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm.
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm - Portraits with Santa at Catherine Hellman Photography Studio. Join us for a visit and we will take your child’s portrait with Santa. You will receive 1 4×6 color print for FREE! All portraits will go on our web site gallery and will be available for purchase. Packages available for $10, $15 and $20. You can even have Holiday Cards made from them! 4 Public Landing, Camden.
6:00 pm—Christmas by the Sea Parade begins at Cedar Crest Motel, Rt. 1, Camden. Come and see what’s new as the parade travels through town to the tree lighting!
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm—Holiday Open House at Camden National Bank with horse & carriage rides at the Chestnut Street entrance. Warm up inside with cookies & hot cocoa and holiday music by the Windjammer Barber Shop Chorus. Camden National Bank, 2 Elm St., Camden. 236-8821
6 pm to 8 pm—Celebration on Ice and Skate with Santa—presented by the Skating Club of Maine feature national competition medalists Una Donegan & Andrew Corda Followed by skating for the entire family with Santa! Tickets: Adults 10, Students $5, Family $25 at Midcoast Recreation Center Rt. 90 Info : 236-9400
7:00 pm—Santa presides at the Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Harbor Park. Hot drinks provided by Camden Lions Club. Caroling led by the CHRHS Choir.
7:00 pm – Organ and harp music of the season by Sheldon Gaard and guests First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden
7:30 pm—The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company’s full length version of this magical Holiday production. Tickets $18 adults, $14 children 12 & under/seniors. Available at HAV II, Wild Rufus Records, (Camden) The Reading Corner, (Rockland) Fertile Mind Bookstore, (Belfast) Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Camden OperaHouse 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963
All Day Until 10 pm—Holiday shopping EXTRAVAGANZA at downtown Camden shops!
>>Saturday, December 6
8 am to 12 pm—The Rockport Garden Club invites you to the “Holly Berry Fair” at the Rockport Opera House, lower level. Featuring hand painted lobster buoys, hand crafted Christmas ornaments and gifts, baked goods, unique Granny’s attic items & door prizes. 6 Central St. Rockport. 236-7999
8:30 am – Frozen 5K Road Race.The course begins atop Mt. Battie, where the mountains meet the sea and continues to Camden Harbor. The course will drop more than 770 feet! This should make for a pretty fast pace. The race takes place during the annual Christmas by The Sea celebration in Camden. Come for the race, then stay and enjoy all of the fun, family friendly activities all weekend! First 50 entries get a T shirt $15 entry fee until 12/1, $20 after that. Registrations will be accepted day of the race. Brought to you by the Camden Rockport Lincolnville Chamber, West Bay Rotary and Puma please e-mail us at tomchester@tidewater.net or call us at 207- 975-0134.
9:00 am to 12 pm - Beltie Holiday at Aldermere Farm. Have your picture taken with a real Belted Galloway calf and make a keepsake Beltie ornament. $5 per child. Hot Chocolate provided. Bake sale by 4-H club members to support 4-H activities. Youth should be accompanied by an adult. Aldermere Farm 70 Russell Ave., Rockport. 236- 2739. www.aldermere.org.
9:00 am to 11:00 am—The 6th Annual Camden Fire Department Christmas Toy Drop Off. Help a child in need. Drop off unwrapped gifts Nov 23-Dec 12. Join us Dec. 6 for a Cocoa and Cookie reception. Camden Fire Department, Washington St., Camden. 593-9064
9 am to 2 pm—Holiday Craft Market & Open House at Windward Gardens. Join us for an exceptional craft sale, scrumptious holiday foods and live music for the season from Three Button Deluxe. Door prizes and raffles. 105 Mechanic St., Camden. 236- 4197
9:00 am to 2:00 pm—Holiday Craft Fair at Merry Gardens Estates. 87 John St. Camden 230-0618
9:30 am—Santa arrives by boat at Rockport Harbor! FREE photos with Santa at Rockport Marine made possible by photographer Mark Haskell & Maine Coast Photo.
9:30 am – 11:30 am – Decorate your own holiday cookie at the Children’s House Montessori School, 58 Elm Street, Camden. 236-2911. No charge.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Holiday Bazaar at Merryspring. A variety of plants, greens, wreaths, live arrangements and lots of gifts for holiday giving and decorating. FMI www.merryspring.org or 236-2239.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm – The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA), 162 Russell Avenue, Rockport, celebrates Christmas by the Sea with an Open House. Thefestivities will feature free admission all day, mulled cider, holiday cookies and treats, discounts on artful gifts in our Gallery Shop, and a special sale of Carroll Thayer Berry’s original woodcut prints (before prices rise in 2009). Come enjoy CMCA’s exhibitions and see why we are one of Maine’s leading contemporary art organizations. Be a part of art! Winter gallery hours: Thurs – Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 1 – 5 pm. Visit www.cmcanow.org for more information.
10:30 am to 11:30 am “The Fiddle Group” performs the sounds of the season at the Camden Public Library. The group, including many students and parents from Ashwood Waldorf School, will entertain the crowds before Santa’s arrival.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm—The 4th Annual Camden Fire Department Christmas Toy Drop Off. Help a child in need. Drop off unwrapped gifts Nov 26-Dec 12. Join us Dec. 2 for a Cocoa and Cookie reception.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm—Roving Carolers from CHRHS Chorale and Concert Choir stroll through downtown.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Let it Snow Gift Fair at the Camden Snow Bowl. A classic holiday gift fair featuring quality local products just for children. The juried vendors will be selling gorgeous, whimsical, decorative, and practical gifts of all kinds. The fair will also feature great stocking stuffer certificates for all of your favorite Snow Bowl activities, as well as plenty of other holiday treats. Don’t miss the raffle for a one-of-a-kind gingerbread Snow Bowl lodge!
11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Portraits with Santa at Catherine Hellman Photography Studio. Join us for a visit and we will take your child’s portrait with Santa. You will receive 1 4×6 color print for FREE! All portraits will go on our web site gallery and will be available for purchase. Packages available for $10, $15 and $20. 4 Public Landing,Camden.
11:00 am to 1:30 pm – Hartstone Inn Brunch and Fashion Show featuring fashions from Leonard’s. Seating is limited please call for Reservations 236-4259, http://www.hartstoneinn.com
Noon—Santa arrives by Tug boat in Camden Harbor! Children’s Story Hour with Santa follows at the Library.
12:30 pm (or directly following Santa’s Story Hour) – The Upper Room Bell Ensemble Bell Choir of the Second Congregational Church of Warren, directed by Sue Wright will play festive holiday music. Camden Public Library. For info contact: 230-6628
1:00 pm—FREE photos with Santa at Teen Center, 10 Knowlton St., Camden, made possible by photographer Mark Haskell & Maine Coast Photo. Bring your holiday gifts to be wrapped! Donations to the Teen Center will be accepted.
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm—Roving Carolers from CHRHS Chorale and Concert Choir stroll through downtown.
2 pm & 4 pm—Camden’s Premier Inns - Annual Christmas High Tea hosted at the Blackberry Inn, Camden. $25 per person. Musical Entertainment provided by Maine ProMusica. Limited space, tickets available by calling the Blackberry Inn at 800-388-6000 or 236-6060. Camden’s Premier Inns is a sponsor of Maine ProMusica’sHoliday Pops concert on December 20, 2008.
3:00 pm - The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company’s full length version of this magical Holiday production. Tickets $18 adults, $14 children 12 & under/seniors. Available at HAV II, Wild Rufus Records, (Camden) The Reading Corner, (Rockland) Fertile Mind Bookstore, (Belfast) Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Camden Opera House 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963.
3:00 pm - Such is Life & Enjoy winter sports movies sponsored by Ragged Mt. Ski & Snowboard Club. Bayview St. Cinema, Camden. Donation of $5 accepted at door. FMI 236-8690.
3:00 pm to 5:00pm – Portraits with Santa at Catherine Hellman Photography Studio. Join us for a visit and we will take your child’s portrait with Santa. You will receive 1 4×6 color print for FREE! All portraits will go on our web site gallery and will be available for purchase. Packages available for $10, $15 and $20. 4 Public Landing, Camden.
4:00 pm—Tree lighting, bonfire and sing along at Lincolnville Beach. All are welcome. Santa arrives by fire engine around 4:30 pm!
4 pm—5 pm Ringing in the Season a 5 choir bell concert. Featuring the bell choirs from the Rockland Congregational Church, Rockland Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Warren Second Congregational Church, Camden First Congregational Church & Penobscot Bay Ringers of Rockport. Free at the Camden First Congregational Church, Elm St. Camden. 230-6628. Doors open at 3pm. Free will donation to benefit AIO food bank will be done at the end of the concert.
7:00pm – The 14-member Boston Brass Big Band perform holiday classics. Strom Auditorium, Camden Hills Regional High School. Most adult tickets $20, limited number of $8 youth (18 & under). Tickets at Bay Chamber Concerts at (207) 236-2823 or baychamberconcerts.org.
>>Sunday, December 7
10:00 am to 12:00 pm – Portraits with Santa at Catherine HellmanPhotography Studio. Join us for a visit and we will take your child’s portrait with Santa. You will receive 1 4×6 color print for FREE! All portraits will go on our web site gallery and will be available for purchase. Packages available for $10, $15 and $20. 4 Public Landing, Camden.
10:00 am to 3:00 pm – Holiday brunch at Prism Glass Gallery and the Gallery Cafe. Special Holiday Selections. Last chance to bid on the ’Ornaments for Animals’ Silent Auction and buy ornaments that benefit the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League. 297 Commercial St. (Rt.1), Rockport. 230-0061
1 pm to 4 pm— “Christmas at the Inns” Tour of bed & breakfasts and inns in Camden & Lincolnville. Open house at some of midcoast Maine’s loveliest B&B’s, decorated for the holidays. Free admission, donations suggested. Brochure available at any tour inn: Abigail’s B&B 236-2501, Belmont Inn 236-8053, Blackberry Inn-Elms B&B 236-6060, Blue Harbor House 236-3196, Camden Harbour Inn 236-4200, Camden Hideaway Inn, Camden Windward House 236-9656, Hartstone Inn 236-4259, Hawthorn Inn 236-8842, Inn at Camden Place 236-4616, Lord Camden Inn 236-4325 & Victorian Inn 236-3785.
3:00 pm - The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company’s full length version of this magical Holiday production. Tickets $18 adults, $14 children 12 & under/seniors. Available at HAV II, Wild Rufus Records, (Camden) The Reading Corner, (Rockland) Fertile Mind Bookstore, (Belfast) Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Camden Opera House 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963
7:30 pm—20th Annual Holiday Concert with Anne Dodson & Friends at the First Congregational Church Sanctuary, 55 Elm St., Camden. Tickets: In advance,
10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Holiday Bazaar at Merryspring A variety of plants, greens, wreaths, live arrangements and lots of gifts for holiday giving and decorating. FMI www.merryspring.org or 236-2239.
Many thanks to the sponsors:
- Holiday Tree –Tree donated by West Bay Rotary
- Santa Dinner Sponsor — McMahon’s Knox Grille
- Opening Reception — Bangor Saving
- Hosted by the Camden Public Library
- Hat and Mitten Tree — The First Bancorp
- Santa’s Visit to W. Rockport — Cappy’s Chowder House
- Santa’s Visit to Rockport Harbor — Bay Chamber Concerts
- Santa’s Visit to Camden Harbor — New England Motor Works
- Santa’s Visit to Lincolnville Beach — Lincolnville Business Group
- Santa’s Story Hour — Paolina’s Way
- Hosted by the Camden Public Library
- Photos with Santa in Rockport Marine — Maine Media Workshop
- Photos with Santa in Camden / Teen Center — Key Bank
- Santa’s North Pole Lodge — Lord Camden Inn
Santa Claus is coming to town.
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
Ready or not, the holidays are here. We’re behind already. Here’s a small list of some of the fun to be had in the coming weeks.
Rockland Festival of Lights
This schedule came from the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce – 207 596 0376 | 800 562 2529
Friday, November 28
12 noon—Santa arrives at Harbor Park’s town landing by U.S. Coast Guard boat and makes his way to his work shop next to the Brass Compass Cafe.
12:30–3pm—Santa will greet children and except letters to the North Pole. (sponsors to be announced)
Saturday, November 29
12 noon–4pm—Carriage Rides by St. George Carriage available. Free to the public. Rides begin at Key Bank on Main Street.
4pm–8pm—$5.00 Lobster Dinners at the Tradewinds Restaurant.
6pm—Tree Lighting Ceremony sponsored by Camden National Bank. Music and refreshments (cookies made by MCST Culinary Dept. & hot cocoa is sponsored by Tim Horton’s) Takes place at Mildred Merrill Park, beside Time Out Pub. See the largest Lobster Trap Tree on the coast with traps made by Brooks Trap Mill and decorated with local fisherman’s buoys.At 6:15 pm, there will be music and ribbon cutting to open Main Street for the shopping season.
‘Til 8pm—Many of downtown Rockland’s great stores will remain open ’til 8pm for your shopping convenience. Pick up your Festival of Lights supplement in the Free Press with the Light Up the Spirit of Giving ballot.
Saturday, Nov. 29
11 a.m.-3 p.m. – The Rockland Shopping Train will arrive at the Rockland Railroad Station at 11 a.m. and take people from Brunswick, Bath and Wiscasset to all the festivities downtown.The train departs at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $40. For more information, call 596-6725.
Noon-8 p.m. – Eat, drink and be merry on Main Street. Spend the day tasting foods found in downtown Rockland’s eateries. There will be prizes up for grabs with the purchase of a raffle ticket. Proceeds will benefit LifeFlight. Tickets are $5 each or six for $25. Participating restaurants and times: See the Festival of Lights supplement for schedule.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Festival of Lights Craft and Gift Market at the Samoset Resort. More than 60 artisans will sell their work. Admission is $3. Free trolley rides will be offered between downtown (Museum Street) Rockland and the Samoset Resort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Share the Wonder Celebration at the Farnsworth Art Museum. The annual celebration is a day of holiday activities for families, which includes a historic train set, Christmas art and ephemera from the Wyeth family. There will be six planned activities, including ornament making, cookie decorating, presentation of calling cards and story reading in the library. Passports will be issued to children at the front desk that, when stamped at all six locations, can be presented at the Museum Store for a prize.
Noon-3 p.m. – Santa will be at his workshop and open for business (every Saturday until Christmas).
Noon-4 p.m. – Free horse drawn carriage rides at Key Bank (every Saturday until Christmas).
4-8 p.m. – $5 lobster dinners at the Trade Winds Restaurant.
6 p.m. – Festival of Lights Parade. “Light Up the Spirit of Giving.” All floats in the parade will be lit and most will have music. There will be hot cocoa stands along the parade route manned by volunteers. The parade begins at North Main Street (at The Brown Bag) and travels down Main Street-in the wrong direction-and ends at Harbor Park. After the judging and weather permitting, there will be a bonfire. Cocoa sponsored by the Samoset Resort and Dunkin’ Donuts. Bring nonperishable food items to vote for a favorite float. The Salvation Army will collect these items and distribute them to families in need in Knox County.
Sunday, Nov. 30
9-11 a.m. – Pancake breakfast with Santa. The Trade Winds Motor Inn will host this event. People may have their pictures taken with Santa. Admission at the door is $2 for children, $4 for adults.
1-4 p.m. – Historic Inns of Rockland Holiday Open House. Each inn will demonstrate a different aspect of entertaining for a crowd. Demonstratons at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., ending with caroling at the Old Granite Inn. The suggested donation is $10 or bring a coat for the Coats for Kids Campaign.
Limerock Inn
Old Granite Inn
Captain Lindsey House
Berry Manor Inn
Other holiday season events
Dec. 5 and 6 – The Toy Library’s fundraiser “Polar Express Train” will run at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. from the Rockland Train Station. Purchase tickets in advance for $16; those under 2 years old and on an adult’s lap ride free. Tickets available at Planet Toys, Maine Eastern Railroad and the Toy Library. For more information, call 596-6725.
Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 – Open house at the Victorian Homestead from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See the Farnsworth family’s house decorated for the holidays in Victorian tradition. Free admission.
Dec. 10, 17 – Candlelight tours of the Victorian Homestead at 5 p.m. Free with reservations. For more information, call 596-6457, ext. 103.
Dec. 13 – Downtown Rockland merchants will host “Making Miracles,” a fundraiser for United Mid-Coast Charities. Bangor Savings Bank will light Main Street with 500 luminaries. Participating businesses will donate a portion of sales (Saturday and Sunday).
Dec. 13 – Gallery Night: Rockland’s downtown art galleries will be open late for holiday shopping. Light refreshments will be served.
Lobster trap tree raffle – 400 tickets available at $50 each (200 new lobster traps valued at more than $10,000). This year there will be two winners of 100 traps each. Drawing is Dec. 26. Tickets can be purchased at Brooks Trap in Thomaston, Hamilton Marine in Rockland, Camden National Bank in Rockland, and the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit the Rockland Downtown Alliance, promoting a sense of community for Rockland citizens.
Lots more:
- Events on The Maine Tourism site.
- Events on The Maine Events site
Gobble up lobster instead!
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008
This year lots of folks aren’t going to have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, they’ll have lobster instead, which will help out the local lobstermen, struggling with various economic pressures.
Bob Baines, chair of the Lobster Advisory Council, said, “It’s as bad as it’s ever been. It’s unprecedented. Guys are not making the money they need to make to get through the winter.”
Baines calls it a kind of perfect economic storm. Canadian processors buy 70% of Maine’s lobster. Their freezers are full, and lobster’s not selling because of the poor economy. A number of Canadian companies are now caught up in the financial trouble in Iceland. The crisis is costing the entire Maine economy a fortune.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
