What's Happening in Maine this weekend . . . Pirates, Wheels, Seaplanes, Dark Skies and Ducks

Wheels on the Waterfront in Bangor this weekend!

Listen up people!  This is a great weekend to be in Maine, especially in my neck of the woods (channeling Al Roker here). 

So, let’s start here, in the Greater Bangor, Maine area:

 

1                    Wheels on the Waterfront – the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau is again hosting the Bangor Car Show.  Having more than doubled last year’s entrants at this point, this show is gearing up to be a spectacular event.  It’s not too late to get in on the action either.  The weather’s looking good with plenty of blue sky and sunshine to showcase this collection of chrome and attitude.  Visit the CVB’s website for details:   Bangor Car Show

    

2                    15^th Annual Bangor Rubber Duck Race - The Rubber Duck Race is an exciting family and community event. The rubber ducks will dive off the footbridge behind the Pickering Square Garage and float to the finish line at the Central St. Bridge. Sponsors of the winning ducks will win one of several great prizes and there will also be a special prize for the last duck to cross the finish line. Come join the fun and cheer on your duck! You can participate by sponsoring one or more ducks. The sponsors of the winning ducks do not need to be present to receive a prize. Sponsorship forms are available at Good Samaritan Agency, and several greater Bangor area locations, or by calling Duck Central at 942-7211, you can also get your tickets at the race on Saturday. Proceeds from the 15th Annual Bangor Rubber Duck Race will support Good Samaritan Agency’s services for single parents, our childcare center and adoption program.  More info here: Bangor Runner Duck Race

 

3                    39^th Annual International Seaplane Fly In – in Greenville on and around Moosehead Lake, the Seaplane Fly In brings thousands of flying enthusiasts and spectators to the region.  Raising funds to sponsor aviation education, the event is also a feel good opportunity to help carry on the traditions.  Bring your chairs, binoculars, cameras, good spirit and love of flying to this little town on the south shore of Moosehead Lake.  You can find more info here:  Seaplanefly-in.org

Tall ships

 4                    Argh!  The Eastport Pirate Festival  is also happening this weekend in Maine.  Come in costume.  Come ready to have fun.  Just come.  This three day weekend event begins today.  Tall ships, Thieves Market with specials, parades, kids games, an Old Sow Pig Roast dinner, Cannon lessons, and Pirate and Wench parties all over town, this is a well organized good humored good time.  Bonus is the visit to the Lubec and Eastport area!  

5                    The MaineStarlight Festival .  It’s easy to take the dark skies for granted here in Maine.  We tend to forget that in many places in the world, light pollution obscures the stars.  There’s a small stillness that you feel when you see that huge expanse of deep dark night sky.  This event is a coordinated effort all over the state and goes on from today, September 7^th until September 16^th.  Check out the website for details, schedule and inspiration.

   

6                    Harvest Hoot 2012 in Camden - A full day of fun for the whole family on the mountainside at the Camden Snow Bowl. Four live bands......Kelly Parker Band, Jerks of Grass, Three Button Deluxe, Everard Dodge...Grammy-nominated children's entertainer, Judy Pancoast and tons of children's activities.  Local food vendors, chair lifts open all day.  Barefoot on the grass, great music and food - a blast for adults and kids!  

Garlic & Press

 

7                    MDI Garlic Festival -  More than 800 people attend the Mt. DesertIsland Garlic Festival. Held at the Smugglers Den Campground, in Southwest Harbor, the 14th annual event will feature local restaurants, musicians, brewers and garlic growers.

If you can’t find something to do in Maine this weekend . . . you’re clearly not looking hard enough!  Late summer is clear, cool, and dry here and perfect time to visit.  Check out a festival, try something new, explore this fabulous state, and keep coming back.  If you live here, all the better!  Get out and support your communities.  Meet some new people.  Encourage visitors!  All boats rise with the tide so when we share our state with others, we all benefit.  Come and spend the day, spend the weekend, enjoy Maine. 

“Everything is so superb and breathtaking. I am creeping forward on my belly like they do in war movies.”
-Diane Arbus