This weekend in Maine: What's Happening

There are times of the year that it’s difficult to get any work done.  The holidays are one of those times.  Another time is now.  Mid summer . . . July & August.  The weather is beautiful, rarely a day that’s too hot.  Days stretch out well into prime time.  It’s hard to stay inside.  You almost wish for a rainy day so you can have a few productive hours.  But with so many people on vacation, I find that I’m leaving voice mails for people who won’t return for days and sending emails that are lobbed back as out of office replies.  So what do you do?

Go out and have fun.

Whether you’ve been at work or on vacation this week, I bet you’re still looking for something to do this weekend.  There’s plenty going on in Maine in the next few days.  Find your way to one or more of these happenings. 

Bangor State Fair – Having started July 27^th, this year’s Bangor State Fair is in full swing.  Located on the grounds of the Bangor Auditorium and Bangor Raceway, this is one of the largest and longest running agricultural fairs in the nation.  The midway and games, rides and concessions are pure carnival.  Attendees come from everywhere and people watching (if you’re into that kind of thing) is part of the fun.  One thing that makes this a true Maine show is the lobster roll eating contest, taking place August 3.  Some of the live shows have come to Bangor before and some are new experiences for visitors.  One repeat performer is the Disc-Connected K9s show.  I’d go back and see this one again and again.  The show team trains rescue dogs from all over the world to catch flying discs and jump on their shoulders and show off their agility.  You can even get a mini disc “autographed” with bite marks by one of the dogs.  More food than should be allowed, a great agricultural set up in the Bangor Raceway barns, a photo contest, all kinds of 4H contests, and a live BMX bike show.  Admission is $12.00 for all ages and it allows access to all shows and unlimited amusement rides.  More info here:  www.bangorstatefair.com.

Maine Fairy House Festival – at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is an event that I attended two years ago.  Such a fun time for kids and grownups.  Lose yourself in imagining a world where fairies giggle and hide in the woodlands and garden.  Build Fairy Houses with your kids.  The Botanical Gardens prepares areas for doing just that, and somehow there’s just enough decorating material to build a great house.  

The gardens themselves are spectacular.  I especially loved the Burpee kitchen garden full of fresh herbs and the Alfond children’s garden.  The children’s garden has a vegetable garden and a keeper’s cottage.  Live performances, crafts, the oh so fun bubble machine, and food make for a fun time.  All I have to say on this one – if you’re in the area – GO – here’s more info and directions and some beautiful photos of the gardens http://www.mainegardens.org/calendar/maine-fairy-house-festival

Maine Lobster Festival – In Rockland, this festival’s claim as “the original lobster festival” can’t be disputed by many.  A tradition for 65 years, it has grown into an event that its creators might not have imagined.  It has gone well beyond the expected lobster related food and fun.  Arts & crafts, maritime displays and demonstrations, and live entertainment.  www.mainelobsterfestival.com

Maine Comedy Festival – being held at the Bethel Inn Resort, funny people and a golf tournament to boot.  www.mainecomedyfest.com.  They’ve got some big names and expect big laughs.  If you’re visiting or live in western Maine, you might want to check this out. 

WLBZ Sidewalk Art Festival – Between the Bangor Fair and this event, my little part of the state is really hopping this weekend.  This art festival grows every year.  It’s great to get out and get inspired by other artists and perhaps get your hands on something really cool.  Check it out at www.wlbz2.com. 

84th annual Kennebunk Antiques Show and Sale -  Held on Saturday and Sunday, August 4 & 5, at the Kennebunk High School gymnasium. Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Society, Inc, this year's show will again have 30 exhibitors from several states selling antiques in every area of the antiques market. Known for its tremendous selection of fine antique glass, fine antique china and antique and estate jewelry, this year’s show will also include Period and country furniture, Folk Art, primitives, Americana, Silver, historical Staffordshire, hand-painted china, pottery, decoys, paintings, prints, Fine Art, linens, postcards & ephemera, and Oriental porcelains. Come early, have lunch & enjoy.  For more info, directions and schedule www.goosefareantiques.com/

Okay so if none of this inspired you to get off your couch and go play, you’re really missing out on some great stuff.

Head’s up for next weekend (11^th & 12^th) – start making plans for

Downtown Bangor’s Artwalk  – August 10^th

 http://artwalkmaine.org/bangor/

Kahbang Music and Arts Festival begins

http://www.kahbang.com/