Pick up your 2014 Summertime Guide today!

Welcome to summer in Maine!

Bookmark this online Summertime Guide, with information on all your favorite summer activities and events for 2014. Updated daily!

Also, Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper’s award-winning printed Summertime Guide is all-new this year. With a smaller, magazine-style layout, full color and more features, the 2014 version of our popular classic maintains that small-town charm while giving us a style upgrade.

Or click the Summertime cover below for a full, printable schedule, including recurring events, live music, craft shows, educational programs, art receptions and more.

Guides were inserted in the May 1 edition of the paper, and the entire PDF can be found on this page.

Looking for the Summertime photo contest? The winners can be found here.

 

Upcoming Events

June

June 18-July 28: BRAF Members’ July Art Show Boothbay Region Art Foundation, 1 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 207-633-2703.

June 21: Family Fun Day: NEW! Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Children under 18 admitted free. Antique fire truck rides, Model T rides, more. FMI: 207-633-4727.

June 21: Annual Lincoln County Historical Association Yard Sale on the lawn of the 1811 Old Jail, 133 Federal Street, Wiscasset, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collectibles, books, household, electronics, tools and more. Rain or shine. FMI: 207-882-7230.

June 22-28: 52nd Windjammer Days Festival Visiting schooners, antique boat parade, waterfront concerts, children's activities, street parade, fireworks and more! Call Friends of Windjammer Days Events Coordinator Dianne Gimbel at 207-504-0242 for more information, or click here for a full schedule.

June 25: WINDJAMMER FIREWORKS OVER THE HARBOR, 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 28: 62nd Annual Strawberry Festival at St. Philip’s Church in Wiscasset. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Strawberry shortcake, crafts, auction and more! Call 207-882-7184 for more information.

July

July 4: Annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Chicken BBQ Boothbay Common, Route 27. Food, music, crafts and games organized by the Boothbay Civic Association. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 4: First Friday Art Tour Meet the artists at participating art galleries hold open houses, serve refreshments, demos. Times vary. Call 207-633-7025 or visit the First Friday page.

July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks, 9 p.m. For information, call Boothbay Harbor Town Office at 207-633-3671.

July 4: Fourth of July parade, waterfront activities and fireworks in Wiscasset. Visit www.wiscassetchamber.com for more information.

July 11-12: Christmas in July Fair, Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, Southport, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 207-633-2741.

July 12: 11th Annual Orne’s Candy Rock Skipping Contest, by the Footbridge. To preregister and for more information, call 207-633-2695.

July 12: Summer Fair Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 82 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., white elephant, garage, bake and book sales. Luncheon. 207-633-6882.

July 12: 10th Annual Books In Boothbay, Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Free admission. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meet over 40 of Maine's best writers. 207-633-4727.

July 16: Annual Church Fair at the Southport United Methodist, Route 27, on Southport Island, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Antiques, attic treasures, Cookie Walk, local crafts, silent auction, and the famous lobster luncheon. For more information, call 207-633-5566.

July 18: 6th Annual Nautical Auction Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Preview, 4 p.m. For more information, 207-633-2012.

July 19-20: 50th Annual Antique Auto Days at Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Over 50 visiting antique cars are on display. Antique car parade through downtown Boothbay Harbor July 20. This year with a Craft Brew Festival (noon to 4 p.m.) For more information, call 207-633-4727

July 25: Home and Garden Tour A Boothbay Region Garden Club event, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 207-633-7405 for tickets or visit www.boothbayregiongardenclub.org for more information.

July 25-26: 16th Annual YMCA Annual Silent Auction Boothbay Region YMCA, Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Also antique show. Friday, July 25: 4-6 p.m. ($5 admission); Saturday, July 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (free admission). 207-633-2855.

July 26: Annual Antique Show & Sale The Lincoln County Historical Association's “Antiques Alfresco,” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum and Old Jail, Federal Street, Wiscasset. Antiques from the 18th century through middle 20th century: Americana, Victorian, Arts and Crafts periods. For more information, call John Reinhardt: 207-882-9628.

July 26: 31st Annual Summerfest on the common in Wiscasset. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, entertainment, crafts, dog show, jumbles sale, games and more. First Congregational Church of Wiscasset donates proceeds from the fair to local outreach organizations. FMI 207-882-7544.

July 30-August 25: BRAF Members’ August Art Show Boothbay Region Art Foundation (BRAF), 1 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Gallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

August

August 1: First Friday Art Walk Tour at participating galleries. Open houses, demonstrations, refreshments. Call 207-633-7025 or go to the First Friday page.

August 1: 187th Book & Bake Sale, Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, Southport. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 207-633-2741.

August 2: Annual Rotary Auction on the Boothbay Common, Route 27, Boothbay. The annual extravaganza features a silent and live auction with everything from boats to teaspoons.

August 2: Woolwich Day Celebration, 9 a.m. on the grounds of the town building. Tours of the museum and firehouse, craft tables, flea market, barbecue, live music and more. Call 207-442-7094 for more information.

August 7: YMCA Camp Carnival, Camp Knickerbocker, Barters Island Road, Boothbay. 207-633-2855.

August 7-10: 12th Shipyard Cup Regatta. Yachts from the world over participate in this racing event. Courses determined nearer the event. For more information, call 207-633-4194.

August 8-9: 2nd Annual Wings Over Wiscasset interactive history and aviation festival. Warbirds Airshow, WWII reenactors and base camp, antique military auto competition, live music, children’s activities, helicopter rides and more. Visit www.wingsoverwiscasset.com for information.

August 8-10: A Day out With Thomas, at the Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Ride behind Thomas, games, inflatables, live entertainment and more. 207-633-4727.

August 9: YMCA Southport Rowgatta Newagen Town Landing, Route 238, 8:30 a.m. for canoes, kayaks or rowboats. 207-633-2855.

August 9: St. Columba’s Blueberry Festival St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 207-441-2512.

August 9-10: Airshow: Wings and Wheels Spectacular Classic cars, guest aircraft and aerobatic performances.Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owl's Head. 207-594-4418.

August 14: 2nd Annual Shipyard Concert Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor. 5-7 p.m. A Boothbay Region Land Trust event. Tickets required: 207-633-4818.

August 15-17: A Day out With Thomas, at the Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Ride behind Thomas, games, inflatables, live entertainment and more. 207-633-4727.

August 17: The Tour de Farms Three rides (20, 50 and 100 miles) start and finish at the Morris Farm and wind along some of the most scenic roads in Midcoast Maine. Rest stops are at farms and other points of interest along the way. Post ride its time for a BBQ! For more information/registration, visit www.morrisfarm.org.

August 22-24: Arts & Yachts Show & Sale at the Boothbay Region Boatyard, 100 Ebenecook Road, Southport Island. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days. For more information, call Lincoln Arts Festival, 207-633-3913.

August 23: The Roaring 20s Barnstormers Ball 1920s garb encouraged! Music, food, festivities. Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owl's Head. 207-594-4418.

August 29-September 7: 3rd Annual Harbor Fest. A week-long celebration of food, music and local traditions. For more information, call Lori Pecor at 207-671-7676.

August 30: Art at the Waterfront Park, Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Boothbay Region Art Foundation at 207-633-2703.

August 30-31: Vintage Motorcycle Meet Attracts 100s of bikes (Indian, Ducati, Triumph, Harley and obscure models – maybe even a Vincent Blackshadow!)Last year there were 300 exhibitors.Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owl's Head. 207-594-4418.

August 31-September 1: Annual Labor Day Craft Show Boothbay Common, Route 27, Boothbay. August 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; September 1: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain dates September 6-7. For more information, call Vicki Huskins, 207-633-2404

September

September 1-5: 3rd Annual Harbor Fest  A weeklong celebration of food, music and local traditions. For more information, call Lori Pecor, 207-671-7676.

September 1: One Happy Harbor Golf Scramble Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Country Club Road, Boothbay. 1 p.m. shotgun start. Contact Dianne, 207-633-5088.

September 5: First Friday Art Walk Tour at participating galleries. Open houses, demonstrations, refreshments. Call 207-633-7025, see First Friday page.

September 13: Open Lighthouse Day Visit Burnt Island. One trip. Tickets at Pier 8, Balmy Days Cruises booth. Tickets/information: 1-800-298-2284 or 207-633-2284.

September 13-14: Foreign Auto Festival Triumph, Porsche, Ferrari and more. Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owl's Head. 207-594-4418.

September 18: Claw Down 3rd Annual Chef’s “Lobster Bite” competition. Local chef's put their best lobster bite down on the plate. The public samples entries and vote to determine which bite is bestowed with the “People's Choice Award.” For more information, call Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, 207-633-2353.

September 25-27: Annual Boothbay Charities Classic. A golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics Maine. Events include a lobster dinner, live and silent auction of sports memorabilia, and golfing with sports celebrities. They are held at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Country Club Road, Boothbay, and the Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. For more information, call Brenda, 207-633-5149.

September 27: The Great Hike BRLT's Ovens Mouth Preserve, 11 a.m. Hike, games and cookout. Tickets required. Call 207-633-4818.

October

October 3: First Friday Art Tour Last of the season, from 2-9 p.m. at participating galleries. At participating galleries. Open houses, demonstrations, refreshments. Call 207-633-7025, see First Friday page.

October 4-5: Family Harvest Days NEW event at Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. Apple cider pressing, a pumpkin hayride, antique tractors and more. 207-633-4727.

October 10-13: 8th Annual Pumpkinfest Various locations in Damariscotta. For information, call Jen at 207-563-2820.

October 11-12: 47th Annual Fall Foliage Festival Up to 100 vendors display their wares: jewelry, clothing, food, honey, art, crafts and musical entertainment. Boothbay Railway Village, Route 27, Boothbay. For more information, call 207-633-4727.

The complete Summertime magazine is available for download as a PDF file.

Just click on the magazine (left) and view it on your computer.

Flip through all the new 2014 events to plan your summer around. View the great regional and walking maps.

New this year is expanded information on the Wiscasset and Damariscotta regions, along with all our usual extensive Boothbay region offerings.

Get a feel for what the Boothbay region is really like: Hop aboard a boat and tour the area. Several tours are available on the pier in downtown Boothbay Harbor.

Boaters can view many of the coastal lighthouses such as Hendricks Head on Southport, Burnt Island, Ram Island or Pemaquid Point.

With the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers emptying out near the Boothbay region, boaters can take advantage of varied scenic waterways. Steam over to South Bristol to catch a glimpse of bathing harbor seals in Seals Cove or head out to one of the many outlying islands for a day hike. Tours such as Balmy Day Cruises offer a ferry to and from Monhegan Island during the summer.
 
12th Annual Shipyard Cup

If you ever wanted to see super-sized racing yachts sailing the Maine coast, this is your opportunity! Open to sailing vessels 70 feet and above, with many of the entrants averaging over 100 feet, this annual regatta attracts magnificent sailboats from all over the world. There is usually a yacht or two built by East Boothbay’s Hodgdon Yachts in the mix and that certainly adds some local pride. This is a fantastic opportunity to get on the water and get close to the competitors (as long as you stay out of their way). All the local sightseeing boats offer a chance to view the spectacle from the water, but it is also a beautiful sight from land with all colorful the activity going on.

 

Any visit to Maine should include a healthy helping of the state's most delicious invertebrate: lobsters. While you're cracking, crunching and dipping your lobster, here are a few fun facts about your dinner:

  • Lobsters can live to be 100 years old and can grow up to 3 feet long; however, the one on your plate is likely to be between 6-7 years old.
  • Not all lobsters have claws. Rock lobsters live in warm water and have thick antennae instead of claws.
  • Did you notice that one claw is bigger than the other? The big claw is called the “crusher” and the smaller claw is the “pincher.”

Claw Down

Don't miss the third annual Claw Down, a “Lobster Bite” competition in summer 2014. Local chefs put their best lobster bite down on the plate. The public samples entries and votes to determine which bite is bestowed with the “People's Choice Award.” For more information, call Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-633-2353.

Lighthouses would probably tie for first place with lobster in a popularity poll with visitors.

Not to over romanticize them, but the lighthouse beckons us with its history and mystery much like its beacon and foghorn guides a ship through storm and fog.

Like the ship, we are drawn to it.

In the Boothbay region there is Burnt Island Light Station, home of the region's only living history program and education program for children and adults.

Other lighthouses nearby are:

  • Monhegan Island
  • Cuckolds Light Station
  • Hendricks Head Light
  • Ram Island Light (off Ocean Point)
  • Pemaquid Light (accessible from land)

The Midcoast region is rich with history.

The Lincoln County Historical Association’s mission “is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Lincoln County. Key to our work is the stewardship of three historic buildings: the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, the 1811 Old Jail in Wiscasset, and the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta.

“Our three museums feature collections of textiles and costumes, tools, furniture, baskets, housewares, photographs, maps, manuscripts, and other ephemera that help to tell Lincoln County's stories. The buildings, with the help of our docents, also tell real human stories, of law and order, crimes and punishments, and the lives of residents as our towns became settled communities.”

On a rainy day, what better way to learn about it than at the Boothbay Region Historical Society. On Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor, the museum has an archive that includes many photos and artifacts of the region. Look for them at www.boothbayhistorical.org.

Hendricks Hill Museum is off Route 27 in Southport. The museum's purpose is to educate and share the history of the Southport Island from 1800 to 1950. Hours for the museum are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during July and August.

At the Boothbay Railway Museum, see antique autos, the old schoolhouse, ride the train with your youngins — and more.

Learn about it at www.railwayvillage.org.