ROCKLAND—Hundreds took to the streets last night, June 17, 2017 in Rockland for the annual Summer Solstice Street Party. Despite a gloomy overcast day, Main Street was packed and people were in a festive spirit.

The decades-long tradition open air festival closed Main Street off to vehicular traffic. It’s one of the few public events in the Midcoast that can draw children, teens, families, singles, couples, older folks, traditional and alternative personalities in one place. In addition to live bands and plenty of food options, including the traditional Whoopie Pie-Eating Contest, numerous solo musicians and bands dotted the sidewalks and entertained passersby. See our video clip for a sample of the entertainment.

From 4 to 7 p.m., there were plenty of hands-on activities as well, including face painting, temporary tattoos, giant bubbles, art demonstrations, a flash mob and a chance to do aerial stunts with the The Sellam Circus School up from Biddeford.

Right about the time that the sun finally made its debut, students from Studio Red’s dance students drew the majority of the crowd’s attention as they performed multiple sets of hip hop and dance numbers.

For the second year in a row, the party didn’t stop when the Summer Solstice party wound down. Hundreds of adults wandered down to the After Hours Dock Party at Journey's End Marina at the end of Tillson Avenue, featuring a cash-only bar, music and dancing from 6 to 10:30 p.m. with DJ Dan Miller kicking off the first set, followed by the band Just Teachers.

Check out our gallery for more photos of both events.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com