The 43rd Annual Friendship Day and Friendship Lobster Boat Races are taking place this weekend, July 17-19 in Friendship, Maine.

Friendship Day kicks off this Friday, July 17, with a Pie Contest at 5 p.m. (yes, spectators can get a slice of pie for a donation) followed by a full day of family fun events on Saturday, July 19. 

On Saturday there will be a 5K/1mile Road Races (register here) at 8 a.m.; Parade “Celebrating Heritage” at 10 a.m., Kids Area with watermelon eating contest, Art & Craft Fair, Bake Sale, Friendship Fire Department’s famous fries and lobster rolls, Silent and Live Auctions and Chicken BBQ dinner.

"This annual event is our main community fundraiser that directly supports our town ambulance services and fire department," said the Town, in a news release.

Parade participants, no registration needed, can start lining up at 9:30 a.m. on Tamarack Road. 

The complete schedule is available on the Friendship Day Facebook page. Event apparel is available online.

The weekend wraps up with the annual Friendship Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, July 19 in the Friendship Harbor. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Town Landing, with races starting at 10 a.m. Food and apparel will be for sale at the Town Landing, Town Landing Road, and Wallace Lobster Wharf, 196 Harbor Rd. The Friendship Lobster Boat Races directly support the Friendship Memorial Scholarship Fund.

All events are free to attend, "but don’t forget cash or check to make purchases," said the Town.

Cash and check only accepted most events, including Silent and Live Auctions. 

Karrie Trebbe, Town of Friendship; friendshipdaymaine@gmail.com