Hear that? That’s the sound of summer zipping by. Sometimes you need a reminder to sneak in a “Wellness Day” so that you don’t look up from your laptop and realize it’s August already.
Here are four events and festivals happening in July that deserve a Skip Day, a car trip and a way to enjoy a staycation in your own wonderful state.
L.L. Bean’s Summer Friday Night Outdoor Movies
Freeport
When is the last time you went to a drive in movie? How about an outdoor-on-the-lawn movie? L. L. Bean in Freeport has really been amping up their “Be an outsider” campaign with outdoor free events and Freeport is the place to be on a warm Friday evening with the family. All you need is a giant picnic blanket spread out on the grass, a basket of food and some beverages or you can grab some local delights from the food trucks that start to show up around 6 p.m.
Movies begin at dusk. On Friday, July 13, The Sandlot is playing, the 1993 comedy/drama set in 1962, where a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team. Most of the movies are kid-friendly, but on Aug. 17, the Maine International Film Festival will be screening their winners. FMI: Summer Friday Nights
Brew With a View
Wiscasset
Sarah’s Cafe teams up with Oxbow Brewing Co. for a cool fundraising event to help upgrade Wiscasset’s famed Castle Tucker, a historic house museum once owned by a shipping family. Enjoy American farmhouse beers from Oxbow along with wine and soft drinks. Sarah’s Cafe will provide hors d’oeuvres featuring local ingredients, including lobster. Those interested can take an after-hours look inside the Victorian home. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 12, Castle Tucker, 5 to 7 p.m.at Castle Tucker, 2 Lee St. in Wiscasset. Tickets are $30 (with $5 proceeds going back to Castle Tucker) FMI: Castle Tucker
Maine Potato Blossom Festival
Fort Fairfield
As one of the oldest and most established festivals in Maine, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival is Fort Fairfield’s grand summer festival starting July 14 and continuing to July 22. Along with a myriad of family-friendly activities, highlights include a mashed potato wrestling contest on Friday, July 20 at 6 p.m. (click here for a registration form), followed by Star City Syndicate, which has a first-rate horn section and promises a high energy show from 7 to 10 p.m.. Then on Saturday, July 21, check out a huge parade on at 1 p.m., a Tater Tot Eating Contest at 3 p.m., followed by Boston comic Tom Hays with his hilarious self-deprecating comedic style at 6:30 p.m. The finale is a big fireworks show the evening of Sunday, July 22. The best part—all of the events are free to the public. FMI: Maine Potato Blossom Festival
Greater Portland Festival of Nations
Portland
The late and great Anthony Bourdain taught the world that the best way to unite people of different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds was to share a plate of good food together. This festival has been recognized as one of the most outstanding family-oriented cultural events held in the state of Maine. It highlights Maine’s ethnic diversity and traditions, encourages greater understanding, and promotes a healthy Maine with cuisine from all over the world, crafts and music. This year’s festival theme takes place on Saturday, July 28, at Deering Oakes Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission. FMI: Festival of Nations
Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com
