Weekend Picks Sept 5-7: Jousting, Mini Maker Faire, art walks, weiner dogs in costume
Some cuh-razy events are coming to the Midcoast this weekend and it won’t be easy to choose which ones to go to.
Friday, Sept. 5
Art Walk (Rockland)
One of the best things about small towns in the summer (yes it’s still summer. I don’t care!) are the Friday night art walks that Rockland and Belfast offer. Arts In Rockland will be hopping tonight for August's First Friday, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rockland. FMI: www.artsinrockland.org
Temp Tales, Trackside Station (Rockland)
If you have been following Maine’s cult favorite animation series, Temp Tales, by O’Chang Comics (see our story here), they just released their latest episode, Crittah Gittaz, which focuses on the working guys of Maine and the hazards of the summer workplace situation.They’re on a statewide tour right now (seriously, even in Millinocket, guys are overheard repeating the show’s signature line “Drive ah, MaGuyvah!) They’ll be at Trackside Station this evening after the art walk; the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Belfast Peace Festival (Belfast)
The inaugural Belfast Peace Festival kicks off tonight with a Street Dance from 6 to 9 p.m. on Spring Street between Court and Church streets. DJ Erik Klausmeyer spins 60s, 70s and current tunes while broadcasting live on Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM. This is offered as a family event and suggests bringing bring a blanket & picnic basket, or buy snacks from vendors. There is a full day of activities planned, and you can check out the schedule and details here and here.
Primo Cubano, Speakeasy (Rockland)
This will be a great place to get your salsa groove going! Primo Cubano plays traditional Cuban dance music dating back to the turn of the 20th Century, and they have a large following, so call ahead to reserve a ticket if you can. Tickets are $10 in advance, and limited. Music is from 9 p.m. to midnight. FMI: 596-6661 Ext. 606 or email kathleen@2ParkDrive.com.
Saturday, Sept 6
Medieval Tournament, Fort Knox (Prospect)
Knights jousting. Monks knocking back mead. Lords and ladies frolicking about. There are people who love dressing up and pretending that it is still the 16th century, and I, for one, am grateful they exist. Fort Knox transforms itself Saturday, when the 6th annual Medieval Tournament unfurls its banners on the old fort's parade ground. The event is hosted by the Barony of Endewearde, a branch of the East Kingdom in the Society for Creative Anachronism, which studies the Middle Ages by recreating the pastimes and crafts of the period. Last year's event gave hundreds of visitors a taste of the Middle Ages with demonstrations of fencing, youth fighting and fencing, thrown weapons, combat archery, live music, dance, exhibits and a fashion show, too. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. Regular Fort admission fees apply ($1 ages 5-11, $3 12-64), plus a suggested donation of $3 per person is requested. FMI: Barony of Endewearde
Midcoast Mini Maker Faire (Camden)
Last year, we covered the first-ever Mini Maker Faire, and to no one’s surprise it was an out-of-left-field hit with everyone. Most of the events in this round-up are for adults, but this was one of those ultra-cool events where kids and adults intermingled seamlessly. With its resourceful do-it-yourself science and technology, robots, crafts and art, this event celebrates the quirky side of the creative economy. This year, there will be at least 20 exhibitors, including many hands-on presentations like the ever-popular robot-making demonstration (thanks Robot Overlord!), sauerkraut making, a solar-powered merry-go-round swing, "modular" origami, a LegoLab, illustrated six-word memoirs, and more. The Faire will be held in the Camden Amphitheatre along Atlantic Avenue at the head of the harbor. Admission to the Faire is a $2 donation, $5 for families. FMI: midcoastmakerfaire.com.
Movie on the Green: Spaceballs (Thomaston)
Now here’s a chance to laugh your fanny off. The Friends of the Thomaston Public Library is sponsoring a showing of the 1987 Mel Brooks Star Wars parody and cult classic, Spaceballs, starring Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy and Rick Moranis. Movies on the Green are shown on the wall of the old Maine State Prison, which is a pretty neat way to use that big wall. The film starts at sundown and Playin' Possum folk trio will entertain everyone awaiting the sun to drop low enough for the movie to begin. Bring a chair, a blanket and bug spray too. Popcorn and bottled water will be available for purchase for $1.
Sunday, Aug. 7
Maine Weinerfest (Belfast)
The question is not why would you, it’s why wouldn’t you want to see a bunch of Dachshunds dressed in little costumes? Last month Rockland had a Cat Film Festival, this month, Belfast hosts the 11th annual Maine Wienerfest, a waterfront event at Steamboat Landing Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organized events include the Grand Parade of Dachshunds, a costume contest and a series of hilarious races. One of the most unusual activities will be ongoing demonstrations of teckeling, the age-old hunting technique that uses dachshunds to burrow after badgers, rats and other prey. (Um, all of it—yes.) Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $2 for adults. Children under 12 years old and dogs are free. Food booths and dog-related vendors will be available on the site. FMI: friendsofbelfastparks.org
Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com
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