The 11th annual Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show took place last weekend, Aug. 9-11, on Rockland Harbor, and hosted a wide variety of events and vendors for boat lovers and land lovers alike. While Friday's rain called limited attendance somewhat and required those that came to brave drenching downpours at times, the weekend was as perfect as a Maine summer could offer. With plenty of blue skies and sunshine both days, the boat docks and tents were packed with people exploring the show.

Maine's only in-the-water boat show features eclectic mix of boats, unique handcrafted products, artwork, activities for kids, music and food. Hundreds of exhibitors, representing a cross-section of specialties from boatbuilding and marine services to fine artists, furniture crafters, homebuilders, and solar experts, displayed their wares.

The show is also known for the popular World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials which took place Sunday morning, and were won by a Portuguese water dog from Cushing, named Ruffles. Gatsby, a rare flying chocolate Labrador retriever from Scarborough, was runner-up. 

New this year, the event also featured the "Boatyard Dog Wannabe Wagon," a display that profiled six shelter dogs and encouraged show attendees to "vote" with cash donations for their favorite one. Proceeds benefitted the local animal shelters. A pit bull named Brutus, available for adoption through P.A.W.S. in Rockport, won honors as this year's "Wannabe" winner.

Photos by Kim Ratner