(207) 594-4401 or (800) 559-4401
Out and About
BY KELLY MICHAUD, EDITOR
Psst.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. This is my first week working as editor of Steppin’ Out. I officially joined the staff at Courier Publications this past Monday to help bring the excitement and intrigue of the Midcoast to residents and tourists through the pages of Steppin’ Out. Every week we want to help you learn about something and energize you along the way with adventures like our Mystery Tour. But we also want to learn from you, our readers.
I’ve lived in Maine my whole life, but now I’m fortunate to live in a place where I can see and smell the Atlantic Ocean every day. Fresh lobster is just a walk away and the rock lined coast is at my fingertips. Even though I’m a Mainer, I’ve only lived in this area for less than a week. I’ve gotten lost more times than I can count ... but every one-way and side street I’ve discovered holds a treasure.
As I learn the towns, the streets, the places and the people of this region, I invite you along for the ride. Maybe you can keep me from getting lost.
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With a festival every month this summer, there will be plenty of things to do and plenty of work to be done. Now is the opportunity to stretch your legs as you walk through town and take in the sights or get involved in helping one of these festivals come to life.
Rockland kicks off summer with its Summer Solstice, Saturday, June 15, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Downtown Rockland will come alive as Main Street is closed to traffic for the evening. Live music, entertainment, street dancing, food and other events make this evening a perfect way to settle into summer. A highlight of the Solstice will be the unveiling of about 33-four and a half-foot-tall fiberglass lobsters created by artisans, individuals and organizations. The unveiling will take place at 4 p.m. in the outdoor garden area of the Farnsworth Art Museum on Elm Street.
The following week, the town of Lincolnville celebrates it’s 200th birthday, June 21-23. Parades, musicians, singers, artisans and more will take over Lincolnville for three days for the bicentennial celebration. But the Bicentennial Committee could use help making the weekend a success. To sponsor an event or to volunteer help, contact Barbara Hatch at 763-3038.
The month of July will be bubbling with activities, starting with the strawberry shortcake holiday, the 4th of July. Thomaston’s 4th of July parade and celebration begins with a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. and gets rolling with the road races and other festivities throughout the day.
Volunteers are still needed to man the committee booth, to collect money at the gates and to operate games. Shifts last for two hours. If you’re interested, contact Douglass Erickson at 596-7478.
July continues with a bang with the North Atlantic Blue Festival in Harbor Park, Rockland. The music starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, and continues throughout the weekend. Headliners Jimmie Vaughn and Bo Diddly will get everyone in the mood. Stay with us for more information in the coming weeks.
And don’t forget the 55th Annual Maine Lobster Festival. The idea of buttery lobster, music and fun should make anyone’s mouth water. The festival runs July 31 through Aug. 4, in Harbor Park, Rockland. Look at future issues of Steppin’ Out for more details.
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To keep you turning the pages of Steppin’ Out, I need the help of those who know this area the best. I want to get to know every nook and cranny and feel as though I’ve lived in this area for years. I invite you to share your adventures with me, your favorite spots and pastimes as we step out together.
Send us your favorites. E-mail “Steppin’ Out” at kelly@steppinoutmaine.com or call 207-594-4401 ext. 281.
Until next week, have fun in whatever you do while you’re steppin’ out in Midcoast Maine.