Maine Office of Tourism Awards $110,000 in Enterprise Marketing Grants

01/13/2016 10:39 AM EST

AUGUSTA - The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) has awarded over $110,000 in Enterprise Marketing Grants and Special Event Marketing Grants to 12 applicants through the MOT's Maine Tourism Marketing Partner Program.

The Tourism Enterprise Marketing Grants program was established in 2014 to support the tourism-related projects of smaller organizations with funding that can help them grow or launch new initiatives. Grants are reviewed and awarded biannually, and range from $2,500-$10,000.

"These grants will help connect visitors to some of Maine's distinctive experiences, and expand awareness of the diversity of these adventure, culinary, cultural and retail experiences throughout the state," said Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism.

Projects supported in the fall 2015 grant cycle are:

Shop Second Saturday, Retail Association of Maine- $10,000 - Funds will support video creation and paid advertising on broadcast, digital and social media to attract visitors to Maine each month for a weekend of specials statewide.

Emerge Film Festival - $5,750 - 2016 is the second year for this well-organized Lewiston/Auburn -based festival. Funds will expand efforts to reach a broader Maine and out-of-state market and build visitation during Maine's "shoulder season" in April.

Acadia National Park Centennial, Friends of Acadia - $6,600 - Funds will expand promotion of this year long, world-welcoming celebration and once-in-a-lifetime event that will attract visitors nationally and globally, in coordination with the National Park Service 100th anniversary celebration in 2016.

Freeport USA - $10,000 - The grant will help fund the creation of a series of 30-second YouTube videos to showcase the experiences Freeport has to offer to a younger market through social media.

Maine Fiberarts - $5,000 - Maine Fiberarts promotes a statewide network of fiber artists, crafters and farms. Funds will support the production and distribution of Fiberarts Trip Itinerary Cards.

Maine Science Festival - $6,000 - This well-attended festival offers free admission and attracts families to the Bangor area during the shoulder season in late March. Funding will provide assets to reach the tech-savvy participants through social media.

Maine Island Trail Association - $3,500 - Funds will support digital advertising to attract out-of-state boaters to the MITA website, and promote awareness of the Trail App download for exploring Maine's 375-mile recreational coastal waterway.

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival - $5,000 - Celebrating Maine's official snack, this Dover-Foxcroft -based festival will promote a Whoopie Pie Trail through bakeries and the surrounding community with printed materials, radio ads, and social media.

Rangeley Lake Chamber - $5,000 - Funds will support an upgrade to the Chamber website to a responsive, mobile-friendly site, readily accessible to the four-season travelers to the Rangeley Lakes area.

Orrington Old Home Week - $2,650 - This summer festival celebrates Orrington's heritage with a wide range of activities in the Orrington and Bucksport area. Funds will support local broadcast and digital marketing, attracting visitors in the local market and enhancing the visitor experience.

Sanford International Film Festival - $9,200 - The Sanford International Film Festival provides a platform for the works of budding independent filmmakers. Funding will support an online campaign reaching a very targeted film-going audience.

Special Event Marketing Grants are designed to provide support to existing, well-established events with a broad impact on the state economy to help expand their audience. A fall 2015 Special Event Grant has been awarded to:

Maine Craft Weekend - $42,500 - Funds will support the promotion of this statewide tour of Maine craft studios, breweries, shops and events for October 2016.

The next Enterprise Marketing Grant and Special Event Marketing Grant cycle will be in Spring 2016, with applications due in May. For more information about the MOT Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program call Phil Savignano at 207-624-9809, or visit http://visitmaine.com/mtmpp/

Registration Period Open for National Toboggan Championship at Camden Snow Bowl.

There’s less than a month left until Mainer's gather in Camden for a Midcoast winter classic!!

The registration period for the

The 26th National Toboggan Championships

at the

Camden Snow Bowl

 

 

 

Registration Limited to 425 Teams

 

 

The 2016 event will be held

February 5th-7th.

 

Visit: https://www.camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan-championships/ for more information.

7th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby has been postponed to January 31st

The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show starts tomorrow!

Admission to the 3-day event is free and open to the public

AUGUSTA—The 75th Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show will be held Tuesday, January 12, through Thursday, January 14, 2016, at the Augusta Civic Center. Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the show highlights Maine agriculture and the people involved through demonstrations, presentations and meetings of nearly 40 major agricultural organizations.

There will be over 120 exhibits featuring the newest in agricultural products, equipment and services. One of the state’s largest agricultural exhibitions, the event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people over the course of three days. Admission is free and open to the public.

Governor Paul R. LePage will be on hand Tuesday for the Trades Show opening day, to highlight the economic importance of agriculture to Maine. The Governor will also join Commissioner Walt Whitcomb in publicly recognizing this year’s recipient of the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award.

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is an opportunity to highlight Maine’s enormous potential to produce and sell even more Maine products and produce jobs,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine has the greatest diversity of food production in New England and the most farms. Maine’s reputation for quality and unique way of life matches the growing interest in locally grown foods that our family farms produce.” 

“The 75th Maine Agricultural Trades Show is as much a showcase for new Maine agricultural opportunities as it is multiple workshops that address the challenges faced by Maine farmers,” said DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “New features are on display reflecting Maine’s ever growing agricultural activity. Farmer/veteran training and multiple marketing seminars will explore access to local, regional, wholesale, foreign and other farm product connections.”

Topics of Interest to the Press:

• Commissioner’s Luncheon - Governor Paul R. LePage will join Commissioner Whitcomb to present the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award. The luncheon will also feature a special guest speaker of national prominence
• Maine Agriculture In The Classroom (MAITC) Teachers of the Year announcement
• $250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants will be Announced
• Beginning Farmer Resource Network workshops for new Maine farmers
• Farmer Veteran Coalition Press Conference  - Maine’s newly chartered Chapter of the national organization will announce a planned expansion of the their efforts to provide farming skills for returning veterans
• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) presentations and discussions on marketing and growing practices 
• Get Real Get Maine Products Showcase – An indoor farmers market
• Department Overview of Farmers Market Tips and Regulations

Something for Everyone:

This year’s show features several new offerings for attendees in addition to a wide variety of presentations covering diverse topics of interest. New 2016 program highlights also include:

• Market access seminars for Maine food interests entering the world export markets
• Instructions for growing beef production and processing
• A farmers market in the Augusta Civic Center for vendors to show their wares to food buyers
• Dozens of other meetings to advance the output of Maine farms and the return to Maine farmers
• Somerset Auction House Co. Farm Auction to benefit the Maine FFA Association

The show also provides opportunities for growers, conventional and organic, to learn the latest developments in pest management and earn credits required for pesticide license recertification. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control will also be on hand to discuss basic safety training.

This three-day event has something for everyone, the farmer, non-farmer, hobbyist, educator or supplier. Attendees can walk through, observe and learn about how food is harvested and processed. Farmers and producers can see the most up-to-date farm equipment and processing methods and equipment.

Trades Show Floor Hours:

• Tuesday, January 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The complete program and schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

Lebanon's Maine State Senator, Ron Collins Invites Students to Participate in the Senate's Honorary Page Program.

 Augusta – Senator Ron Collins (R-York) would like to invite local students to visit the State House to take part in the Senate’s honorary page program during the second session of the 127th Legislature, which convenes in January.
As an honorary page, students take part in the legislative session by distributing documents and assisting legislators on the floor of the Senate. 

“Serving as an honorary page is an excellent way for students to get a close-up, hands-on understanding of state government,” said Sen. Collins. “They are able to learn about the legislative process, get to know the folks who represent them in Augusta, and hopefully gain a new level of enthusiasm for civic engagement.”
Parents or teachers can call the Maine Senate Majority Office at  (207) 287-1505 to sign up a student or group of students. Please have the name, grade, hometown, and school name ready for each student. In addition, please also have in mind a few different dates that would work well. For January and February, the Senate will largely be in session only on Tuesdays and Thursdays with more days of the week added in March and April.

Governor to Attend Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony to Honor American Patriots

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will attend the 48th Annual AMVETS Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony in Portland on Monday. The special ceremony will be held at 1:00 at Fort Allen Park on Portland’s Eastern Promenade.
“Pearl Harbor Day is one of the significant anniversaries of World War II, which reminds of the great sacrifices our military men and women bear to defend and protect our freedoms,” said Governor LePage. “We are a brave and resilient Nation because of these heroes, and no amount of thank yous are enough to honor the men and women, past and present, who have given so much for our way of life.”
The Governor has signed a proclamation to honor those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Additionally, flags should be lowered to half-staff Monday, December 7, to commemorate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
*Please note that flags will be already lowered to mark respect for the victims of the San Bernardino, California attack. This in no way takes away the respect our veterans deserve on December 7 as a day of remembrance.

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children's Christmas Party

12/03/2015 07:57 AM EST

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will host Military Families for a Christmas Party at the Blaine House from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Children and their families of Maine's military service members are invited to enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa with the Governor and First Lady and with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"Maine's military service members, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us," said Mrs. LePage. "Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment and being gone over the holidays. This is an opportunity for the Governor and me to show how much we sincerely appreciate their sacrifices while spending time together enjoying some Christmas cheer."

Any military family wishing to attend should contact the Maine Army National Guard's State Family Program to register either online at www.jointservicessupport.org or by calling the Child and Youth Specialist at 207-430-5773.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announces ballot recount for House District 19 (part of Sanford, ME) as Republican Harrington seems to top Democrat Jean Noon by as little as 14 votes.

 

11/06/2015 01:21 PM EST

 

Democrat William F. Noon,

 passed from cancer on July 15, 2015

 

 

AUGUSTA - A recount has been requested and scheduled for the office of State Representative in District 19 (part of Sanford), Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced Friday.

Candidate Jean Noon (D) submitted her formal request for the recount on Wednesday, Nov. 4 based upon the unofficial preliminary results, which showed a difference of 14 votes between her and candidate Matthew A. Harrington (R). Independent candidate Victor E. DiGregorio, who garnered 111 votes, is not part of the recount.

Democrat Jean Noon,

Ran in special election to fill her late husband's State Representative position.

 

Matthew Harrington, Republican

May have beat Mrs. Noon by as little as 14 votes.

 

To view table link: http://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2015/district19recount.html

The recount has been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Florian Room of the Maine Department of Public Safety Building, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta.

Recounts are a public proceeding and are usually completed in one day. In a recount, the representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each ballot to determine the official vote tally.

Results of the recount will be posted on the Maine Department of the Secretary of State website at http://maine.gov/sos/cec/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MaineSOS/?ref=hl and released to the media via email.

State law requires the State Police to collect the ballots for the recount and keep them in a secure State Police facility until the recount has been completed. The ballots are stored in tamperproof metal containers and are closed with specially numbered security seals and locks.

Maine Fall Foliage Report..........September 16, 2015

Maine Fall Foliage Report
September 16, 2015

Warmth of Extended Summer Slows Foliage

Augusta, ME (September 16, 2015) - While Maine is still experiencing the warmth of an extended summer, the foliage in northern Maine is gradually changing, with tinges of oranges, reds and yellows visible in the forest canopy. However, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry report reveals very little color change and very low leaf drop.
“Weather plays a significant role in the changing of the season. Sunny days, followed by cool, but not freezing temperatures help move the progression of color along. We have not experienced the cooler evening temperatures in all 7 zones,” noted Gale Ross, fall foliage coordinator for Maine.
Leaf peepers can visit the state’s official foliage website at www.mainefoliage.com and sign up to receive weekly reports by email. Visitors and natives can share their photos throughout the state as the progression of color begins.
There are a plethora of events happening throughout the state this coming week and now’s the time to get outside to enjoy this last little bit of summer weather. Old Orchard Beach is playing host to a 22nd Annual Car Show on Sept. 18-19 and the town of Bethel will come alive with scarecrows and harvest decorations during the 18th Annual Harvestfest & Chowdah Cook-off on Sept. 19. Or, experience the 11th Annual Camden International Film Festival, taking place from Sept. 17 to 20 in Camden and Rockland. More than sixty documentary features and shorts will be shown throughout a number of local venues.
For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.

Explore the Season's Changes at Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick

Date: September 26 & 27, 2014 - part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend!
Time: Saturday, Sept. 26: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sunday,  Sept. 27: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Vaughan Woods State Park, 28 Oldfields Road, South Berwick, ME 03908
Event Type: Family fun, easy, nature/wildlife appreciation, no dogs please, not wheel chair accessible.
Free with park admission fee. Registration is not required.

FMI: (207) 384-5160 Vaughan Woods State Park.
Join Vaughan Woods State Park staff and local experts for “Explore the Season’s Changes” – a program as part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend! Learn about:

• Fur Bearers & Adaptations
• Fish Migration Patterns
• Reasons for Fall Leaf Colors
• Impacts of Estuary Changes
• Names of Migrating Birds
  & MORE!

    Remember: Two chances to catch this great program at Vaughan Woods - on Saturday & Sunday!

Maine 2015 Fall Foliage Season Begins.......Get Your Fall Foliage Reports Via E mail....

Maine Fall Foliage Report

FALL FOLIAGE SEASON BEGINS

~The best is yet to come~

 

Augusta, ME  - It is the official start of Maine’s fall foliage season and even though the weather resembles July’s, it is time to start planning for the upcoming fall season. Currently, the 2015 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry states that there are only slight changes to view in the forests.
“Right now we are expecting a typical fall foliage season with northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaching peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the state’s progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October.  Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-October through Oct. 24,” according to Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson.
Leaf peepers can visit the state’s official foliage website www.mainefoliage.com and sign up to receive weekly reports by e-mail. Visitors and natives can share their photos throughout the state as the progression of color begins.
Throughout the season, we will be sharing trip tips for leaf peeping in Maine on Twitter and Facebook during the peak season of each region, as well as statewide events taking place throughout the foliage season and beyond.
For more information about fall activities and events in Maine go to www.visitmaine.com.

Three Rivers Land Trust to Host Kite Flying Day on Acton Maine Farm, September 20th as Part of Great Maine Outdoors Weekend.

Three Rivers Land Trust hosts a kite-flying day for Great Maine Outdoor Weekend on September 20, 11 AM to 3 PM at the Hobb’s Farm, 651 Foxes Ridge Road in Acton. Rain Date October 4.

Acton – Three Rivers Land Trust invites the public to join them for a day of kite flying for Great Maine Outdoor Weekend at the Hobb’s Farm at 651 Foxes Ridge Road in Acton.

Kite flying is a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors together and Great Maine Outdoor Weekend is about celebrating all the outdoor recreation events that Maine has to offer.

Bring a picnic lunch and a kite if you have one. The Trust will have some kites to share. Members of the Nor’Easters Kite Club of South Portland will also be participating. They will bring a variety of kites to demonstrate.

“We love celebrating Great Maine Outdoor Weekend,” said Three Rivers board member Larissa Crockett, a steward of the Hobb’s Farm. “Hobb’s is such a wonderful place to spend time outside, and we hope many families will come out to enjoy the day.”

The event begins at 11 AM and runs through 3 PM. However, the Hobb’s Farm is open to the public to enjoy at any time of the year, so families should feel free to linger and fly kites as long as they would like.

For more information about Great Maine Outdoor Weekend: http://www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org/

SECOND ANNUAL CAST IRON COOK-OFF AT BRADBURY MOUNTAIN, Pownal, Maine

 

Be part of this fun event, register now!

POWNAL – The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands is holding their second annual Cast Iron Cook-off at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine on September 12, 2015.

Capitalizing on Maine’s perfect fall weather for camping, the booming popularity of cast iron cookery and the tradition of using cast iron to cook over a campfire, this day promises to be fun for all. Come and show off your cooking skills and win some great prizes! Not a cook? That’s OK! All park visitors and campers are welcome to watch the Cast Iron cooking and events on 9/12. Come early and see the Girl Scouts cooking to earn merit badges! Check out event competitors cooking setups and methods! See our local cast iron cooking expert, Registered Maine Guide and L.L. Bean employee Georgette Kanach, give a demonstration of how to cook with cast iron – sharing both her passion for cast iron cookery and tasty samples! Learn a bit of the history of cast iron cookware, as well as its proper care and cleaning, from Park Manager Fritz Appleby! Do you want to just have some fun? Enter into our cast iron skillet toss or bean bag toss for a chance to win a prize! New this year is a cast iron swap meet, open to all, at 9:30AM on September 12 at the day use group shelter.

“We are excited to have LL Bean, “Get Real. Get Maine!” and Wicked Joe Coffee on board as sponsors of the events! There will be some fantastic prizes and fun for all.” said Park Manager, Fritz Appleby.

Appleby went on to say “Cast iron cooking and camping are just a natural fit. The current boom in cast iron popularity and the renewed public interest will be enhanced at our event.”

How to Register

Contestants must be registered to camp at Bradbury Mountain State Park on the nights of September 11 and 12, 2015 and may not check in until after 1PM on the 11th.  The competition will be limited to 16 participants.  To register and reserve your spot to participate, please call Bradbury Mountain State Park at (207) 688-4712 by 5PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. After that, any available spots will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. There is no scheduled rain date.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners as judged, by members of the Pownal Fire and Rescue unit, in each of the 3 categories of cooking: Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert. Contestants may compete in any and all of the 3 categories.

 

For more information on the Cast Iron Cookoff, Contact: Fritz Appleby, (207) 688-4712

 

For more information about this event, or other Maine state parks and historic sites, go to: www.maine.gov/bradburymountain or www.parksandlands.com

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: www.maine.gov/dacf

It's Time Again For the Acton Fair!!!!

Time again for the Acton Fair

ACTON -The Acton Fair starts today, Thursday, Aug. 27, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 30.

The fairgrounds are located at 550 Route 109 in Acton. The price for admission is $8 for adults, and children under age 12 can get in for free.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the fair will have many highlights in the coming days. The fairʼs program of scheduled events can be accessed online at www.actonfair.net, and the itinerary promises a variety of activities for all ages.

According to Donna Goodrich, the treasurer for the York County Agricultural Association, The Legends, Sanford's radio station at 1220 AM or 102.3 FM on the dial, will broadcast live from tonight's Cruiseʼn Car show while highlighting music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

The Acton Fair features traditional agricultural events, such as a woodsmenʼs day, an antique tractor pull, ox and horse pulling, sheep dog demonstrations, crafts and plenty of vendors selling food and crafts. The Lions Club will be there, as always, catering to a long line of regular customers. Sanford-Springvale Rotarians will be on hand to sell their famous chicken livers. There will be amusement rides too.

In honor of the fairʼs 150th year, special awards will be presented to winners in the pulling ring and in the craft and cooking competitions. Bigger monetary prizes, ribbons, and a year's worth of bragging rights will go home with each eventʼs lucky winners.

Goodrich said that kids are encouraged to get involved with the hands-on Farmerʼs Lilʼ Helper program, which allows children the opportunity to milk a cow, collect eggs and learn important facts about where their food comes from. 4-H competitions, a pig scramble, and a pedal-tractor pull will grant kids of all ages an opportunity to compete and to become a part of Acton Fairʼs longstanding history.

"Weʼre trying to have lots of things going on for people to watch and do at the fair," Goodrich told Sanford News Contributor Penny Mills in last week's issue of the Sanford News.

fosters.com

Writer

Posted Aug. 26, 2015 at 12:33 PM    

 

 

Southern Maine Community College, Portsmouth, Announces the Maine Seaweed Festival and Full Moon Fishery Feast!!

Welcome to the Maine Seaweed Festival!

 

 

The Maine Seaweed Festival

will be held at the beautiful waterfront campus of Southern Maine Community College
Saturday, August 29, 2015.

The Festival is a FREE event and runs from 10 am to 5 pm,

followed by our ticketed dinner,

 The Full Moon Fishery Feast.

 

Maine seaweeds are beginning to play a major role in the growth and sustainability of our local economy and global health. The Maine Seaweed Festival aims to highlight the diverse uses and benefits of seaweed, while celebrating all of the dedicated harvesters, farmers, fishermen and processors who continue to invest their efforts in creating a viable and vibrant seaweed industry here in Maine.
Seaweed Fest will feature local artists, entertainment, and vendors who are using Maine seaweeds in their craft. The day will include educational speakers, many activities for children of all ages, live music and food trucks.
Ride the wave of our fisheries’ future, while honoring our past. Come be inspired to make seaweed a daily addition to your healthy lifestyle and support this natural resource's revival!

Full Moon Fishery Feast

Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 6 pm on the Ocean at SMCC.

 

An edible education of what’s on your plate and in our state. Experience the way Maine Fisheries should be--sustainable, innovative and inspiring! 

Please note that the dinner is a 21+ event.

 

To Purchase Tickets in Advance for The Full Moon Fishery Feast

CLICK HERE

 

https://www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/10501/be2f/

National Overdose Awareness Day.... August 31......Wear Purple in Support of Families and Addicts of Overdose.

INTERNATIONAL

OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

AUGUST 31, 2015

 

Please Wear Purple to

Support Overdose Awareness

HAVEN COVE's HUGE COMMUNITY YARD SALE.........this Sunday, August 16th 9 am - 3 pm

Native American Pow Wow Scheduled This Weekend at Maine's Wildlife Park in Gray.

 

 

 

11^th Annual ATTEAN FAMILY POW WOW

@ MAINE WILDLIFE PARK IN GRAY

 

The Maine Wildlife Park, on Route 26 in Gray, has scheduled their very popular annual Pow Wow for Saturday and Sunday Aug. 8^th & 9^th, 2015.
 
There will be several great features at this year’s event. Host Drum will be the Split Feather Singers, a group of natives from all over New England and the Flute Player will be the well-known Joseph Firecrow, a Cheyenne flutist nominated for a Grammy Award and recipient of several ‘Nammy’ Awards.
 
Other entertainment will include Wolf Cry Singers, a group of Native women singing traditional songs, Black Hawk Singers, and Grandmothers Tears Singers. Then and Now Native Foods is a popular food option!
 
Maine 17^th and 18^th century woodland living historian, interpreter and blacksmith   Ken Hamilton will be back for the first time in a couple years. This very popular exhibit featuring a traditional Wiki travel shelter with numerous Native American and Colonial artifacts, will be available for viewing each day.
 
Grand Entry will occur at 12noon each day, with the wildlife park’s resident live Bald Eagle participating. Grand Entry is the ceremonial start to the Pow Wow each day, and includes the presentation of the Park’s Bald Eagle, unique because it’s one of only a few Pow Wows nationwide including participation of a live bald eagle.
The Penobscot tribe, together with the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Abenaki Indians, were once members of the old Wabanaki Confederacy. The Abenaki" and "Wabanaki" have the same Algonquian root, meaning "people from the east." There are approximately 3000 Penobscot Indians now, most of whom live in Maine.
The Attean family, of the Penobscot Indians, have lived both on and off of Indian Island, as well as in and around Old Town, Maine. Theirs is a well-respected family of renowned craftspeople, who create hand-made beautiful and intricate baskets for both display and work; birch-bark canoes; walking sticks; beaded jewelry and many other crafts. Their expert craftsmanship can be found at the annual Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market; and the Common Ground Country Fair.
Native food and craft vendors will again be at the Wildlife Park Pow Wow this year, and the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park Barbeque will provide plenty of great eats for all on each day! Native American crafts, singing, dancing, educational & cultural information and children’s games will be ongoing throughout each day.
 

 

2015 POW WOW SATURDAY/SUNDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

9:30 am – 4:30 pm: Vendors, Entertainment, Children’s Games, Cultural Information

 

12:00 pm – Grand Entry

 

2:00 –5:30 – Individual performances, music, dancing, drumming, and wildlife appearances

 
 
Make your plans now to join tribal representatives from Maine, New England and around the country, rain or shine, for the 11th annual wildlife park Pow Wow.

 

 
 
General Information
 
The Maine Wildlife Park is owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The park exists to promote an understanding and awareness of the wildlife, conservation and habitat protection programs and projects of MDIFW.
 
        The Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, a fish hatchery and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily from April 17th through November 11th from 9:30am-4:30pm; visitors must leave the premises by 6:00pm.
Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5.50 ages 4-12; $7.50 for adults, and $5.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Family and Community Season Passes are available, and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer.
Remember that Family Passes make a great gift; and are available for purchase in the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Online store @ www.mefishwildlife.com.
For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at
207-657-4977; or visit us online at www.mainewildlifepark.com , www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook!

Sanford Chamber of Commerce & Parks and Rec Department Present First Annual Big John Music Festival

The Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce and the Parks & Rec department

Co-sponsor

The 1st Annual Big John Music Festival

Honoring local Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame performer

John Rachkoskie

 

 

 

Sunday, August 16th

12:00 noon-8 pm

GOODALL PARK, SANFORD
  Admission (for the whole day!!)

$5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more.
There will be family-friendly food, beverages, and activities throughout the festival.
Many local bands, including two from SCAE’s Garage Band Rock Camp, will be performing – acoustic, rock-a-billy, southern rock, classic rock and even some metal!
Please pass the word!

August Events Announced for Wolfe's Neck State Park in Freeport, Maine.

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

August Events

 

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park426 Wolf Neck RoadFreeport, Maine 04032

Contact: Andy HutchinsonPhone/FAX: (207) 865-4465Date: July 29, 2015

For Immediate Release

(Please run daily through August 31st, 2015)

Freeport, Maine: Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers nature programs daily in August at 2:00 PM, through August 31. Nature programs start at the circle of benches at the end of the second parking lot unless otherwise noted and may include walks, talks, and activities in a beautiful natural setting. Programs last about one hour unless otherwise noted, weather permitting. 

No reservations are needed. Nature programs are free with park admission. Admission is $1.00 for ages 5-11; $3.00 for Maine residents ages 12-64; $4.50 for non-residents ages 12-64; $1.50 for non-residents 65 and older. Persons under 5 and Maine residents 65 and older are free. For more information or to arrange for group visits, please call 865-4465.

8/1 Welcome Tour – Get to know the things that live in the park's forest and on its shores on this eye-opening tour. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/2 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/3 Hike with the Ranger – Enjoy the best that the park has to offer in this season on a hike with a knowledgeable guide.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/4 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/5 The Shore Tour - Learn about our varied shores through talks, activities, and views along the accessible path. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/6 Small Wonders – Discover the extraordinary things that are right before your eyes.  Hand lenses provided. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/7 In the Pines – Tour the pine forest on our accessible path and see why Maine is the Pine Tree State. Wheelchair accessible.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/8 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/9 Tide Pools – Visit this informal program on the rocky shore near Googins Island to discover the secrets of a tide pool, any time between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.  Free with park admission.  Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport.  865-4465.

8/10 Casco Bay Walk – Enjoy views of islands and rocky shores on this one-mile walk along the beautiful Casco Bay trail. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/11 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/12 Secrets of the Shore – Discover the secrets of life in the salt marsh, mud flat, and rocky shore. 2:00 PM, meet at the semicircle of benches by the second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/13 Dragonflies & Damselflies – Learn about these amazing insects in fact and folklore. 2:00 PM, meet at the semicircle of benches by the second parking lot, 1hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/14 Know Your Neighbors – Get to know the various ecological communities at the park. 2:00 PM, meet at the semicircle of benches by the second parking lot, 1hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/15 Stroll with the Ranger – Take a relaxed tour with the ranger on our wheelchair-accessible path. Wheelchair accessible.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/16 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/17 Tiny Pioneers – Discover the wild, fascinating micro-world of the mosses and lichens that surround us. Hand lenses provided. Free with park admission. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/18 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/19 Forest Detective – The forest is an open book, if you know how to read it. Learn how on this fascinating tour of natural history. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/20 Fond of Fronds – Come to identify and understand the multitude of fern and moss species that inhabit our forests. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/21 Tree Hunt – Stop by the benches to get your papers for this fun, self-guiding hunt, and then come back afterwards to see how well you did. Wheelchair accessible.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/22 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/23 Stories in Stone – Get to know the story of Maine’s rockbound coast on this walk with talks and activities. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/24 Edge of the Sea – Enjoy walk, short talks, and activities on the natural history and ecology of our varied shore. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/25 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/26 Casco Bay Walk – Enjoy views of islands and rocky shores on this one-mile walk along the beautiful Casco Bay trail. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/27 Tide Pools – Visit this informal program on the rocky shore near Googins Island to discover the secrets of a tide pool, any time between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.  Free with park admission.  Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport.  865-4465.

8/28 Secrets of the Shore - Discover the secrets of life in the salt marsh, mud flat, and rocky shore. 2:00 PM, meet at the semicircle of benches by the second parking lot, 1hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/29 Know Your Neighbors – Get to know the various ecological communities at the park. 2:00 PM, meet at the semicircle of benches by the second parking lot, 1hour, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/30 Osprey Watch – Get a close look at one of the osprey nests and osprey families, weather permitting.  2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour, weather permitting. Wheelchair accessible.  Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.

8/31 Wild Relatives – Everyone has them!  Get acquainted with the wild relatives of things in and around your home on this tour. 2:00 PM, meet at circle of benches by second parking lot, 1 hour program, weather permitting. Free with park admission. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport. 865-4465.  

 

Wolfe's Neck State Park is

1 hour and 25 minutes north east of Lebanon Maine via Route 295.

A GREAT place to go with the family!!!

 

 

 

   

For more information, please call the park at (207) 865-4465, or visit us online: www.maine.gov/wolfesneckwoods

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and ForestryBureau of Parks and Lands / Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

www.parksandlands.com