Watch as the L.L. Bean Bootmobile is created to commemorate the store’s 100 excellent years!
Archive for category History
How the L.L. Bean Bootmobile Came to Life
Jan 24
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Art, Business, Entertainment, Fun, History, Uncategorized | No Comments
Cumberland Fair 2011 – September 25-October 1
Sep 24
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Fun, Green / Environmental, History | 1 Comment
Courtesy of www.bestofshoware.com
The Cumberland Fair returns for it’s 140th Annual event featuring a week of fun and entertainment for all ages at the Cumberland Fairgrounds from Sunday, September 25 to Saturday, October 1, 2011.
Comedian Bob Marley will be a featured performer on Sunday, September 25 at 6:30pm, and the fair will welcome back the popular RaveX Freestyle Jumping exhibition on Wednesday, September 28, at 6pm. As always the Cumberland County Fair will feature three wrist band days where a $15 fee allows you to ride all rides on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Cumberland Fair wouldn’t be complete without the full list of agricultural events, or the 4th Annual Classic Car Show and Lawn Mower racing on Thursday, September 29, at 6pm and 6:30pm respectively.
For more information please check out CumberlandFair.com or visit the Cumberland Fair Facebook Fan Page.
Maine Open Lighthouse Day – Saturday, September 17
Sep 14
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Events, Fun, Green / Environmental, History, Oceanfront, Scenic | 2 Comments
The 3rd Annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 9am to 3pm – with guided and self-guided tours of a number of Maine’s lighthouses and the keeper’s houses.
According to VisitMaine.com, the following lighthouses and attractions will be participating in Maine Open Lighthouse Day; (all lighthouses will be open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm unless otherwise noted)
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island (land-based)
Browns Head Lighthouse – Vinalhaven Island (offshore)
Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse – Swan’s Island (offshore)
Burnt Island Lighthouse – entrance to Boothbay Harbor (offshore)
Curtis Island Lighthouse – entrance to Camden Harbor (offshore)
Deer Island Thorofare Lighthouse – Mark Island near Stonington (offshore)
Doubling Point Lighthouse – Arrowsic (land-based)
Dyce Head Lighthouse – Castine (land-based)
Fort Point Lighthouse – Cape Jellison near Stockton Springs (land-based)
Grindle Point Lighthouse – Islesboro (offshore)
Kennebec River Range Lights (two towers) – Arrowsic (land-based)
Little River Lighthouse – entrance to Cutler Harbor (offshore) 12 noon to 3:00 pm
Marshall Point Lighthouse – Port Clyde (land-based)
Monhegan Island Lighthouse – Monhegan Island (offshore) 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Owls Head Lighthouse – Owls Head (land-based)
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse – Bristol (land-based)
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light) – South Portland (land-based)
Portland Head Lighthouse – Cape Elizabeth (land-based)
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse – Rockland (land-based via a breakwater)
Seguin Island Lighthouse – near entrance to Kennebec River off Popham Beach (offshore) 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Spring Point Lighthouse – South Portland (land-based via a breakwater)
Squirrel Point Lighthouse – Arrowsic (land-based)
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse – Lubec (land-based)
Wood Island Lighthouse – Biddeford Pool (offshore)
Other Lighthouse Attractions:
Maine Lighthouse Museum - Rockland
For more information on the wonderful event that attracted over 18,000 people last year alone, please check out the Maine Open Lighthouse Day Facebook Fan Page and www.LightHouseDay.com.
Let’s continue to make this a special day, as I know many of us have seen pictures or witnessed the lighthouses and beacons from the water or land, yet have not been inside or set foot on many of these historical landmarks before. Enjoy!
Portland Symphony Orchestra Designer Show House Open September 10 – October 2
Sep 3
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Fun, Greater Portland Real Estate, History, Scenic | No Comments
149 Western Prom, Portland, Maine Courtesy of PortlandAssessor.com
Portland Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) Designer Show House will be open to the public September 10 through October 2, 2011, with a Preview Party the evening of September 9. You may recall earlier this summer there was an empty house Lobster Bake for attendees on August 3, 2011 to preview the home at 149 Western Promenade, Portland, that has since been transformed into a remarkable work of many great designers.
Seventeen designers and landscapers from around Maine were invited to transform fifteen areas of the Hamlen House on Portland’s Western Promenade, located at 149 Western Prom, Portland. You will be amazed at how wonderful their works will present after approximately one month of work.
According to PortlandAssessor.com, the Hamlen House home, built in 1920 was purchased in August 2008 by Edmund Gardner III for $1,300,000. The six bedroom stone and slate Tudor style home features four and a half bathrooms over 5,069 square feet of living area.
The Show House is the major fundraiser for the Portland Symphony Orchestra, traditionally occurring every other year at a historical home in Greater Portland with wonderful architecture. Prior to opening to the public, there will be a Great Gatsby-themed Gala Preview Party on September 9.
From September 10 through October 2, 2011, the Show House will be available for viewing during the following days and times: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday 10 AM – 8 PM, Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM, Closed Mondays.
Admission to the Show House is $25 per person or $20 if purchased by September 8. Advance sale tickets are available through PortTIX. Phone and online orders are subject to $3 per-ticket handling fee. Box office hours are Mon-Fri, 12-6 PM. Admission to the Show House is limited to adults and children over age ten.
For more information about the Show House and the Portland Symphony Orchestra, please visit www.portlandsymphony.org/content/support/special-events/2011-designers-show-house/
Yarmouth Clam Festival 2011 – Daily Schedule of Events
Jul 15
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Food, Fun, History | No Comments
The Yarmouth Clam Festival 2011 has arrived, as always falling during the 3rd weekend in July, and the weather promises to be gorgeous for the festival goers. Looking forward to another great event with such a wonderful outpouring of community spirit and togetherness.
The Friday night parade is always fun. Saturday features the Clam Shucking Contest, live music, Fireman’s Muster, Fireworks, lots of food from area non-profits and school organizations, and much more. Sunday wraps it up with the ever-popular Diaper Derby…always a classic memorable event that will leave you smiling.
For further details on the Yarmouth Clam Festival and the schedule of events, please visit Yarmouth Clam Festival 2011 – Yarmouth, Maine.
36th Annual South Berwick Strawberry Festival – Saturday, June 25, 2011
Jun 22
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Food, Fun, History | 1 Comment
South Berwick, Strawberries, and the last Saturday in June mark an annual tradition that has reached 36 years and thousands upon thousands of sweet tasty strawberries.
They’re back again this year for the 36th Annual South Berwick Strawberry Festival on Main Street, on Saturday, June 25, from 9am to 4pm. You’ll see lots of local non-profit organizations with food. Entertainment. And of course, strawberries galore.
For more information, please visit South Berwick Strawberry Festival and The236Diner – Strawberry Festival. Enjoy!
Bloomsday Portland Maine – June 15-16, 2011
Jun 13
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Fun, History | No Comments
Bloomsday Portland, Maine – June 16 is known throughout the world as Bloomsday, the day on which James Joyce’s epic novel “Ulysses” takes place. From Dublin to Paris, Boston to Buffalo, cities in more than 40 countries mount Bloomsday events to celebrate this important work of literature, and Portland, Maine is one of them. The Maine Irish Heritage Center and AIRE (American Irish Repertory Ensemble) will be “re-joyce-ing” with a Bloomsday Portland event on June 15 and 16, 2011. The events are free and open to the public.
On Thursday, June 15, at 7pm, at Bull Feeney’s Pub located at 375 Fore Street in Portland, enjoy “Ulysses for Beginners,” a humorous performance piece by AIRE, the American Irish Repertory Ensemble.
On Friday, (Bloomsday) June 16, at 7:30pm, at the Maine Irish Heritage Center on 34 Gray Street in Portland, witness a lively celebration, featuring readings from “Ulysses,” live music and refreshments.
Events are free, and all are welcome.
Fourth of July 2011 in Portland, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach & more
Jun 11
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Fun, History, Oceanfront | No Comments
July 4th and fireworks come to everyone’s mind as the weather heats up for another great Maine summer, and we’ve compiled a short list of events taking place in the Greater Portland area that you will enjoy. If you have additional knowledge of fireworks displays that we do not have, please let us know and we will gladly add them here…
Portland – “Stars & Stripes Spectacular” 2011 will once again have a Patriotic Pops Concert on the Eastern Prom beginning at 7:40pm until 10pm, as the orchestra will play for the crowd through the fireworks display which will begin at approximately 9:30pm. For more information on the event visit – July4thPortland.org
You may recall that before last years event it was decided by the City of Portland to cut the fireworks display from the budget, yet thanks to the generosity and organization of local businesses like Quirk Chevrolet and the Maine Red Claws Basketball organization among others, the event took place. Once again, the fireworks display will be privately funded and one fundraiser in particular is very interesting and intriguing, offering you the opportunity to win a 2011 Corvette. For more information visit the 2011 Stars & Stripes Corvette Raffle
Freeport – 4th of July in Freeport is an all-day event kicking off with a Blueberry Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the St. Jude Hall at 7am, a 10k Road Race starting at LL Bean at 7:30am followed by a Kids Fun Run at 9:30am. Of course, most will throw a little shopping at the outlets in there before the 4pm Fourth of July Parade down Main Street, and wrap up the evening with a Concert in the Park at LL Bean’s Discovery Park at 7:30pm followed by the fireworks display at 9pm from the Freeport Athletic Field.
Old Orchard Beach – When you’re at the beach and doing Fourth of July for years like they have, you make it a full weekend, as is the case again this year. On Sunday, July 3rd, the festivities kick off with the 23rd Annual Family Sand Sculpture Contest on the Beach near the Pier from 3-5pm. The following day, Ocean Park will have their Annual Independence Day Parade from 4:30-5:30pm, before the night wraps up with the 4th of July fireworks display from the Pier at dusk.
Portland Jetport Aviation Expo 2011 – June 11-12, 2011 – Portland International Jetport
Jun 10
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Entertainment, Events, Fun, History | 4 Comments
The Portland Jetport Aviation Expo 2011 will be held Saturday, June 11 from 9am-4pm, and Sunday, June 12 from 9am-3pm, as the Portland Jetport plays host to aircraft displays and demonstrations, a great event to appreciate aeronautics of today and yesteryear. Admission and parking are FREE.
This is a great opportunity you will not want to miss with a number of historic planes on display and scheduled to appear according to the PWM Aeronautical Expo Schedule.
38th Annual Old Port Festival – Sunday, June 12 – Events Schedule
May 30
Posted by Jeff Mateja in Art, Entertainment, Events, Food, Fun, History, Music | No Comments
Portland’s 38th Annual Old Port Festival on Sunday, June 12, 2011, will once again have something for everyone to celebrate the beginning of summer in Downtown Portland. A parade down Exchange Street at 11am will kick off the Old Port Festival and then the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy great food from local vendors along Fore Street, shop the cool crafts and art of local artists and craftspeople on Market street, and take in some great live music entertainment amongst SIX stages throughout Portland’s Downtown.
There will be events for children as well at Post Office Park, and we understand there will be a trapeze swing, 25 rock climbing wall, and bungee trampoline in the area.
Thanks to PortlandMaine.com for their comprehensive schedule of events lists below;
Kids Entertainment
12:00 – Medieval music, fencing and fighting demonstration by the Society for Creative Anachronism
1:00 – Enjoy the art of movement and storytelling through music with the Nevaeh Dance Company
2:00 – Hip Hop & Jazz performances by Pulse Dance Company, Studio for the Living Arts
3:00 – Dance to the rhythms of steel band music with Island Beats
4:00 – Vivid Motion! Enjoy the fun and eclectic choreography of Portland’s “innovative and kinda quirky” dance company
Music Schedules by Stage and Sponsor
Q97.9 located at Middle and Temple Streets – Q97.9 DJ’s and DJ Verbatim will entertain throughout the day.
Their live entertainment will include – iSquare, Tino Coury, The Downtown Fiction, Wr The Kings, Hot Chelle Rae, and All Star Weekend
WCLZ – located at Fore and Sliver Streets
Noon – The Lucid, 1pm – Zach Jones, 2pm – Marie Moreshead, 3pm – Pete Kilpatrick Band, 4pm – The Alternate Routes
Coast 93.1 – located at Middle and Pearl Streets
Noon – Coast Morning Host Jon Armond, 12:45 -Matt Hires, 1:45 – Ryan Star, 2:45 - Andy Grammer, 3:45 – The Daylights
WPOR – located at Fore and Union Streets
Noon – The Eric Grant Band, 1:15 – Average Jones recording artist Matt Stillwell, 2:40 – Average Jones recording artists Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony), 4:00 – Capstone Music Group recording artist Glen Templeton
Maine Academy of Modern Music
12:00-12:15 Parenthesys (Metal), 12:15-12:30 Disgruntled Citizens (Indie Rock), 12:30-12:50 The KGT (Indie Rock), 12:50-1:10 Static (Alternative Rock), 1:10-1:30 Chrome (Hard Rock), 1:30-1:50 Average Suburban Housecats (Classic Alternafolkrock), 1:50-2:00 MAMM FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Chas Lester (Beatboxer), 2:00-2:30 The OxyMorons (Alternative Rock), 2:30-3:00 Shift (Classic Rock), 3:00-3:30 The Twisted Truth (Power Pop), 3:30-4:00 Beware of Pedestrians (Pop Punk), 4:00-4:30 Dusty Grooves (Rock/Jazz Fusion), 4:30-5:00 MAMM SLAM WINNERS: The Modest Proposal (Best High School Rock Band in Maine)
Bull Feeney’s Irish Music – Noon – Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps, 12:30 – The Milliners, 1:30 – The Napper Tandies, 2:30 – The Squid Jiggers, 3:30 – Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps, 4:00 – The Pubcrawlers