Fall 2006

Contact: Charlene Williams
Nancy Marshall Communications
207-623-4177 or tourism@marshallpr.com


Following is a partial list of exciting Maine events coming up this winter.
For a complete listing, visit the Maine Office of Tourism Web site at
www.visitmaine.com.


Brake for bargain hunters at Bar Harbor's Early Bird Sale & PJ Party

BAR HARBOR, Maine - It's not uncommon for summer visitors to Bar Harbor to get an early start on their day. Many people rise before the sun to see it
appear on the horizon from the top of nearby Cadillac Mountain. Others
begin their morning with a walk along the shore or a bicycle ride on one of
Acadia National Park's scenic carriage roads.

When summer fades to fall and colder months, the early risers begin to
diminish - except for one weekend morning in November. It's on this day
when cold and frost are no match for pajama-clad bargain hunters in
downtown Bar Harbor. This year's Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party takes place Saturday, Nov. 18. The 12th annual event, which began with some skepticism from locals in 1995, has become one of the resort town's most anticipated affairs.

"It gets bigger and more hilarious every single year," said Bar Harbor
Chamber of Commerce Special Events Coordinator, Virginia Farnsworth. "The first event attracted predominantly women shoppers, but now we see all the men in town, too. The doctors and lawyers and the town manager - people come from everywhere."

The "sale" part of the event takes place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at
nearly 30 businesses in the downtown area. Stores, galleries and gift shops
offer special discounts from 10 to 50 percent off merchandise. Visitors
wearing their pajamas earn an extra 5 percent off their total purchases.
Store owners keep shoppers warm and happy with free hot coffee, cocoa and other treats.

According to Farnsworth, even the forecast of snow for past events hasn't
been able to dampen the spirits of the crowds that participate in the Early
Bird Sale.

"Nobody cares what the weather is," she said.  "The merchants and the
shoppers all make it a fun time. It gets to be a party atmosphere."

The party really gets started when the shopping ends. Around 10:30 a.m.
participants gather at the Village Green bordering Mt. Desert Street and
Main Street, and parade around for judges who award prizes to the best
dressed man, woman and child.

Shops aren't the only businesses offering discounts during the weekend.
Local hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts have overnight specials. It's a
great time to save on already-low off-season accommodation rates.

For more information about the Bar Harbor Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party,
contact Virginia Farnsworth at 1-800-288-5103 or visit www.barharbormaine.com.

Christmas at Moosehead Celebration

GREENVILLE, Maine - The town of Greenville is legendary for its summer
hospitality bestowed on the thousands of visitors who enjoy Moosehead Lake
and many other local natural attractions during the warm months. The
friendly welcome to town doesn't end when the weather turns cold, and the
Christmas at Moosehead celebration is a great example of Greenville's year-
round community spirit. This year's event takes place Saturday, Dec. 9. The
day of festivities will include the town tree lighting ceremony, shopping
specials at stores and galleries, and an evening Christmas concert.
Visitors can also take part in the annual Inn Walk, a tour of local
accommodations decorated for the holidays. This is a great weekend getaway
to get started on the holiday shopping with unique gifts from the Moosehead
Lakes Region. For more information, contact the Moosehead Lake Region
Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-876-2778 or visit www.mooseheadlake.org.

Great trails with great views at the Rangeley Snowmobile Snodeo

RANGELEY, Maine - Each winter, the picturesque hills and valleys of
Rangeley become one of the northeast's biggest playgrounds for
snowmobilers. With Maine's second-largest trail system, the Rangeley area
attracts individual riders and families from near and far. The can't miss
event of the season is the Rangeley Snowmobile Snodeo which takes place
Jan.18-20. In addition to great riding on some of the best maintained and
most scenic trails in the state, there will be radar runs, antique
snowmobile displays, a sled parade, children's activities, fireworks, food
and entertainment.  Some events have a participation fee. For more
information about the Rangeley Snowmobile Snodeo, call the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club at 207-864-5364 or visit www.rangeleymaine.com.

Work of early deaf painter John Brewster Jr. on display at Portland Museum of Art

PORTLAND, Maine - Scholars have noted that the deaf are highly visual
people who can transform the sense of an image into a work of art. John
Brewster, Jr. (1766-1854), one of the United States earliest deaf artists
of prominence, was noted for his portraits of children. Beginning Jan. 25,
the Portland Museum of Art will exhibit 50 of Brewster's paintings made
during his long and successful career. The exhibit, A Deaf Artist in Early
America: The Worlds of John Brewster, Jr., runs through March 27. The
display of Brewster's work and a companion book will shed light on his
artistic influences, his distinctive painting style and techniques, his
elite clientele, and the world of the deaf in early America. For more
information about the exhibit, call the Portland Museum of Art at (207)
775-6148 or visit www.portlandmuseum.org.


American ABC: Childhood in 19th Century America
01/08/2007 American ABC will explore the subject of childhood and its
relationship to the American quest for national identity during the 19th
century, and includes works by Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, and other
major American artists. Location: Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress
Square, Portland. Contact: Kristen Levesque. Times: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat,
Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fees: $8 adults;
$6 seniors & students with I. D.; $2 youth 6 - 17; under 6 are free.
Telephone: 207-775-6148. Mailto:info@portlandmuseum.org
www.portlandmuseum.org.

27th Annual Holiday Craft Market
11/25/2006 Maine made, hand-crafted items for sale at all day craft event. Juried craft show with over 70 exhibitors. Photos with Santa. Fees: Adults $2, children under 12 free. Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Samoset Resort, Rockport. Contact: Jennifer Hall, Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-596-0376. Mailto:info@therealmaine.com.
www.therealmaine.com.

11/25/2006- Country Christmas in Bethel
12/24/2006 Open houses, ice skating on the common, Saturday afternoon
horse-drawn wagon rides, workshops, arrival of Santa, musical performances, Community Messiah Sing, Taste of Bethel, and much more in the perfect place to experience Christmas in Maine. Location: Main St, Bethel. Contact: Rosalie Holliday, Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-824-2282. Toll Free: 800-442-5826. Mailto:info@bethelmaine.com. www.bethelmaine.com.

11/24/2006 Electric Christmas Parade
Come watch as a Touch of Country lights up downtown Waterville with the
Electric Christmas Parade. The parade brings Santa to town and ends with
the lighting of the giant spruce in Castonguay Square. Free and open to the
public. Fees: Free. Location: Downtown Waterville. Contact: Waterville Main
Street. Telephone: 207-680-2055. Mailto:info@watervillemainstreet.org.
www.watervillemainstreet.org.

11/24/2006- Light up your Holidays
12/22/2006 A month-long celebration that includes festival light displays,
free horse and wagon rides, free gift wrapping, as well as tree and wreath
sales. Fees: Free. Contact: Portland's Downtown District. Telephone: 207-
772-6828. Mailto:info@portlandmaine.com. www.portlandmaine.com.

11/24/2006- Rockland Festival of Lights Celebration
11/26/2006 Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat, visit historic inns holiday
open houses, Parade of Lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers,
children's activities, Santa's Workshop, extended shopping hours and more.
Location: Main St, Rockland. Contact: Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of
Commerce. Telephone: 207-596-0376. Mailto:info@TheRealMaine.com.
www.TheRealMaine.com.

11/25/2006 Lighting of the Nubble
Cookies, hot chocolate, music, Santa Claus, plus the big countdown to the
turning on of the Christmas lights on the Cape Neddick Lighthouse for the
holiday season. Shuttle service from Ellis Park at Short Sands Beach.
Times: 6:00 p.m. Location: Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Route 1A, York.
Contact: York Parks & Recreation. Telephone: 207-363-1040.
Mailto:parks-rec@yorkmaine.org. http://parksandrec.yorkmaine.org

11/25/2006 Santa Claus Light Parade
A Christmas parade and Santa's arrival officially begin the holiday season.
Location: Houlton. Times: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Contact: Greater Houlton
Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-532-4216.
Mailto:chamber@greaterhoulton.com. www.greaterhoulton.com.

12/01/2006- Christmas by the Sea
12/03/2006 A weekend celebration of the holiday season with shopping,
musical entertainment, community tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn wagon rides, Holiday House Tour of private residences and inns, and Santa
arriving by lobster boat. Location: Camden. Contact: Crista Crews, Camden-
Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-236-4404.
Mailto:ccrews@camdenme.org www.christmasbythesea.org.

12/01/2006- Old Fashioned Christmas
12/31/2006 This month-long holiday celebration in the city of Bath will
include festive holiday window displays and competitions along with
outstanding decorations. Special events will include a parade and prizes
galore. Location: Downtown Bath. Contact: Main Street Bath. Telephone: 207- 442-7291. Mailto:getinfo@mainstbath.com www.visitbath.com

12/01/2006- Freeport's 13th Annual Sparkle
12/03/2006 Main Street Magic Parade of Lights, carolers, Talking Christmas
Tree, Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, Holly Trolley and much more! Fees:
Free. Location: Village-wide, Freeport. Contact: Dick Collins, Freeport
Merchants Association. Telephone: 207-865-1212. Toll Free: 800-865-1994.
Mailto:chamber@freeportusa.com. www.freeportusa.com.

12/02/2006- Christmas Prelude at Seashore Trolley Museum
12/10/2006 During Kennebunkport's popular Christmas Prelude weekends, the Seashore Trolley Museum will be open for special holiday streetcar rides
along with refreshments. Location: Seashore Trolley Museum, Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport. Contact: John Middleton. Telephone: 207-967-2800.
Mailto:carshop@gwi.net. www.trolleymuseum.org.

12/02/2006 22nd Annual Harbor Lights Festival
Santa and friends arrive by boat, horse drawn wagon rides, craft fair, time
with Santa, lighting of Christmas tree, and the spectacular Lighted Boat
Parade. Times: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Boothbay Harbor.
Contact: Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-633-
2353. Mailto:seamaine@boothbayharbor.com. www.boothbayharbor.com.

12/02/2006 31st Annual Chester Greenwood Day Parade
A celebration in honor of Chester Greenwood, inventor of the ear muffs with
a parade of floats decorated on an ear muff based theme with everything
from horses to police cars. Fees: None. Times: 11:00 a.m. Location:
Farmington. Contact: Laurie Blake, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
Telephone: 207-778-4215. Mailto:info@fwcoc.org. www.farmingtonchamber.org.

12/02/2006 Festival of Lights
The all-day celebration includes craft fairs, open house celebrations,
caroling, and the beautiful illuminated parade at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy church
suppers, caroling groups, concerts, Santa Claus and more. Times: All day.
Location: York Village. Contact: Old York Historical Society. Telephone:
207-363-4974. Mailto:oyhs@oldyork.org. www.oldyork.org.

12/02/2006 Shaker Christmas Fair
Nine rooms of the 1816 Trustee's Office at the Sabbathday Lake are open to
the public and offer a multitude of holiday gifts for all ages. Shaker
homemade baked goods are for sale - fruitcakes, cookies, candies, hot herb
biscuits, breads. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: Sabbathday Lake
Shaker Village, New Gloucester. Contact: Leonard L. Brooks, United Society
of Shakers. Telephone: 207-926-4597. Mailto:usshakers@aol.com.
www.shaker.lib.me.us

12/02/2006 Taste of Bethel & Theme Wreath Auction
Treat yourself as the Taste of Bethel enters its 9th year. Delicious
samples from area restaurants include main dishes, soups, desserts. Bid on
the beautiful wreaths which come fully decorated and loaded with toys, gift
certificates, etc. Times: Noon - 2:00 p.m. Location: Telstar High School,
284 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel. Contact: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.
Telephone: 207-824-2282. Mailto:info@bethelmaine.com. www.bethelmaine.com.

12/02/2006 A Christmas Tea
Enjoy festive holiday desserts served with old-fashioned hospitality and a
cup of tea at the beautifully decorated and historic Jefferds Tavern. Fees:
$5. Times: Noon - 4:00 p.m. Location: Jefferds' Tavern, York. Contact:
Cheryl Farley, Old York Historical Society. Telephone: 207-363-4974.
Mailto:oyhs@oldyork.org. www.oldyork.org.

12/03/2006 14th Annual Celebrate the Season by the Sea
Tree-lighting event with hayrides, entertainment, hot chocolate and food.
Bonfire and caroling on the beach and holiday bazaar. Santa and Mrs. Claus
arrive on a fire engine making this a very special tradition and holiday
event. Fees: Free. Location: Old Orchard Beach. Contact: Old Orchard Beach
Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-934-2500.
Mailto:info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com. www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.

12/08/2006- 20th Annual Christmas by the Sea Celebration
12/10/2006 A festival of holiday activities designed for the young at heart
in quaint Ogunquit Village. Tree lightings, caroling, bonfires, shopping,
open houses, Chowderfest, and more. Location: School Street, Ogunquit.
Contact: Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-646-2939.
www.ogunquit.org.

12/08/2006- Victorian Christmas at the Penobscot Marine Museum
12/09/2006 The Museum's Fowler-True-Ross House, a 19th century sea
captain's home, will be decorated by children from the elementary school.
There will be a holiday evening concert on Friday and holiday house tours
on Saturday. Location: Penobscot Marine Museum. Telephone: 207-548-2529.
Mailto:info@penobscotmarinemuseum.org. www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org.

12/09/2006 23rd Annual Wells Christmas Parade
Parade proceeds from Wells Plaza north to Route 1 for an awards ceremony.
Decorated floats, marching bands, special entertainment, and Santa too.
Great family fun! Times: 1:30 p.m. Location: Wells Plaza north to Route 1,
Wells. Contact: Wells Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 207-646-2451.
Mailto:wellschamber@wellschamber.org. www.wellschamber.org.

12/14/2006- 6th Annual Maine WinterFest
12/17/2006 This  yearly event features world-class snow and ice carving by
professional and amateur snow and ice carvers from around the world. Every
year there is a different theme. Glide down the fire-breathing dragon slide
or attend a concert. Location: Falmouth & Freeport. Contact: Martina
Duncan. Fees: Single park $2; Combined park $3; Group rate of 15 or more -
$1 per person. Telephone: 207-772-2811. Mailto:mduncan@portlandregion.com
www.mainewinterfest.com

12/31/2006 New Year's Bethel
Lots of great fun and entertainment. An affordable, chemical-free festival
featuring a community bonfire, lighted vehicle parade, music, dance, story
telling, food and fireworks. Fees: Advance $10 adult, $8 ages 6-18, at the
door - $12 adult, $10 ages 6-18, free under 5. Times: 6:00 p.m. Location:
Bethel village. Contact: Susan Herlihy, Bethel Historical Society.
Telephone: 207-824-2908. Toll Free: 800-824-2910.
Mailto:info@bethelhistorical.org. www.bethelhistorical.org.

12/31/2006 New Year's Portland 2007
Northern New England's premier family celebration featuring concerts,
children and teen activities, great food, Portland Pirates hockey, public
skating and swimming, the largest indoor fireworks show ever displayed in
Maine. Fees: Most free. Times: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Downtown
Portland. Contact: Telephone: 207-772-6828. www.newyearsportland.com.