There is never a lack of things to do in Maine during the summer, and this season is shaping up to be quite a busy one for those who want to support Maine’s lobster industry. The number of Mainers who have reached out to offer to host or organize a fundraising event is overwhelming. It’s clear that the pride in the industry and the respect for the men and women who make their living lobstering runs deep. From events in Stonington and Milbridge to Machias and the Rockland Lobster Festival, there will be plenty of ways to show your support for Maine’s lobster industry and our lobstering heritage this summer.
The weekend of May 6-7 will kick off the summer’s start with the first annual Lobster Festival in Auburn. On Saturday, May 6, music, fun, food trucks, and a lobster bake will fill Festival Plaza from 1-7 p.m., with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
The next day, Sunday, May 7, local bands including Holy Smoke, John Hughes Radio, Mike Maurice, Paddy Mills, and Onehundredthorns will join comedians Connor McGrath, Adam Groppman and Emily Olga Dillon at the Elks Lodge on Congress Street in Portland from 2 - 6 p.m. for “Band Together: A concert to protect Maine’s lobstering heritage,” to benefit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance. Tickets and more information available at mlcalliance.org.
On Saturday, June 17, the South Bristol Fisherman’s Co-Op is hosting an event to celebrate the importance of Maine’s lobster industry. The board and staff of the Co-op are organizing the event, which will feature drink, food, a concert celebration, and a raffle of dozens of items donated by local businesses and craftspeople. Anyone who might be willing to contribute, donate items, or support the event in any way should contact Laura Hughes at 207-644-8224.
Perhaps the biggest summer event (so far!) will be a daylong festival at the Maine Maritime Museum on Sunday, August 27. “Music, Masts, and Lobster Traps: A Celebration of Maine’s Lobstering Heritage” will culminate in a late afternoon concert featuring Maine’s Mallett Brothers Band.
Tickets are now on sale, so get yours today before it’s too late… this one is sure to sell out! Tickets and more information available here.
Keep up to date on all these events as they develop by following MLA and MLCA on social media.
Phippsburg volunteers Susan Duncan, center, and, from left to right, Kelly James, Jesse Roche, Monique Coombs, Jean Scott, and Rep. Allison Hepler.
Finally, a huge thank you to Susan Duncan and her team of amazing volunteers who organized our most recent “All Hands on Deck” potluck fundraiser in Phippsburg on March 25. While we don’t have an official count, we can safely tell you that close to 100 people filled Phippsburg Sportsman’s Club on a chilly, late March afternoon for an afternoon of community warmth and some delicious food!
We are greatly appreciative of the support demonstrated by so many local businesses who donated items for the silent auction and extensive raffle. Donations are still coming in, but at last count this event raised nearly $13,000 for our efforts to preserve Maine’s lobstering industry. Thank you to everyone who played a part in ensuring that this event was such a success.