The Maine Wildlife Park will step back in time with the Ancient Ones of Maine on Saturday. The 200-year-old living history camp re-enactment is not simply to be observed; visitors will be able to explore the camp and participate in demonstrations for a real hands-on history experience.
"The Ancient Ones of Maine is public-friendly. Everyone is welcome to come into our camp and participate in our demos," said Dave Bryant, the Ancient Ones of Maine's booshway (that means he is the guy in charge of this rendezvous at the park).
"They re-create what life would look like in the early 1800s. It's like a time capsule with demonstrations," said Lisa Kane, natural science educator of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "These guys are incredibly historically accurate. It is a step back in time that we don't typically get to see."
The Ancient Ones of Maine will assume historical personas at the park and interact with visitors in character.
One of the personas will include a "mountain man" who will set up a teepee. The public will be allowed to go inside the structure.
Bryant's persona is a "Northeastern long hunter." His shelter will be a simple piece of canvas that was often carried by travelers in the 1700s and early 1800s.
"They will be going about setting up their camp and answering questions from the public while they go about their business," Kane said.
Both Bryant and Kane agree that the demonstrations the Ancient Ones will be doing are not to be missed.
"I'll be doing tomahawk demonstrations all day. I'm really good at it," said Bryant, who wasn't shy about explaining how well he handles a tomahawk. "It's also something that we let the public try if they want."
Other demonstrations happening throughout the day will include fire starting, cooking, trading, flint knapping, weaving and more. There will also be flintlock muskets to view, but they will not be fired in the park.
"The big deal with us versus other re-enactors is that we welcome visitors to come into our camp. You're allowed in our teepee. You can try any of the demonstrations you want. It's that type of thing," Bryant said about his group's dedication to a hands-on living history experience for all.
"We've been doing this for 30 years, and we're insured," he explained when asked about letting the public try fire starting and tomahawk throwing.
Authenticity is important to the Ancient Ones, but there are a few minor exceptions.
"We try to be as authentic as we can but we know that eyeglasses are a little out of place," Bryant said. "But some of us can't see."
"When they set up camp, they live it," Kane said. "They really are living like it was 200 years ago."
When visitors are ready, they can step out of history and into today's natural world. The park's usual exhibits of more than 30 species of native wildlife can be enjoyed along with the nature trails and fish hatchery.
Bring along your modern-day cellphone because the park's self-guided audio tour program is a wonderful educational experience for visitors. According to Kane, 7,000 calls were made to the audio tour phone number (228-1700) last year. The audio tour has been updated for this season to include new animals, and the park now offers a text version of the tour at www.mainewildlifepark.com.
THE ANCIENT ONES OF MAINE
WHEN: Saturday, June 4.
WHERE: Maine Wildlife Park, 56 Game Farm Road, Gray.
HOW MUCH: Park admission is $7 ages 13-60, $5 ages 4-12 and 60-plus, free under age 3.
FOOD OPTIONS: Bring your own picnic. Grills available, but visitors bring their own charcoal. There is a snack shack for light snacks.
PARKING: At the park.
DON'T MISS: The skills demonstrations.
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great.
BENEFITS: Admission fee benefits park programs.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine.
MORE INFO: www.mainewildlifepark.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 29, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Upside to rainy weather for my horse girl
My 15-year-old loves horses and has had to be creatively resourceful in finding ways to spend time with horses that don't require a lot of money. Anyone who has ever paid for riding lessons knows there is nothing inexpensive about it.
But G. has managed to find a lot of different ways to learn about, and spend time with, horses over the years. She took group therapeutic riding lessons (seasonally) in elementary school. Then we took a break in part due to our crazy schedule as well as finances. In middle school she really wanted to get back to riding and found a horse barn near our house. She's been working at the barn weekly, mucking out stalls and other chores in exchange for riding a couple of times per month. She's been doing this for the past couple of years and loving it. I am both pleased and surprised that the kind of hard work she does is something she's stuck with all this time.
This past year an opportunity arose with a new 4-H club that is a "horseless" horse club. It's a club with members who do not own horses but love the animals and want to learn more about them as well as spend time with other horse-lovers. It's been a fun, no-cost experience for both my kids and they love it.
I give G. a lot of credit for exploring every horse opportunity that comes her way. She is not so interested in formal riding as much as the simpler just-enjoy-the-horses and pleasure ride kind of thing.
A few weeks ago she found out about a free horse driving carriage clinic in Oxford she insisted we attend.
"Come on mom, it's free!"
I asked G. to contact the organizers to ensure the "free" activities really did include actually driving a horse carriage before I agreed to drive up there. It did. It also required G. juggling an already busy schedule to attend. She was emailing, calling and working out all her schedule conflicts to attend this clinic without any help from me.
It is amazing what a kid can manage with the right motivation.
It was, of course, raining the day of the clinic. G. could have cared less. Within 15 minutes of being on the fairgrounds she'd chatted with an owner and had herself a job brushing out a horse. She drove a single horse carriage and then a double-team carriage. She even had a chance to work with a horse who had not driven a carriage. He was in training to learn and she directed the horse through an obstacle course by walking him using long reins. Had we lived closer to this particular horse owner (he lived more than a hour away), she'd have had a summer job.
G. could not have been happier about the experience.
She commented on her way home from the fairgrounds that it was good it rained. She had a lot more driving time because not many people attended the event because of the wet weather.
I guess there is an upside to this rain for at least one Maine teenager.
I can't say I'm enthused about large animals but G. and her new horse friend talked me in to a ride (a very cold one since I was not dressed warmly enough that day).
But G. has managed to find a lot of different ways to learn about, and spend time with, horses over the years. She took group therapeutic riding lessons (seasonally) in elementary school. Then we took a break in part due to our crazy schedule as well as finances. In middle school she really wanted to get back to riding and found a horse barn near our house. She's been working at the barn weekly, mucking out stalls and other chores in exchange for riding a couple of times per month. She's been doing this for the past couple of years and loving it. I am both pleased and surprised that the kind of hard work she does is something she's stuck with all this time.
This past year an opportunity arose with a new 4-H club that is a "horseless" horse club. It's a club with members who do not own horses but love the animals and want to learn more about them as well as spend time with other horse-lovers. It's been a fun, no-cost experience for both my kids and they love it.
I give G. a lot of credit for exploring every horse opportunity that comes her way. She is not so interested in formal riding as much as the simpler just-enjoy-the-horses and pleasure ride kind of thing.
A few weeks ago she found out about a free horse driving carriage clinic in Oxford she insisted we attend.
"Come on mom, it's free!"
I asked G. to contact the organizers to ensure the "free" activities really did include actually driving a horse carriage before I agreed to drive up there. It did. It also required G. juggling an already busy schedule to attend. She was emailing, calling and working out all her schedule conflicts to attend this clinic without any help from me.
It is amazing what a kid can manage with the right motivation.
It was, of course, raining the day of the clinic. G. could have cared less. Within 15 minutes of being on the fairgrounds she'd chatted with an owner and had herself a job brushing out a horse. She drove a single horse carriage and then a double-team carriage. She even had a chance to work with a horse who had not driven a carriage. He was in training to learn and she directed the horse through an obstacle course by walking him using long reins. Had we lived closer to this particular horse owner (he lived more than a hour away), she'd have had a summer job.
G. could not have been happier about the experience.
She commented on her way home from the fairgrounds that it was good it rained. She had a lot more driving time because not many people attended the event because of the wet weather.
I guess there is an upside to this rain for at least one Maine teenager.
I can't say I'm enthused about large animals but G. and her new horse friend talked me in to a ride (a very cold one since I was not dressed warmly enough that day).
Monday, May 23, 2011
Our amazing Relay for Life team
I'd like to thank all those bloggers who helped with Raising Maine's Relay for Life (Brunswick) team. From fund-raising to luminaria bag making to taking a walking shift - it was a great team effort. Our team raised nearly $1,700 for cancer research and by the end of the Relay had claimed first place for "team spirit!"
The Relay for Life was a wonderful celebration of life and a thoughtful experience for the adults and kids who attended. We each shed a few tears during the survivor lap and luminaria ceremony but we also shared more than a few laughs throughout the night as well (some of this due to sleep-deprivation and general punchy-ness in the wee morning hours, but mostly it was just in good fun).
I'd like to take a moment to say thank you to some of our team's many helpers.
Thanks to our luminaria bag decorators - Julie Otte (Naptime Notes) and her daycare kids, Margaret Logan (Just the Fashion Basics) and daughter, Kristen DeQuattro (The Scoop) and kids, Laurie Marcello (I Need a Minute) and daughter (with friends), Amy Bevan (The PranaMama) and kids, Courtney Durgin (Heart of the Matter) and girls and the Almeida girls. This group decorated more than 60 luminaria, which was a wonderful tribute. It was also a sad commentary on the number of people our team has known who have faced cancer.
Thanks to Kristen DeQuattro for organizing shifts to cover the entire overnight event of walkers. There was never a minute we were without a Relay walker representing our team out on the track from the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. until closing ceremonies at 9 a.m.
Thanks to all our Relay walkers!
Kristen DeQuattro (The Scoop)
Susan Hyde (Educating Mama)
Erica Irish (Maine Adventure Mom)
Courtney & Mark Durgin (Heart of the Matter)
A. Durgin
W. Durgin
Meg Kusturin (Mom of Nine)
B. Kusturin
K. Kusturin
C. Kusturin
G. Almeida
L. Almeida
Karen Beaudoin (Raising Maine Magazine editor)
Shannon Bryan (MaineToday Media & my co-worker)
I want to offer a special shout-out to Kathy Eliscu (Grandma Happens) who couldn't walk at Relay due to a family illness but raised the most money as an individual on our team. Her grand total was $720.00!
There were a lot of donations made to our team and I want to especially thank a couple of our bloggers who made donations in honor of family members - Allison Wells (Mama Bird) and Debbie Hastings (Notes from the Home Office). Jackie Conn (LUV2LOSE) and Weight Watchers of Maine also made a very generous donation to our team via Kathy's member page.
I could not have taken on planning this Relay event without the help of Meg Kusturin (Mom of Nine). She helped organize all the team's supplies at the event and provided the tents and screen house that kept us relatively dry during a wet event (it lightly rained pretty much the whole time - but we were grateful there weren't any downpours).
She also made every one of our team's walkers a pink bandana to wear while on the track. This made it easy to spot all our team members. Meg also brought along some great costumes for the themed laps and was a big part of the reason we won first place for "team spirit." If you see her sometime, ask her about the Hawaiian lap and the impromptu hula story/song performed for the lap judges. I was laughing too hard to get any video but trust me, it was inspired!
Although I was exhausted (and sore) by the time we packed up and drove home from Relay, there was no question that I will be organizing a team next year. So if you want to join in the next one, keep an eye out in the fall for the Brunswick Relay for Life date.
I also hope that next year we can raise even more money to help cancer research. We need to fight back and find a cure - for Ann (Just Thinking Diaries) and everyone else fighting this horrible disease!
Our Relay team's first leg of walkers.
We had several great helpers setting up our team's luminaria.
We all held our thoughts close to our friend and fellow blogger, Ann Murray Paige (Just Thinking Diaries) during the event.
The survivor lap was very touching (I admit I shed a few grateful tears for these survivors). You can see our team's matching pink bandanas in this photo sewn by Meg (Mom of Nine).
Erica (Maine Adventure Mom) drove two hours to walk with us. She and Meg (Mom of Nine) walked a few laps together.
The Mardi Gras lap was one of several themed laps our team dressed up for.
I believe the Hawaiian lap was our team's favorite - and silliest - lap.
Our team won several of the themed laps for our costumes and general silliness all night.
Another team offered a way for all Relay walkers to track the number of laps they walked using beads. We made a donation for a piece of string and then for every lap we walked, we collected a bead. Every four laps was a mile. The kids, and I admit several of us adults, became super motivated to collect beads. There were several team members that earned their "silver" bead, which represented walking a half marathon (13 miles). Karen, Shannon and I earned our half-marathon status along with K & C Kusturin and L & G Almeida.
And in case this isn't obvious, I felt every one of those laps on my hips, knees and feet after Relay. I felt the need to pop a couple of more ibuprofen this morning before heading to the office. I know my minor discomfort is nothing compared to cancer treatment and that helps keep a lot of things in perspective.
I know I haven't mentioned everyone who helped with our Relay team but believe me, every contribution made to our team was very much appreciated!
The Relay for Life was a wonderful celebration of life and a thoughtful experience for the adults and kids who attended. We each shed a few tears during the survivor lap and luminaria ceremony but we also shared more than a few laughs throughout the night as well (some of this due to sleep-deprivation and general punchy-ness in the wee morning hours, but mostly it was just in good fun).
I'd like to take a moment to say thank you to some of our team's many helpers.
Thanks to our luminaria bag decorators - Julie Otte (Naptime Notes) and her daycare kids, Margaret Logan (Just the Fashion Basics) and daughter, Kristen DeQuattro (The Scoop) and kids, Laurie Marcello (I Need a Minute) and daughter (with friends), Amy Bevan (The PranaMama) and kids, Courtney Durgin (Heart of the Matter) and girls and the Almeida girls. This group decorated more than 60 luminaria, which was a wonderful tribute. It was also a sad commentary on the number of people our team has known who have faced cancer.
Thanks to Kristen DeQuattro for organizing shifts to cover the entire overnight event of walkers. There was never a minute we were without a Relay walker representing our team out on the track from the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. until closing ceremonies at 9 a.m.
Thanks to all our Relay walkers!
Kristen DeQuattro (The Scoop)
Susan Hyde (Educating Mama)
Erica Irish (Maine Adventure Mom)
Courtney & Mark Durgin (Heart of the Matter)
A. Durgin
W. Durgin
Meg Kusturin (Mom of Nine)
B. Kusturin
K. Kusturin
C. Kusturin
G. Almeida
L. Almeida
Karen Beaudoin (Raising Maine Magazine editor)
Shannon Bryan (MaineToday Media & my co-worker)
I want to offer a special shout-out to Kathy Eliscu (Grandma Happens) who couldn't walk at Relay due to a family illness but raised the most money as an individual on our team. Her grand total was $720.00!
There were a lot of donations made to our team and I want to especially thank a couple of our bloggers who made donations in honor of family members - Allison Wells (Mama Bird) and Debbie Hastings (Notes from the Home Office). Jackie Conn (LUV2LOSE) and Weight Watchers of Maine also made a very generous donation to our team via Kathy's member page.
I could not have taken on planning this Relay event without the help of Meg Kusturin (Mom of Nine). She helped organize all the team's supplies at the event and provided the tents and screen house that kept us relatively dry during a wet event (it lightly rained pretty much the whole time - but we were grateful there weren't any downpours).
She also made every one of our team's walkers a pink bandana to wear while on the track. This made it easy to spot all our team members. Meg also brought along some great costumes for the themed laps and was a big part of the reason we won first place for "team spirit." If you see her sometime, ask her about the Hawaiian lap and the impromptu hula story/song performed for the lap judges. I was laughing too hard to get any video but trust me, it was inspired!
Although I was exhausted (and sore) by the time we packed up and drove home from Relay, there was no question that I will be organizing a team next year. So if you want to join in the next one, keep an eye out in the fall for the Brunswick Relay for Life date.
I also hope that next year we can raise even more money to help cancer research. We need to fight back and find a cure - for Ann (Just Thinking Diaries) and everyone else fighting this horrible disease!
Our Relay team's first leg of walkers.
We had several great helpers setting up our team's luminaria.
We all held our thoughts close to our friend and fellow blogger, Ann Murray Paige (Just Thinking Diaries) during the event.
The survivor lap was very touching (I admit I shed a few grateful tears for these survivors). You can see our team's matching pink bandanas in this photo sewn by Meg (Mom of Nine).
Erica (Maine Adventure Mom) drove two hours to walk with us. She and Meg (Mom of Nine) walked a few laps together.
The Mardi Gras lap was one of several themed laps our team dressed up for.
I believe the Hawaiian lap was our team's favorite - and silliest - lap.
Our team won several of the themed laps for our costumes and general silliness all night.
Another team offered a way for all Relay walkers to track the number of laps they walked using beads. We made a donation for a piece of string and then for every lap we walked, we collected a bead. Every four laps was a mile. The kids, and I admit several of us adults, became super motivated to collect beads. There were several team members that earned their "silver" bead, which represented walking a half marathon (13 miles). Karen, Shannon and I earned our half-marathon status along with K & C Kusturin and L & G Almeida.
And in case this isn't obvious, I felt every one of those laps on my hips, knees and feet after Relay. I felt the need to pop a couple of more ibuprofen this morning before heading to the office. I know my minor discomfort is nothing compared to cancer treatment and that helps keep a lot of things in perspective.
I know I haven't mentioned everyone who helped with our Relay team but believe me, every contribution made to our team was very much appreciated!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Preview: Lebanon Community Festival
The Lebanon Community Festival will be much like a giant touch-a-truck program, with lots of interesting vehicles for kids to see, touch and interact with. With vehicles such as a monster mud truck, a police cruiser and a LifeFlight helicopter, the adults may want to climb up and in for a fun and educational experience as well.
"We will have an ambulance, fire truck, police car and the emergency management mobile command post. Kids can go in and see what's inside all of these vehicles," said Jason Cole, assistant chief of Lebanon Rescue.
"The command post has big satellite TVs and other equipment, so people can learn how things work when there is a large-scale emergency."
Other vehicles at the event will include large construction equipment, race cars and lots of antique vehicles. The warden service will also be bringing along its Operation Game Thief educational trailer.
The LifeFlight helicopter plans to make a touchdown on the soccer field. This depends, of course, on other assignments, but organizers hope it will return to the event this year.
"I think every single one of the thousand visitors toured LifeFlight at last year's event," said Cole.
Most visitors will arrive by car but there will be a few from Sky Dive New England dropping from the sky to entertain the crowd.
"The skydivers love flying in and the kids love to watch them," said Cole, who hopes the weather cooperates for the jump on event day.
A police dog and an arson-detection dog will offer demonstrations with their handlers. These working dogs won't be the only animals at the event. A petting zoo will be set up as well.
"Last year we had a petting farm that was really popular, so we're doing it again this year. We have also added a bounce house and some field games to the festival's list of activities," said Cole.
This community festival is not all about trucks, animals and games, though. The Lebanon Recreation annual Cancer 5K Road Race will help raise funds for 4-year-old Nicole Purington, who is being treated for cancer. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and open to all ages. It's $15 to register in advance or $20 on the day of the race.
A benefit barbecue will help cover the festival's costs as well as help Purington's family. A hamburger, chips and soda will sell for $4. (Or, get a hot dog meal instead for $3.)
Cole is looking forward to another great festival.
"The most exciting thing for me during this event is to see the hundreds of families that show up. Last year, a thousand people came and it truly brought the community together," he said. "So much planning goes into this event, but it's worth it when you see all the happy faces of the kids."
LEBANON COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5K race registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Hanson and Lebanon elementary schools, 53 Upper Guinea Road, Lebanon
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: Benefit barbecue
PARKING: At the schools
DON'T MISS: The emergency command post and the other large vehicles
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
BENEFITS: Barbecue and 5K proceeds will help with 4-year-old Nicole Purington's cancer treatments.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: If Saturday is a washout, the event will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: www.lebanonrescue.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 15, 2011
"We will have an ambulance, fire truck, police car and the emergency management mobile command post. Kids can go in and see what's inside all of these vehicles," said Jason Cole, assistant chief of Lebanon Rescue.
"The command post has big satellite TVs and other equipment, so people can learn how things work when there is a large-scale emergency."
Other vehicles at the event will include large construction equipment, race cars and lots of antique vehicles. The warden service will also be bringing along its Operation Game Thief educational trailer.
The LifeFlight helicopter plans to make a touchdown on the soccer field. This depends, of course, on other assignments, but organizers hope it will return to the event this year.
"I think every single one of the thousand visitors toured LifeFlight at last year's event," said Cole.
Most visitors will arrive by car but there will be a few from Sky Dive New England dropping from the sky to entertain the crowd.
"The skydivers love flying in and the kids love to watch them," said Cole, who hopes the weather cooperates for the jump on event day.
A police dog and an arson-detection dog will offer demonstrations with their handlers. These working dogs won't be the only animals at the event. A petting zoo will be set up as well.
"Last year we had a petting farm that was really popular, so we're doing it again this year. We have also added a bounce house and some field games to the festival's list of activities," said Cole.
This community festival is not all about trucks, animals and games, though. The Lebanon Recreation annual Cancer 5K Road Race will help raise funds for 4-year-old Nicole Purington, who is being treated for cancer. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and open to all ages. It's $15 to register in advance or $20 on the day of the race.
A benefit barbecue will help cover the festival's costs as well as help Purington's family. A hamburger, chips and soda will sell for $4. (Or, get a hot dog meal instead for $3.)
Cole is looking forward to another great festival.
"The most exciting thing for me during this event is to see the hundreds of families that show up. Last year, a thousand people came and it truly brought the community together," he said. "So much planning goes into this event, but it's worth it when you see all the happy faces of the kids."
LEBANON COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5K race registration opens at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Hanson and Lebanon elementary schools, 53 Upper Guinea Road, Lebanon
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: Benefit barbecue
PARKING: At the schools
DON'T MISS: The emergency command post and the other large vehicles
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
BENEFITS: Barbecue and 5K proceeds will help with 4-year-old Nicole Purington's cancer treatments.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: If Saturday is a washout, the event will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: www.lebanonrescue.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 15, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Our tails of three
We have a theme of three going on at our house this spring that is both amusing and scary. Well, scary to me, not my children. They are quite pleased with our cubes.
Our original trio has been around for several years - our cats. I used to think they were a lot of work. Now they're a piece of cake in comparison to our other threesomes.
Over the winter L. made a decision to take on two new lambs and we agreed with her reasoning behind it. This was in addition to keeping Minnie, L.'s lamb from last year that she will show at the fairs this year as a yearling.
We have three sheep grazing in the yard now.
Then through a series of happenings that involved helping a 4-H friend, we acquired three piglets last week. Two of the pigs are for L. The third is for G., which was a surprise because up until the day we mentioned helping our friend I had no idea G. wanted to raise her own pig.
But wait, I'm not done with the tail counting.
G. has also just completed her 4-H paperwork for showing beef cows at the fair this year. She works at a local beef farm (no cows in our backyard!) and worked it out with the farm on which cows she'd like to show this year. She decided on Serena (a calf born this winter to her old show cow Sparkles). She is also showing the cow she showed last year, Bailey. And because Bailey is due to calf this summer, G's decided to show her calf as well.
You counted correctly. Three.
If that wasn't enough, this is the third year we've had livestock in the backyard (L. started with pigs). We've had chickens much longer but they are not nearly the work - nor the investment risk - of larger livestock animals.
Honest to Pete I never ever planned to have three of everything going on this year. I'm trying to figure out what happened to our former Noah's Ark theme we had going on. I was just getting the hang of that.
But no, it is the Tails of Three this year.
The kids are taking it all in stride and telling me to relax.
Three times' a charm right?
Our original trio has been around for several years - our cats. I used to think they were a lot of work. Now they're a piece of cake in comparison to our other threesomes.
Two of our three cats.
Over the winter L. made a decision to take on two new lambs and we agreed with her reasoning behind it. This was in addition to keeping Minnie, L.'s lamb from last year that she will show at the fairs this year as a yearling.
We have three sheep grazing in the yard now.
Minnie, the biggest ewe, with Pearl and Onyx.
Then through a series of happenings that involved helping a 4-H friend, we acquired three piglets last week. Two of the pigs are for L. The third is for G., which was a surprise because up until the day we mentioned helping our friend I had no idea G. wanted to raise her own pig.
L's piglets are named Falco (spotted one named after a Roman mystery book), Yuki (it means 'snow' in Japanese and a character from an anime series) and G.'s piglet's name is Justina (black with white band also named after Roman mystery book). After-the-fact I thought the girls should have named a piglet Hen Wen. This is a reference to Lloyd Alexander's "Book of Three" character Taran, who is an assistant pig-farmer with a pig named Hen Wen (that book was the first in the Prydain series, it's sequel was "The Black Cauldron"). Ah well, a naming opportunity lost...
But wait, I'm not done with the tail counting.
G. has also just completed her 4-H paperwork for showing beef cows at the fair this year. She works at a local beef farm (no cows in our backyard!) and worked it out with the farm on which cows she'd like to show this year. She decided on Serena (a calf born this winter to her old show cow Sparkles). She is also showing the cow she showed last year, Bailey. And because Bailey is due to calf this summer, G's decided to show her calf as well.
You counted correctly. Three.
If that wasn't enough, this is the third year we've had livestock in the backyard (L. started with pigs). We've had chickens much longer but they are not nearly the work - nor the investment risk - of larger livestock animals.
Honest to Pete I never ever planned to have three of everything going on this year. I'm trying to figure out what happened to our former Noah's Ark theme we had going on. I was just getting the hang of that.
But no, it is the Tails of Three this year.
The kids are taking it all in stride and telling me to relax.
Three times' a charm right?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Take a hike by the ocean this month
Spring hiking is likely to offer a muddy experience on inland trails after the winter we’ve had. But lucky for us there are a lot of coastal hikes in the state that offer drier conditions. Plus, visiting the shore at this time of year is an opportunity for the kids to make their first toe-dipping foray into the ocean after a long winter.
I offer a few hiking location suggestions based on places my family has enjoyed that are paved and/or packed gravel. These trails offer a less muddy trail experience in the spring.
It’s also a great time for some quiet time by the ocean before the crowds arrive.
MARGINAL WAY CLIFF WALK IN OGUNQUIT
THE COASTAL VIEWS along this paved trail offer plenty of photographic opportunities. Kids will like this easy trail that offers plenty of options for climbing down the rocks to the shoreline for more exploration. There are also benches to take a break and have a snack while enjoying the view.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The trail is about a mile long with fairly level terrain so it’s an easy walk for younger kids. We also enjoyed looking at the homes along the trail with various outdoor accoutrements to keep us looking not only at the ocean but toward the inland landscape as well. My teens liked the option to window shop in Perkins Cove after our hike.
TRAIL MAP: ht.ly/4xPTJ (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: Approximately 1 mile one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: 22 Wharf Lane, Ogunquit
BATHROOM: Yes, in Perkins Cove
DOG FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: It’s best to get to the trailhead early in the day because the parking lot fills up fast. The traditional summer tourists make it a challenge to find parking so add this destination to your May calendar, before Memorial Day.
Cliff Walk on Marginal Way at EveryTrail
RACHEL CARSON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE in WELLS
THIS WELL-MARKED trail is mostly level with packed gravel that is short and easy for young hikers.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Maps at the trailhead include information about each numbered station that can help visitors identify the ecology and wildlife of the area. The numbers give kids something to get excited about finding. We also love the benches that are strategically placed to enjoy the varied views on the trail.
TRAIL MAP: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson
LENGTH: 1 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: 321 Port Road, Wells
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: This is a marsh area and does not have a sandy beach option but the views and bird watching opportunities are wonderful.
FERRY BEACH STATE PARK IN SACO
THIS STATE PARK is open for the season and offers wooded trail hikes with some interpretive kiosks to explain the area. Raised boardwalks along parts of the trail system make it a nice, less muddy hike in the spring.
LENGTH: Just under 2 miles of wooded hiking trails
TRAIL MAP: www.sacobaytrails.org/fbsp.shtml
FEE: For Maine residents $4/adults, $1/5-11 years old, free/under 5
LOCATION: 95 Bayview Road, Saco
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes on the trails with a leash. No dogs permitted on the beach.
OTHER: Be sure to bring along a towel to dry off the kids’ feet because they won’t be able to resist taking off their shoes for a quick dip of their toes in the ocean.
Spring Hike at Ferry Beach State Park at EveryTrail
MACKWORTH ISLAND IN FALMOUTH
THIS TRAIL around the small island is a little over a mile and the easy, flat terrain works well for strollers. Shells found along the beach, the fairy house village and a pet cemetery give kids plenty to explore.
WHY WE LIKE IT: My daughters have been building fairy houses on the island since they were preschoolers. My animal-loving 15-year-old still enjoys a stop at Gov. Percival Baxter’s pet cemetery to read the stone markers, while my 13-year-old cannot resist building in the fairy village.
TRAIL MAP: www.trails.org
LENGTH: 1.25 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: Mackworth Island, Falmouth (follow the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf signs)
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: Parking is limited on the island so it’s best to arrive early.
Hiking on Mackworth Island in Casco Bay at EveryTrail
MORSE MOUNTAIN IN PHIPPSBURG
THIS TWO-MILE HIKE (one way) at the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area is on a mostly paved trail (there are some areas of hard-packed gravel) and is stroller-friendly. With a total elevation gain of about 100 feet there’s a bit of up and down on this trail, but nothing too strenuous for those with an average fitness level. The little ones can claim a summit visit about a mile in. And if that isn’t enough incentive for young hikers, exploring the ocean at Sewall Beach at the end of the trail will make it worth the effort.
WHY WE LIKE IT: You can feel a sense of accomplishment at reaching a mountain summit that is very doable for younger kids. Having a picnic at the summit is a nice halfway stop on the trail, and the view is one you won’t be eager to leave.
TRAIL MAP: tinyurl.com/kvh5rd (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: 2 miles, one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: Morse Mountain Road, Phippsburg (approximately 400 feet on left after turning off Route 216)
BATHROOM: No
DOG-FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: Parking is limited so best to arrive early to secure a spot. This also tends to be a buggy place as the temperatures get warmer so be sure to pack some bug spray.
Morse Mountain at EveryTrail
Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, May 2011 edition.
I offer a few hiking location suggestions based on places my family has enjoyed that are paved and/or packed gravel. These trails offer a less muddy trail experience in the spring.
It’s also a great time for some quiet time by the ocean before the crowds arrive.
MARGINAL WAY CLIFF WALK IN OGUNQUIT
WHY WE LIKE IT: The trail is about a mile long with fairly level terrain so it’s an easy walk for younger kids. We also enjoyed looking at the homes along the trail with various outdoor accoutrements to keep us looking not only at the ocean but toward the inland landscape as well. My teens liked the option to window shop in Perkins Cove after our hike.
TRAIL MAP: ht.ly/4xPTJ (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: Approximately 1 mile one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: 22 Wharf Lane, Ogunquit
BATHROOM: Yes, in Perkins Cove
DOG FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: It’s best to get to the trailhead early in the day because the parking lot fills up fast. The traditional summer tourists make it a challenge to find parking so add this destination to your May calendar, before Memorial Day.
Cliff Walk on Marginal Way at EveryTrail
RACHEL CARSON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE in WELLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Maps at the trailhead include information about each numbered station that can help visitors identify the ecology and wildlife of the area. The numbers give kids something to get excited about finding. We also love the benches that are strategically placed to enjoy the varied views on the trail.
TRAIL MAP: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson
LENGTH: 1 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: 321 Port Road, Wells
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: This is a marsh area and does not have a sandy beach option but the views and bird watching opportunities are wonderful.
FERRY BEACH STATE PARK IN SACO
LENGTH: Just under 2 miles of wooded hiking trails
TRAIL MAP: www.sacobaytrails.org/fbsp.shtml
FEE: For Maine residents $4/adults, $1/5-11 years old, free/under 5
LOCATION: 95 Bayview Road, Saco
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes on the trails with a leash. No dogs permitted on the beach.
OTHER: Be sure to bring along a towel to dry off the kids’ feet because they won’t be able to resist taking off their shoes for a quick dip of their toes in the ocean.
Spring Hike at Ferry Beach State Park at EveryTrail
MACKWORTH ISLAND IN FALMOUTH
WHY WE LIKE IT: My daughters have been building fairy houses on the island since they were preschoolers. My animal-loving 15-year-old still enjoys a stop at Gov. Percival Baxter’s pet cemetery to read the stone markers, while my 13-year-old cannot resist building in the fairy village.
TRAIL MAP: www.trails.org
LENGTH: 1.25 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: Mackworth Island, Falmouth (follow the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf signs)
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: Parking is limited on the island so it’s best to arrive early.
Hiking on Mackworth Island in Casco Bay at EveryTrail
MORSE MOUNTAIN IN PHIPPSBURG
WHY WE LIKE IT: You can feel a sense of accomplishment at reaching a mountain summit that is very doable for younger kids. Having a picnic at the summit is a nice halfway stop on the trail, and the view is one you won’t be eager to leave.
TRAIL MAP: tinyurl.com/kvh5rd (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: 2 miles, one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: Morse Mountain Road, Phippsburg (approximately 400 feet on left after turning off Route 216)
BATHROOM: No
DOG-FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: Parking is limited so best to arrive early to secure a spot. This also tends to be a buggy place as the temperatures get warmer so be sure to pack some bug spray.
Morse Mountain at EveryTrail
Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, May 2011 edition.
Hiking to Diana's Baths in White Mountains
There is a short family-friendly hiking trail in the White Mountain National Forest that my family likes to visit whenever we are in the North Conway, N.H., area. The Moat Mountain Trail leads to Diana's Baths, a series of small cascading waterfalls and pools at Lucy Brook. The trail to the brook is about half a mile one way on fairly level terrain.
In the summer, Diana’s Baths in Bartlett, N.H., is a favorite place for the Almeida kids to cool off and splash around. At this time of year the water is running fast and makes an impressive waterfall show. It is a great place to visit for your photography enthusiasts. During my family's recent visit, my husband and 15-year-old daughter were vying for time with our camera to take photos of the falls. There was a rock formation that spewed a wave unusually high in the air around one of the rocks. This site called to my family members as a great photographic opportunity. There was some debate about who would use the camera before a compromise was reached that included a cell phone as a second camera option.
My suggestion to avoid bickering is to encourage everyone who likes to take pictures to bring their own camera. Think of it as insurance for you to have a bit more quiet time to enjoy the beauty of the place.
Another essential to pack on this hike is bug repellent. This is a woodsy trail and a little bug protection will go a long way to keeping your hike pleasant.
We have visited Diana's Baths during the summer months when the cascades are slower. The pools underneath the much smaller falls are great for a dip. With the water pooling at different tiers, there are plenty of places to splash your feet around. My younger daughter can never resist going for a full body dip, bathing suit or not, in the deeper pool areas. The water is usually chilly, but my daughter assures us it feels oh-so-good on a hot summer day. But be aware that Diana's Baths is a popular destination during the warmer season, and you'll need to look around for a quiet spot.
There is a narrow trail that follows the shore to the top of the falls. The hilly terrain next to Lucy Brook is fairly easy to climb and at the top just beyond the falls there are more spots to sit and enjoy the water.
There are some remnants of an old gristmill just off the trail to explore as well. The mill used the hydropower of the brook to grind flour. Keep a close eye on the kids around the mill's remains as there is an old gear shaft and pipes that could cause injury if the kids start climbing around that area.
For fans of geocaching -- a game using a GPS unit and coordinates to find hidden "treasure" -- there are several boxes on this trail. We have found a handful on the way to, and around, Lucy Brook. You can do a latitude longitude search on geocaching.com using these coordinates to find several listings: N 44° 04.478 | W 071° 09.823.
Diana's Baths is a great hiking destination. Between the scenic picture taking options and swimming at the waterfalls, the trail offers up a great recipe for a fun day to explore the outdoors with your family.
DIANA’S BATHS,BARTLETT, N.H.
LENGTH: About 1 mile round trip
TERRAIN: Packed gravel, fairly level terrain
TRAIL USE: Walking
FEE: $3 for White Mountains National Forest day pass; self-service station at trailhead
TRAILHEAD: From North Conway, N.H., take River Road to Westside Road. Westside Road splits but stay to the right so the turn for Cathedral Ledge is on the left. Stay on Westside Road for another half mile. Entrance to trail head is on the left. (GPS N 44° 04.478 | W 071° 09.823)
BATHROOM: Yes, at trailhead
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
13-YEAR-OLD’S REVIEW: “I like walking around Diana’s Baths and looking at all the rocks and climbing them. I like getting close to the water to put my hands in it when it’s cold. But when it’s hot I like taking a dip in the pools.”
15-YEAR-OLD’S REVIEW: “I like the trail going out to Diana’s Baths because it’s a nice smooth, easy trail. I like taking pictures of the falls and climbing around the rocks to get different shots of the water.”
Hiking to Diana's Bath in White Mountains National Forest at EveryTrail
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 8, 2011
In the summer, Diana’s Baths in Bartlett, N.H., is a favorite place for the Almeida kids to cool off and splash around. At this time of year the water is running fast and makes an impressive waterfall show. It is a great place to visit for your photography enthusiasts. During my family's recent visit, my husband and 15-year-old daughter were vying for time with our camera to take photos of the falls. There was a rock formation that spewed a wave unusually high in the air around one of the rocks. This site called to my family members as a great photographic opportunity. There was some debate about who would use the camera before a compromise was reached that included a cell phone as a second camera option.
My suggestion to avoid bickering is to encourage everyone who likes to take pictures to bring their own camera. Think of it as insurance for you to have a bit more quiet time to enjoy the beauty of the place.
Another essential to pack on this hike is bug repellent. This is a woodsy trail and a little bug protection will go a long way to keeping your hike pleasant.
We have visited Diana's Baths during the summer months when the cascades are slower. The pools underneath the much smaller falls are great for a dip. With the water pooling at different tiers, there are plenty of places to splash your feet around. My younger daughter can never resist going for a full body dip, bathing suit or not, in the deeper pool areas. The water is usually chilly, but my daughter assures us it feels oh-so-good on a hot summer day. But be aware that Diana's Baths is a popular destination during the warmer season, and you'll need to look around for a quiet spot.
There is a narrow trail that follows the shore to the top of the falls. The hilly terrain next to Lucy Brook is fairly easy to climb and at the top just beyond the falls there are more spots to sit and enjoy the water.
There are some remnants of an old gristmill just off the trail to explore as well. The mill used the hydropower of the brook to grind flour. Keep a close eye on the kids around the mill's remains as there is an old gear shaft and pipes that could cause injury if the kids start climbing around that area.
For fans of geocaching -- a game using a GPS unit and coordinates to find hidden "treasure" -- there are several boxes on this trail. We have found a handful on the way to, and around, Lucy Brook. You can do a latitude longitude search on geocaching.com using these coordinates to find several listings: N 44° 04.478 | W 071° 09.823.
Diana's Baths is a great hiking destination. Between the scenic picture taking options and swimming at the waterfalls, the trail offers up a great recipe for a fun day to explore the outdoors with your family.
DIANA’S BATHS,BARTLETT, N.H.
LENGTH: About 1 mile round trip
TERRAIN: Packed gravel, fairly level terrain
TRAIL USE: Walking
FEE: $3 for White Mountains National Forest day pass; self-service station at trailhead
TRAILHEAD: From North Conway, N.H., take River Road to Westside Road. Westside Road splits but stay to the right so the turn for Cathedral Ledge is on the left. Stay on Westside Road for another half mile. Entrance to trail head is on the left. (GPS N 44° 04.478 | W 071° 09.823)
BATHROOM: Yes, at trailhead
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
13-YEAR-OLD’S REVIEW: “I like walking around Diana’s Baths and looking at all the rocks and climbing them. I like getting close to the water to put my hands in it when it’s cold. But when it’s hot I like taking a dip in the pools.”
15-YEAR-OLD’S REVIEW: “I like the trail going out to Diana’s Baths because it’s a nice smooth, easy trail. I like taking pictures of the falls and climbing around the rocks to get different shots of the water.”
Hiking to Diana's Bath in White Mountains National Forest at EveryTrail
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 8, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A battle of the wills, sheep style
L. has two new ewe lambs for her 4-H sheep showing season. She named them Pearl and Onyx after polling friends on Facebook about naming options. She's been working to get both new lambs halter trained but the lambs are not quite with L's program just yet. Pearl especially is not loving the halter. But L. is not one to give up any argument easily.
Right now it is a battle of the wills with Pearl.
I mentioned last year that halter training should be required for all teens to experience, especially the stubborn, think-they(teen)-know-everything lawyer-type personalities. It's both a humbling experience for the kids as well as an a-ha moment of recognizing their own behaviors in those of their animal.
There are days I am overwhelmed with the logistics of getting L. to various livestock shows because it not only involves human transportation, it requires coordination with a trailer to haul the animals too. But all the 4-H parents help each other out to make things manageable - and fun for all of us.
The a-ha moments are wonderful to witness as well. L. is in the thick of halter training for the second spring in a row and I find that my spunky 13-year-old is a little more agreeable about other things right now. For that I am grateful to her wooly friends.
There are a variety of reasons why I make logistics for all the animals both my girls have work. But these agreeable moments in my lawyer-type L. are a compelling reason keep some lambs in the backyard.
... and the reason that L. now has three lambs (Minnie, Pearl and Onyx), which inches us up to the "flock" status this year.
L's two piglets arrive this weekend for a different sort of experience.
Simple and easy are not synonyms for L. and I have accepted that (I think).
Right now it is a battle of the wills with Pearl.
I mentioned last year that halter training should be required for all teens to experience, especially the stubborn, think-they(teen)-know-everything lawyer-type personalities. It's both a humbling experience for the kids as well as an a-ha moment of recognizing their own behaviors in those of their animal.
There are days I am overwhelmed with the logistics of getting L. to various livestock shows because it not only involves human transportation, it requires coordination with a trailer to haul the animals too. But all the 4-H parents help each other out to make things manageable - and fun for all of us.
The a-ha moments are wonderful to witness as well. L. is in the thick of halter training for the second spring in a row and I find that my spunky 13-year-old is a little more agreeable about other things right now. For that I am grateful to her wooly friends.
There are a variety of reasons why I make logistics for all the animals both my girls have work. But these agreeable moments in my lawyer-type L. are a compelling reason keep some lambs in the backyard.
... and the reason that L. now has three lambs (Minnie, Pearl and Onyx), which inches us up to the "flock" status this year.
L's two piglets arrive this weekend for a different sort of experience.
Simple and easy are not synonyms for L. and I have accepted that (I think).
Monday, May 2, 2011
Preview: Kennebunk May Day Festival
Kennebunk not only knows how to ring in the Christmas season, the town also knows how to put on a good party for spring. The Kennebunk May Day Festival on Saturday has a lineup of activities with a little something for everyone in the family.
You can dance around a maypole, climb a five-lane rock wall with your friends, talk to fairies at the library and give your teddy bear a checkup and flu shot with Southern Maine Medical Center. And let's not forget a ride in a horse-drawn carriage with Larry and Max.
The town is pleased to also welcome the opening day of the local farmers market, a true sign that spring is here.
And of course, a milestone like that just calls for a big parade to do up the celebration just right.
"There are tons of wonderful things going on during the day. Enjoy it and take part in it all. But you absolutely don't want to miss the parade at 1:30," said Teri Collard, May Day Festival committee volunteer.
"We're going to have the Shoestring Theater, Gym Dandies, Shriners, classic cars, local marching bands, the Dunlop Highland Band and lots more. But come in a little early to get a good spot to watch it on Main Street."
The May Day Festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Duffy's Tavern & Grill on Main Street. Proceeds from the breakfast support the festival so families can continue to enjoy all the entertainment it offers for free.
Fans of fairies are in for a treat at the Kennebunk Free Library. There will be a fairy program with prizes and fairy crown making starting at 9:30 a.m.
The Brick Store Museum will host May basket making beginning at 10 a.m. The Kennebunk police and fire departments' Safety Expo will offer some educational fun. The maypole dancing, led by the Portland School of Ballet, begins at noon at Lafayette Park on Storer Street.
Live music will be on tap at the Main Street Plaza with the Kennebunk River Band from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Lafayette Park, the Little Melodies Band performs from 10 a.m. to noon and then the Ketchfish Blues Band will take the stage from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Lafayette Park will also host ongoing activities all day that include face painting, a craft market and a pottery wheel, and tai chi demonstrations.
To appeal to the shopping types, there will be plenty of craft shopping around Main Street with the Kennebunk Baptist Church and First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church hosting craft markets. Lafayette Park will also host a variety of information and goodies tables sponsored by local nonprofit groups.
The day will close with a free bean supper served at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Lord Street from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
"May Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring. It's fun and free and I want people to come and take advantage of it," Collard said.
KENNEBUNK MAY DAY FESTIVAL
WHEN: May 7
WHERE: Kennebunk
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: A variety of items from restaurants around town as well as non-profit organizations.
PARKING: Behind Lafayette Park on Storer Street, off of Grove Street behind the Ross Building block, and Parson's Field is an easy walk to downtown. The municipal lot is not available because of the farmers market.
DON'T MISS: The parade at 1:30 p.m.
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
BENEFITS: A variety of local nonprofits
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine
MORE INFO: www.kennebunk downtown.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 1, 2011
You can dance around a maypole, climb a five-lane rock wall with your friends, talk to fairies at the library and give your teddy bear a checkup and flu shot with Southern Maine Medical Center. And let's not forget a ride in a horse-drawn carriage with Larry and Max.
The town is pleased to also welcome the opening day of the local farmers market, a true sign that spring is here.
And of course, a milestone like that just calls for a big parade to do up the celebration just right.
"There are tons of wonderful things going on during the day. Enjoy it and take part in it all. But you absolutely don't want to miss the parade at 1:30," said Teri Collard, May Day Festival committee volunteer.
"We're going to have the Shoestring Theater, Gym Dandies, Shriners, classic cars, local marching bands, the Dunlop Highland Band and lots more. But come in a little early to get a good spot to watch it on Main Street."
The May Day Festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Duffy's Tavern & Grill on Main Street. Proceeds from the breakfast support the festival so families can continue to enjoy all the entertainment it offers for free.
Fans of fairies are in for a treat at the Kennebunk Free Library. There will be a fairy program with prizes and fairy crown making starting at 9:30 a.m.
The Brick Store Museum will host May basket making beginning at 10 a.m. The Kennebunk police and fire departments' Safety Expo will offer some educational fun. The maypole dancing, led by the Portland School of Ballet, begins at noon at Lafayette Park on Storer Street.
Live music will be on tap at the Main Street Plaza with the Kennebunk River Band from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Lafayette Park, the Little Melodies Band performs from 10 a.m. to noon and then the Ketchfish Blues Band will take the stage from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Lafayette Park will also host ongoing activities all day that include face painting, a craft market and a pottery wheel, and tai chi demonstrations.
To appeal to the shopping types, there will be plenty of craft shopping around Main Street with the Kennebunk Baptist Church and First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church hosting craft markets. Lafayette Park will also host a variety of information and goodies tables sponsored by local nonprofit groups.
The day will close with a free bean supper served at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Lord Street from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
"May Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of winter and the start of spring. It's fun and free and I want people to come and take advantage of it," Collard said.
KENNEBUNK MAY DAY FESTIVAL
WHEN: May 7
WHERE: Kennebunk
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: A variety of items from restaurants around town as well as non-profit organizations.
PARKING: Behind Lafayette Park on Storer Street, off of Grove Street behind the Ross Building block, and Parson's Field is an easy walk to downtown. The municipal lot is not available because of the farmers market.
DON'T MISS: The parade at 1:30 p.m.
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
BENEFITS: A variety of local nonprofits
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine
MORE INFO: www.kennebunk downtown.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram May 1, 2011
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