Two Festivals Cook Up Crowd-Pleasing Fun

Seafood, music, a community yard sale, a fishing derby and boat tours are among the offerings during the 25th annual Eastport Salmon Festival, which will be held on Labor Day weekend, September 2, 3 and 4.
"Being our 25th anniversary makes it a very special occasion," says Jett Peterson, one of the event's founders. "In many respects through the years it's been a showcase for farmed salmon and shown how it improved the Washington County economy."
The celebration, which is sponsored by the Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce, will start on Friday, September 2, with a community potluck pie supper at the Unitarian Meetinghouse at 16 Shackford Street. The meal begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature sweet and savory dishes. Millie Mulno and Lee Suta will provide music.
The festival will once again feature a three-day city-wide yard sale. Look for the sunflower flags and pick up a map from downtown merchants.
The Eastport Gallery invites all artists, young or old, professional and novice, to paint their favorite scene of Eastport during the 15th annual Paint Eastport Day, Saturday, September 3, during the Salmon Festival celebration. Artists will meet at the gallery at 7 a.m. to register and then "paint the town." A silent auction and reception will be held at the Eastport Arts Center beginning at 5 p.m.
The Salmon Festival Chowder and Chili Lunch, featuring a variety of foods from local chefs, beer on tap and live music by local musicians, will be held at the Eastport Arts Center from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
One important new addition is the first annual George Harris Sr. Memorial Mackerel Fishing Derby, which will be held on Saturday from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at the breakwater, rain or shine. All ages are welcome. "We're pleased to be naming it after him," says Ann Cornelison of the Eastport Salmon Festival Committee. "He was always a great supporter."
A free guided tour of prominent Eastport buildings will be held again this year by Greg Noyes. Meet him at the Peavey Memorial Library's front steps by 12:45 p.m. for the one-hour walk that will end with a tour of the Kilby House. "I'll be showing people important examples of Eastport architecture, mostly residential, but also some business," says Noyes.
On Sunday, September 4, registration for the Kids' Fun Run will open at 7:30 a.m on Sea Street, and the race begins at 8:15 a.m. Participants in the 5K Run/Walk may register at the same place from 7:30 to 9 a.m., and the event starts at 9:15 a.m.
Local food and craft vendors and educational exhibits will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in downtown Eastport. "They will all be based in Washington County, and they've made what they're selling," reports Cornelison.
From 10 to 11 a.m., a free guided walking tour of Hillside Cemetery is planned. Meet Mike Garvin at the Masonic tomb near the rear of the cemetery by 9:45 a.m.
Boat tours of salmon pens will be held from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. More information will be available at the food tent ticket sales table.
The highlight of the festival, the grilled salmon fillet dinner, will be held on Sunday, September 4, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. under the food tent at the fisherman statue. In addition to the fish, diners will be served fresh vegetables, homemade rolls and blueberry dessert. A variety of live music will be playing, but if the weather is inclement, the dinner and entertainment will be moved to the Eastport Arts Center.
Eastport mystery writer Sarah Graves will be signing copies of her latest book in front of S.L. Wadsworth from 1 to 2 p.m.
An art and antiques auction is scheduled for Sunday at 2:45 p.m. across from the food tent, and all funds raised will be used toward the development of a welcome center and public restroom for the benefit of regional tourism. Anyone wishing to donate goods or who wants more information can call 853-0800.
Throughout the weekend, PAWS animal shelter in Calais will be placing homeless pets in many downtown businesses in Eastport. "It's an adoption outreach program," says Cornelison. "I hope they get a great response."