The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 46

&
Help us celebrate 75 years of service
to Skowhegan by joining us at any
Skowhegan possesses an indescribable vibe. It could be the thundering waters of the
of these fun community events.
Part downtown, part carnival, a whole lot of energy and a ton of fun.
Kennebec River that split the town and cascade into the river’s gorge. Maybe it is the
deep sense of community. We can’t quite put a finger on it, but regardless of the time of
year, there is always seems to be something great happening.
Memorial Day Parade | May 25 | Downtown Skowhegan
Our Memorial Parade travels through downtown celebrating our service men and women
past and present and concludes So
with
a time,
short so
service
Veterans
Park
on Water Street.
little
many in great
things
to do.
44
*
It’s the modern traveler’s conundrum. But don’t worry, every year any of the many
20th Annual H.O.G.
Rally
Skowhegan
events offers an antidote to whatever ails you. This year is no exception.
July 23–25 | The Skowhegan
State Fairgrounds
Come July, the Maine Harley Owners Group will be celebrating 25 years of rallies with a
The Roarin’ 20th Homecoming
Harley Not
Owners
Rally
commemorates
its Kneading
anniversary
by
homecoming.
much Group
later will
be the
one-of-a-kind
Conference.
Paddle in
returning to Skowhegan,
where
it
all
started
in
1995.
Events
include
the
Poker
Run,
for River Fest during the first part of August and stay for the Skowhegan State Fair which
Biker Bingo and live concerts in the Grandstand.
is still going strong as it creeps up on its 2018 bicentennial. Whew, time for a vacation.
Kneading Conference & Artisan Bread Fair
July Down
30–August
1 | Street
The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds
on Water
Come learn the best ways to grow and prepare grains using traditional methods in Maine’s
As home to only one of the few Main Street Maine communities, Skowhegan has been
Breadbasket. Then, the Artisan Bread Fair is a public marketplace for those who love bread.
recognized for having a uniquely walkable downtown area filled with small local Cafés,
shops, and merchants set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures. A
River Fest | August
4–9 that
| Downtown
Skowhegan
blend
truly showcase
the diversity of this place. Just a short walk from downtown,
Celebrate the fun that comes
from
living
along
“The
Mighty
Kennebec.”
More
a community gardening
you’ll find a gem in Coburn Park,
a stunning
example
of than
modern
dozen events spread over
six
days
include:
Rotary
Lobster
Bake,
Sundowner
Canoe
Race,
that welcomes visitors from far and near. If you get to spend time
here in the summer,
live concerts and FIREWORKS!
join us in the park for the gazebo concert series.
Moonlight Madness | August 6 | Downtown Skowhegan
*
A Visit
Very party
Tall Friend
Combine one part street dance, one
part our
block
and one part family extravaganza
and you might just begin to
understand
our
Moonlight
celebration.
Not
Be certain to take a little time Madness
out to see
the recently
restored Skowhegan Indian, a gift
convinced yet? Then don’t miss our world-famous bed races.
bestowed upon the town by renowned artist Bernard Langlais in 1969 in celebration of
Maine’s 150th Anniversary - High Street between Madison Avenue (Rt. 201) and Court
197th Skowhegan
State Fair
Street. For attractions “collectors” The Skowhegan Indian is the tallest native american
August 13–22 | The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds
sculpture in America.
Come experience the nation’s longest-running state fair. Rides. Entertainment.
Come for the Midway and stay for the Demolition Derby or the excitement of
Harness Racing under the stars.
Foodie’s Welcome
Eons of farming
on the rich of
the winding Hayrides
Kennebec may have pre-destined Skow-
Skowhegan
Haunted
October
The
State destination.
Fairgrounds
hegan’s 23–24
current | role
as Skowhegan
a nascent foodie
Or maybe it’s just that vibe thing
again. As thrill
home
to traumatize
one of the passengers
state’s most at underrated
Spooktacular and scary performances
and
every turn. farmer’s markets they upped they
This is no kiddie ride — look
out with
for the
klowns
and of
the repurposing
zombie apocalypse.
ante
the killer
stroke
of genius
an abandoned jail into Maine’s premiere
modern grist mill. Check out the Pick-up Café, Foody’s, The Old Mill Pub and then the
for a 4–5
little |
something
sweet.
Or grab and go from Kel-Mat, 201 Market. Check
Holiday Stroll | Bankery
December
Downtown
Skowhegan
back again in a year, this list is guaranteed to grow.
Join us for a decades-old annual holiday stroll through downtown. Enjoy Friday
night’s lighted parade, and then return for a breakfast-time visit with Santa,
traditional family attractions and some shopping.
For more information, visit SkowheganAreaChamber.com or call 207−474−3621.
* Photos courtesy of Kevin Couture Photography