Some of Maine’s best-known musicians will perform at concerts that people can attend for free, and artisans will ply their trades at a Maritime Heritage Fair. These tradespeople include boat builders, blacksmiths, coopers, sail makers, blacksmiths and fishermen. Performers will stage a “pirate attack” on the town.

“When the schooners enter this harbor that’s framed by mountains, it’s amazing to see,” said Meg Maiden, Maine Windjammer Association marketing director. “The windjammers are powered primarily by sail and have no engines; most are designated National Historic Landmarks.”

What: Camden Windjammer Festival 2010

When: Sept. 3-5, 2010

Highlights: Schooners arrival; music (including Gordon Bok and Paranoid Social Club); Maritime Heritage Fair; Pirates of the Dark Rose attack; fireworks display; lobster crate and R/C boat races; schooner-crew talent show; all-comers boat parade.

Full Schedule: Available online at www.camdenwindjammerfestival.com/events

Each year, thousands of people from different parts of the country and some international locations attend this end-of-summer event. Camden has been celebrating its maritime heritage each Labor Day Weekend since the mid-1990s.

“It’s an authentic experience,” Maiden said. “The skills that the captains display have been passed down through the generations. All of them have worked their way up on sailing vessels.”

The schooners will host open houses, where visitors will be able to tour the schooners at no cost and learn about the tradition these windjammers represent. In the mid-1800s, ship builders regularly launched schooners into Camden Harbor, and for decades, Camden served as home port for cargo-carrying vessels that traveled to locales such as those in the West Indies.

Camden also is the birthplace of recreational schooner trips, with vessels beginning to carry passengers in the 1930s. Today, Camden remains home port to a dozen schooners, and these majestic sailing ships continue to offer trips where passengers can contribute to the sailing of the big ships, experience life on a windjammer, enjoy the stunning scenery and participate in activities such as lobster bakes.

On shore, the Heritage Fair also will offer free educational and fun activities to visitors.

“The whole impulse around this is activity and not just static displays,” said Bridget Qualey, chair of the Maritime Heritage Fair committee. “It takes people back into their memories and family recollections. It allows visitors to ask questions and learn new things.”

Contemporary Maine culture also will be on display, with free activities such as the performance of Maine’s premier rock band, Paranoid Social Club, on Saturday evening, and a closing performance Sunday by legendary Maine folk artist Gordon Bok.

“We call him the voice of the sea,” said John Orlando, the festival’s entertainment chair. “He’s a Maine native and loves sailing.”

Most events are free for those who attend. More information about the festival and the Camden’s maritime heritage is available online at www.camdenwindjammerfestival.com.

Founded in 1939, the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber currently serves businesses and organizations from 54 towns and seven states who actively seek to support business and community in the Camden Hills region of Maine.

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The Lincoln Home will once again be the idyllic setting for WOOFSTOCK 2008, on Saturday, August 9th from 9:30am-3pm. WOOFSTOCK, a joint venture between The Animal House and the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club, will feature pet-related seminars and demonstrations, a Family Fun Dog Show, Parade of Breeds, pet-related vendors, activities, services and games, free samples, food, and raffles throughout the day.

Some of the activities and services planned include Canine Good Citizen Testing (sign-up in advance is required), Pet Photography with Ronn Orenstein, Tarot Card and Paw Readings, Face Painting, Nail Clipping, Microchipping and Toothbrushing, Games for People and Pets and “How to Make the Perfect Dog Cookie!”. Plus, the “Taste Test” booth will be back again by popular demand!

Schedule of Events:

10:00am: Judy Garbow, Seminar: Animal Communication

10:30am: Judy Herman, DVM, Seminar: Feeding Raw Diet, Facts and Myths

11:00am: Flyball MAINEiacs, Demoonstration: Flyball

11:00am-1pm: Registration for Family Fun Dog Show

11:30am: Parade of Breeds

12:00pm: Canine Connection, Demonstration: Agility

1:00: Family Fun Dog Show

The following shelters and rescues will be participating at WOOFSTOCK 2008: Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Knox County, Boxers in Need, Life’s Little Paws Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Australian Shepherd Rescue and Placement Helpline, Maine Greyhound Placement Service, Safe Harbor Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue, North East Rottweiler Rescue & Referral, Coastal Great Dane Rescue, catwalk.dogpath, inc., Kennebec Valley Shetland Sheepdog Club & Rescue and New England Brittany Spaniel Rescue.

Over 30 pet-related vendors will be joining WOOFSTOCK this year from throughout New England including: Dogswell, Merrick, Blue Buffalo, Maine Friends of Animals, ZiwiPeak, Zuke’s, Planet Dog, Serendipity House/Douglas Paquette, Meadowbrook Kennel & Spa, Northern Tracks, Weruva, Canine Snack Shack, Honest Kitchen and many more.

All proceeds from WOOFSTOCK 2008 will be donated to the participating shelters and rescues and to Rotary charities. Well-behaved, leashed pets welcome. Rain or shine.

The Lincoln Home is located on River Road in Newcastle…look for the big white tents! For more information, please call The Animal House at 563-5595 or email: info@theanimalhouse.net.

Sponsored by Camden National Bank.