Maine's summer harvest from the ocean is celebrated at large and small festivals along the coast. Here's a sampling of the state's seafood themed festivals:
Whether you like your Maine clams steamed, fried in batter or crumbs, made into cakes, or in a chowder, you can get them at the 47th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival happening from July 15 to 17. Enter the six-mile river canoe and kayak race, and don't miss the Maine State Clam Shucking Contest.
August is the month for lobster fans. The 64th Annual Maine Lobster Festival overtakes Rockland August 3 to 7. Volunteers in the eating tent give cracking and eating tips to steamed lobster virgins. The Winter Harbor Lobster Festival happens August 13. Lobster dinners come with corn on the cob, coleslaw and dessert, and stay for the lobster boat races.
For the away-from-it-all experience head to Long Island, eight miles off the southern tip of Mt. Desert Island, for the Frenchboro Lobster Festival on August 13. Dine on fresh lobster and homemade pies overlooking scenic Lunt Harbor. The state ferry at Bass Harbor makes a special festival run.
The island city of Eastport winds down summer with the Eastport Salmon Festival on September 3 and 4. The downtown celebration features fresh salmon dinners and boat tours to local Atlantic salmon pens.
The tidal Damariscotta River is where many of Maine's best-known cultivated oysters are grown. The riverside Schooner Landing Restaurant & Marina in Damariscotta hosts the Pemaquid Oyster Festival where 10,000 Maine oysters were consumed last year. The 2011 festival is September 25.
For more information about top events in Maine take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maine.
For more information about Maine's early summer events go to