Sweet Treat for the 4th of July

By Melanie Brooks

Are you looking for a sweet treat to bring to a 4th of July picnic this weekend? I think I might have found just what you are looking for in the Bangor Metro archives. I was looking through our older magazines for a certain recipe and stumbled upon Ramey's Raspberry Cake Rolls. I love fresh berries -- they're even tastier when I can pick them myself. It's not quite raspberry season yet, but I'm a sucker for anything raspberry. And jelly rolls are really fun to make. Don't let on how easy it is -- let your family and friends think you're a culinary genius.

In Your Face..

Illustration by Mark Ricketts
Text by Melanie Brooks

No, I'm not trying to be mean or sassy...In Your Face is a unique cartoon exhibit on display at Boyd Place in Bangor! You might think that it's weird for an independent senior living facility to host an art exhibit -- but they hold them all the time. Their most recent exhibit featured dozens of handmade quilts by area quilters that were out of this world exquisite!

But back to the cartoons....

Cool Sounds Concert Series: Flash! In The Pans

By: Melinda Hart

The wind and rain ended in time for the third week of this year’s Cool Sounds Concert Series in Pickering Square. Flash! In The Pans performed and Court Street filled with vendors on both sides.

Old Stories Breathe New Life

By Tori Britton
(photo courtesy of Wally Paul)

Back when Bangor Metro first began, we had a guest opinion in every issue. One of the most informative and provocative ones was called How Great Northern Paper Company Fell, Part 1 and Part 2. We encourage you to read this fascinating story, from one man’s point of view.

Each year, we still hear from people who read the piece. Today -- five years after its publication -- we received the following email from Wayne Hockmeyer, who was mentioned in Woodbury’s article. Hockmeyer founded Northern Outdoors in the late 70s. His view lends another must-read perspective.

What's Happening This Weekend...

We think the weather is going to cooperate this weekend so get out there and enjoy it!

12th Annual Legacy of the Arts Festival
June 20 - 27
Bar Harbor
Featuring live music, art exhibits, historic tours, and more. The week concludes with the 60th Annual Art Show on the Village Green.
www.barharborinfo.com/legacy

A Streetcar Named Desire
June 24 - 27
Camden Opera House
A Streetcar Named Desire makes its way to the Camden Opera House this summer, exhibiting the grittier side of New Orleans in Tennessee Williams' American classic. 8 pm. Orchestra $16; balcony $12.
www.chamdenoperahouse.com

Acadian Festival & Gagnon Family Reunion
June 24 - 27
Madawaska
Maine's largest cultural festival takes on its 33rd year commemorating the arrival of the first Acadian settlers in 1785. The "family reunion" honors the Gagnon family this year, with the Acadian bed race, Party du Main Street, and more.
www.acadianfestival.com

River City Cinema
June 25
Pickering Square, Bangor
Bring your lawnchair and catch the original 1955 movie, The Ladykillers. Show begins at sundown, around 8:30 pm. Free.
www.rivercitycinema.com

The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival
June 26
Dover-Foxcroft
Celebrate the taste of Maine's favorite desert! Sample and purchase whoopie pies from dozens of bakers, listen to music, enjoy kids' games, activities, whoopie pie eating contests, and more. 10 am - 4 pm. $6 adults; $3 children 12 and under; $15 family of four.
www.centertheatre.org

Midcoast Maine Lighthouse Challenge
June 26 - 27
Midcoast Region
This event is a two-day self-guided driving tour of seven of Midcoast Maine's land-accessible lighthouses. It's fun, scenic, and educational for the entire family.
www.rocklandlighthouse.com

Plein Air Painting & Exhibition
June 27
Bar Harbor
Five accomplished Maine artists will be at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake to capture the natural beauty of this amazing view in acrylics, oils, pastels, and watercolors.
www.mooseheadlake.org

A Sunset Sail on the Margaret Todd

By Melanie Brooks

When Sidekick Shane finished his master's thesis at UMaine this spring I bought him a present -- a sunset sail for two on the schooner Margaret Todd that sails out of Bar Harbor. I have to admit, I really wanted to take this trip. I've spent a lot of time in Bar Harbor and have longed to sail on this majestic ship -- taking Shane gave me a reason to finally do it.

Cool Sounds Concert Series: The Kayla Wass Band

By: Melinda Hart

The sun came out Thursday for the Cool Sounds Concert Series! This week, West Market Square filled up with lawn chairs to hear country tunes performed by The Kayla Wass Band.

What's Happening This Weekend...

Lupine Festival
June 18-20
Deer Isle
The festival will include public and private garden tours, a lupine loop driving tour, a "lupine by sea" boat ride, street performers, plus lupine-themed art, craft, and quilt shows.
www.deerislemaine.com

Maine Swedish Colony Midsommar Celebration
June 18-20
Aroostook County
This weekend-long celebration offers dancing, Swedish food, a Maypole, and special musical guest Birgitta Andersson Whited. Activities take place at various venues in New Sweden, Stockholm, Woodland, and Caribou.
www.maineswedishcolony.info

Seldom Scene
June 19
The Strand Theatre, Rockland
Seldom Scene, a five-piece bluegrass band, was nominated three times for Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammys—including their latest release, SCENEchronized.
www.rocklandstrand.com

Summer Solstice Evening
June 19
Rockland
Start summer off with the whole family in Rockland. Maine Street will be closed to traffic to make room for live music, street dancing, food, and other special events. 5-9 pm.
www.rocklandmainstreet.com

Custom Vehicles & Antique Aeroplane Show
June 19 & 20
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Revel in the history of classy automobiles from decades past. The weekend includes a classic car rally, engine room demos, Model T rides, children's activities, and more.
www.ohtm.org

Maine Day
June 20
State Parks & Historic Sites
For one day only, all Maine residents can visit state parks and historic sites for free. The only site not participating is the Penobscot Narrows Observatroy. Rain or Shine. 9 am-6 pm.
www.maine.gov

Lobster Boat Races
June 20
Rockland Harbor
Over 100 lobster boats compete in various categories. View the action at Rockland Breakwater. 10 am-4 pm.

Bar Harbor Brass Week
June 20-26
Bar Harbor Brass Week is packed with 10 recitals and concerts to mark its 10th anniversary. This intensive educational experience selects college and high school brass musicians to partake in daily rehearsals, master classes, and private lessons led by many of the best brass musicians in the nation.
www.barharborbrass.org

12th Annual Legacy of the Arts Festival
June 20-27
Bar Harbor
Featuring live music, art exhibits, historic tours, and more. The week kicks off in Agamont Park with a Father's Day concert and concludes with the 60th Annual Art Show on the Village Green.
www.barharborinfo.com/legacy

Cemetery and Ghost Tours

Are you a history buff? Or maybe someone looking for fun in the Bangor area? Look no further than Downtown Bangor. The Bangor Museum and Center for History is hosting the Mount Hope Cemetery and Ghost Lamp Tours two days each month from June to October.

Cool Sounds Concert Series: Bruce Nye the Elvis Guy

By: Melinda Hart

This year’s Cool Sounds Concert Series kicked off in downtown Bangor last night, starting with an outdoor market at West Market Square, followed by a performance from Bruce Nye the Elvis Guy. Vendors ranged from empanadas from Thistles Restaurant to hand crafted jewelry to eccentric sculptures.

Maine Women's Fund leadership luncheon

By: Melanie Brooks

The women of Maine Ahead magazine were in Portland today at the Maine Women's Fund annual luncheon: Melanie Brooks, managing editor; Jennifer Violette, Julie Kaye, and Tracy O'Clair, sales team; and Melinda Hart, administrative assistant. Since Maine Ahead was a cornerstone sponsor, along with the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, we were all proud to represent our company.

There were some amazing women from across the state that received awards this year and I wanted to take a moment and introduce them to you...

Bangor Greendrinks at Hampden Natural Foods

By: Melanie Brooks

Last night, Mindy Hart and I represented Bangor Metro at the second Bangor Greendrinks event held at Hampden Natural Foods. The owners revamped an old garage and turned it into a spectacular three-walled event space decorated with hanging flowers provided by Hummingbird Hollow.

Greendrinkers were tempted with food by Ann Marie's Kitchen and locally produced Cupelo wine and Black Bear Brewery beer. It was a great turnout and I for one look forward to attending more of these fun events. If you love the environment mark your calendars for the next Greendrinks event: July 6th. Place is TBD. Check out the Bangor Greendrinks on facebook and get involved!

What's Happening this Weekend...

With so much to do this weekend, it's impossible to be bored.

Acadia Birding Festival
June 10-13
Bar Harbor
This year's theme is "South to North: Land Use Issues Affecting Migratory Birds." Lectures, walks, adventures, and more.
www.acadiabirdingfestival.com

Food & Wine Pairings
June 12, 19, & 26
Cellardoor Villa, Rockport
Join Cellardoor Winery this summer to learn what wines go best with chocolate, cheese, and other foods. Each session features local farms and businesses. Must be 21 or older.
www.mainewine.com

Aroostook State Park Birding Festival
June 12
Presque Isle
Held in the senic and first Maine state park, this festival offers live bird displays, bird walks, and demonstrations for bird banding and bird calling. 5 am-1 pm. Adults $2.

Moose Mainea Craft Fair
June 12
Downtown Greenville
Area crafts will be on hand to sell their wares, which include moose memorabilia and collectibles.
www.mooseheadlake.org

Moose Tails
June 12
Greenville
Moose lovers are invited to come and learn all about Maine's largest mammal and the Moosehead Region's star resident. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife game biologist Doug Kane will share his expertise about Maine's moose herd with a slide show presentation. 4:30 pm.
www.naturalresourceeducation.org

Margaretta Days Festival
June 12
University of Maine, Machias
June 12, 1775, marked the first naval battle of the American Revolution. June 12, 2010, marks the Margaretta Days Festival and the 235th birthday of the U.S. Merchant Marine. 10 am-4 pm.
www.margarettadays.org

MDI YMCA Spring 10K
June 12
Bar Harbor
Hit the pavement for this annual fundraising event for the MDI YMCA. 10K or 1 mile fun run for children under 12 years of age. Prizes for all who finish the fun run, which starts at 9:15 am; 10K starts at 10 am. $15 for 10K; $7 for fun run registration.
www.mdiymca.org

Antique Power Show
June 12
Skowhegan State Fairgrounds
Celebrate 35 years of old iron at the Maine Antique Power Show. The event includes antique engines, a flea market, raffle, and silent auction.
www.skowheganstatefair.com

Food & Wine Pairings
June 13, 20, & 27
Cellardoor Vineyard, Lincolnville
Discover which wines best compliment local foods. Sessions feature area farms and businesses, such as Seal Cove Farm, Appleton Creamery, and O'Meara Family Farm.
www.mainewine.com

2010 Outdoor Market & Cool Sounds Concert Series

It's that time of year again! Thursday nights, from June 10-July 29 join your neighbors and friends in Pickering Square in downtown Bangor for an outdoor market (opens at 5 pm) and a free concert (from 7-8 pm).

The Outdoor Market, located in West Market Square and along Broad Street, features local vendors selling handmade artwork, handbags, ironwork, jewelry, stained glass, woodwork, and more. Locally produced specialty foods and produce will also be featured. The weekly concerts are free and fun for the whole family. We hope to see you there!

June 10: Bruce Nye the Elvis Guy
Bruce Nye, I mean, Elvis performs all over Maine and the Tampa, Florida area with his wife Darleene, er, Priscilla. He not only has the crooning voice of the King, he has the outfits too.

June 17: Kayla Wass Band
Don't be fooled. If you think you hear Trisha Yearwood or Carrie Underwood, you're really hearing Kayla Wass, a twenty two year old country singer. Wass and her 5 piece band will entertain you with traditional and modern country music.

June 24: Flash! In the Pans
One of the largest community steelbands in the United States, Flash! In the Pans will perform traditional songs of the Blue Hill peninsula.

July 1: Blue Northern
This five piece band will play traditional, original, and contemporary acoustic music. the band features vocals from four members, guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, and tenor guitar.

July 8: Evergreen
Evergreen, an American roots music ensemble, blends the elements of bluegrass, folk, blues, old-time, country, and swing into a seamless, energizing music that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

July 15: Teen Jamboree
Four or five local teen musicians will showcase their talents for 15 minutes each.

July 22: Banjo Dan and the Mid-nite Plowboys
If you love bluegrass, Banjo Dan and the Mid-nite Plowboys is the band for you. The Plowbys will perform some of the most dynamic and original bluegrass music ever heard in New England.

July 29: RetroRockerz
This group of fiftysomethings play some of the greatest music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. They play songs of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Check out their website for a full list of songs so you can request your favorite.

2010 Gubernatorial Candidates

By Katelin Walling

The primary election for governor is coming up June 8. There are a lot of candidates vying for your vote for the next Governor of Maine, so we decided to compile a list of the candidates and their platforms to help readers become more informed. Today we're featuring Matthew Jacobson.



Matthew Jacobson
Republican
Portland

West Market Festival 2010

By: Melinda Hart

A little rain couldn't stop Bangor's third annual West Market Festival this past weekend. People of all ages gathered downtown for a day of music, comedy, and fashion -- not to mention puddle jumping.

What's Happening This Weekend...

The first weekend of June...already?

Eco-Motion
June 4
Belfast
Interactive, fun street sculptures installed all over downtown Belfast. Sponsored by Waterfall Arts and the city of Belfast.
www.waterfallarts.org

Born Learning Trail Grand Opening Celebration
June 5
Herbert Sargent Community Center, Old Town
Stop by to check out these neat new learning trails. While you're there have some lunch and enjoy music, games, and contests. Fun for the whole family! 10 am-1 pm.

West Market Festival
June 5
Bangor
Come downtown and catch art, fashion, and music featuring the Rustic Overtones. 12-8 pm.
www.westmarketproductions.com

Food & Wine Pairing
June 5
Cellardoor Villa, Rockport
Join Cellardoor Winery this summer to learn what wines go best with chocolate, cheese, and other locally produced foods.
www.mainewine.com

World Ocean Day Festival
June 5 & 6
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures in Stonington
Join a worldwide celebration honoring our planet for Ocean Day. Old Quarry hosts a festival of outdoor activities, education, and fun for the whole family. Sat. 10 am-7:30 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm.
www.oldquarry.com

Spring Bed & Breakfast Tour
June 5 & 6
Bar Harbor
Explore a piece of Maine history with Bar Harbor's innkeepers. Tour historic properties and sample some new tea flavors from the Bar Harbor Tea Company. All proceeds benefit Camp Beechcliff. 1-4 pm. $15.
www.sleepbarharbor.com

Maine Home & Design Midcoast Home Show
June 5 & 6
Camden
This show is a must for people interested in any aspect of building, remodeling, and enjoying their homes. Architects, builders, landscape designers, interior designers, kitchen suppliers, artists, food purveyors, and more will be represented in over 100 booths.
www.visitcamden.com

2010 Gubernatorial Candidates

By Katelin Walling

The primary election for governor is coming up June 8. There are a lot of candidates vying for your vote for the next Governor of Maine, so we decided to compile a list of the candidates and their platforms to help readers become more informed. Today we're featuring Paul LePage. Check back Tuesday to get a glimpse of Matthew Jacobson and Shawn Moody.



Paul LePage
Republican
Waterville

2010 Gubernatorial Candidates

By Katelin Walling

The primary election for governor is coming up June 8. There are a lot of candidates vying for your vote for the next Governor of Maine, so we decided to compile a list of the candidates and their platforms to help readers become more informed. Today we're featuring Leslie "Les" Otten. Check back later today to get a glimpse of Paul LePage.



Leslie "Les" Otten
Republican
Bethel

2010 Gubernatorial Candidates

By Katelin Walling

The primary election for governor is coming up June 8. There are a lot of candidates vying for your vote for the next Governor of Maine, so we decided to compile a list of the candidates and their platforms to help readers become more informed. Today we're featuring Steven G. Rowe. Check back later today to get a glimpse of Leslie Otten.



Steven G. Rowe
Democrat
Lewiston

2010 Gubernatorial Candidates

By Katelin Walling

The primary election for governor is coming up June 8. There are a lot of candidates vying for your vote for the next Governor of Maine, so we decided to compile a list of the candidates and their platforms to help readers become more informed. Today we're featuring Bruce Poliquin. Check back later today to get a glimpse of Steven G. Rowe and Leslie Otten.



Bruce Poliquin
Republican
Georgetown

Asticou Azalea Garden

By Melanie Brooks

If you're looking for a place with a little zen and a lot of photo opportunity, head to Northeast Harbor on MDI. There you'll find the Asticou Azalea Garden and nearby Thuya Garden.

I was down camping in Bar Harbor with my family over Memorial Day Weekend and we decided to take a picnic lunch. We picked up some sandwiches in town and headed over to Northeast Harbor and the Azalea Garden. Unfortunately we had to eat our lunch outside of the garden as no picnicking is allowed on the premises. And after one step through the gates tells you why: it's completely pristine.

Winners of The Underpants Contest!

We got a lot of great stories in from our readers for this contest. Sharing your most embarrassing underpants fiasco with the world takes a certain sense of humor and we're so glad for the giggles.

Our winners were: Amy Blackstone and Dawn DeBois. Each received two tickets to see The Underpants at the Penobscot Theatre this weekend and we hope they enjoy the show as much as Melanie did (she won't stop talking about it...)

Amy and Dawn's winning stories after the jump....