What's Happening this Weekend...

Mount Hope Cemetery Tour
October 1
Bangor
With Halloween right around the corner, it's the perfect time to tour the second-oldest garden cemetery in the country. Meet at the cemetery superintendent's office. 5 p.m. $5 adults; free for children under 12 and Bangor Museum and History Center members
www.bangormuseum.com

Camden International Film Fest
October 1-3
Camden Opera House
The Strand, Rockland
The 6th annual Camden International Film Festival highlights works that show dedication to craft and a unique approach to telling a good story. All films are selected because of their ability to arouse discussion about documentary film as an art form, a catalyst for change, and as an outlet for the independent voice.
www.camdenfilmfest.org

Vinfest 2010
October 1 & 2
Cellardoor Winery, Lincolnville
Start the celebration off right with a four-course dinner-dance on Friday night at Cellardoor Winery's vineyard. Each course is prepared by local star chefs and paired with Cellardoor wines. Advanced ticket purchase required. Festivities continue into Saturday and include grape stomping, a home winemaking competitition, live music, hot air balloon rides, and much more. $10 for Sat. only.
www.mainewine.com

Miranda Lambert
October 2
Bangor Waterfront
Don't miss the Miranda Lambert Revolution 2010 tour with special guest Eric Church. Doors open at 5 p.m.; show at 7 p.m. $25.75 - $39.75.
www.waterfrontconcerts.com

Bells by the Bay
October 2
First Congregational Church, Camden
The Penobscot Bay Ringers bring handbell music to Camden in this not-to-miss fall concert. 4 p.m.
www.penobscotbayringers.org

Annual Family Day
October 2
Walton's Campground, Eddington
Grab the kids and head out to enjoy great music, fine food, a car show, and more. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
www.waltonscampground.com

Lincolnville Fall Festival
October 2
Lincolnville Beach
This annual festival offers family-friendly activities including a parade, games, live music, and food. This year's theme is Scarecrows at the Beach. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
www.visitcamden.com

Living History Days
October 2 & 3
Leonard's Mills, Bradley
Celebrate the Maine Forest and Logging Museum's 50th anniversary by learning about the early settlers of this historic site. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8 adults; $4 children.
www.leonardsmills.com

Autumn Harborarts Juried Arts & Crafts Show
October 2 & 3
Downtown Camden
Over 100 artists and craftspeople will display and sell their work in the Camden Amphitheater, Harbor Park, and along Atlantic Avenue. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.visitcamden.com

Welcome Lucas!
October 3
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
The eclecticism and theatricality of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra's new music director, Lucas Richman, will be highlighted as he leads the BSO in several of his favorite orchestral works, including Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Copland's Lincoln Portrait, and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. 3 p.m.
www.collinscenterforthearts.com

2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

By Melanie Brooks

I was so excited when we got our plaque for this year's Komen Race for the Cure. As soon as I can remember to bring in my hammer and nails from home it's going right up on our wall in the lobby where it belongs.

The Bangor Race broke the attendance record for the fifth year in a row. Over 5,600 participants helped raise over $300,000.00. THANK YOU to everyone who walk/ran/jogged/danced over the finish line.

Photo by Scott Wardwell

Scott Wardwell was on hand taking photos of the event and more of them can be found at Komen Maine and even more on Scott's website.Photo by Scott Wardwell

And while it was mainly a fundraiser, it was still a race. Congrats go out to Louie Luchini, the overall winner, Elizabeth Brunton, the first female finisher, and all of the survivors who ran–you are all amazing:

Laura Carey, Terri Coolong, Joy Stevens, Kathy Fogler, Valerie Moran, Karen Boudreau, Diane Hynes, Patricia Spencer, Jane Black, Dodi Saucier, Kathryn Walker, Jane Sawyer, P.J. McCluskey, Mary Talley, Julia Mathies, Mary Jeanne Madore, Teresa Steele, Merry Shepherd, Sherry Applebee, Pam Parker, Sally Swallow, Astrid Raymond, Kathy Hopkins, Joyce White, Sheri Fuller, and Lorna Ladd.

Zipline Tour at Sunday River

By Melanie Brooks

This past weekend Sidekick Shane, our friend Nancy, and I met up in Bethel. Our mission? To tackle the new ziplines at Sunday River. For $40 you get to ride six ziplines partway down the mountain near the South Ridge Base Lodge.

While Saturday was sunny and unseasonably warm, Sunday was cool and wet. Ziplining is probably the most fun you can have in this sort of soggy weather. Our group of 12 adventurers were led by three guides who have been working the ziplines since they opened on August 7th. These three happy souls take three groups of people each day flying through the Maine woods. It's hard to hate your job when you get to have so much fun.

What's Happening This Weekend...

Fall is here so get out there and enjoy it before it gets tooooooo cold!

Common Ground Fair
September 24-26
Unity
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association puts on this 24th annual country fair to celebrate rural and organic living. Hundreds of vendors, exhibitions, and demonstrations. Gates open at 9 am. $10 adults; $8 seniors, and free for children 12 and under.
www.mofga.org

Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk
September 25
Hollywood Slots Racetrack, Bangor
The memory walk is the most important source of financial support for the Alzheimer’s Association in Maine. Participate in a fun-filled morning of walking, camaraderie, support, and entertainment. 9 am.
www.alz.org/memorywalk

Cherryfield Living History Day
September 25
Cherryfield
Take a step back into life in the 1800s. Enjoy demonstrations and hands-on activities such as spinning, weaving, cooking, and woodworking. Visit the encampment of Company B 20th Regiment of Maine and observe the life of Civil War Union Soldiers. 10 am–3 pm. Adults $5; under 18 free.
546-3720

Race for Myeloma
September 25
Bass Park, Bangor
This 5K-race raises money for the research of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer with no cure. Registration begins at 9 am; race starts at 10 am. Registration is $20.
356-0425

The Magic of Lyn Dillies
September 25
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Master illusionist Lyn Dillies has been taking the world by storm and has been named America’s premier female illusionist by the Society of American Magicians. Dillies has developed the perfectly balanced touring illusion show that has Las Vegas components while being family friendly. 8 pm.
www.collinscenterforthearts.com

Pancake 5K & Child Shall Lead Road Races
September 26
Belfast Area High School
Two races and a helping of carbs. Parents are challenged to walk or run the 1-mile Child Shall Lead Road Race with their children, beginning at 8:30 am. The 17th annual, flat-as-a-pancake 5K road race for adults begins at 9:45 am. Registration for both opens at 7:30 am. Finish the morning with a pancake breakfast, free to all runners; nonrunners may partake for a fee.
www.waldocountyymca.org

John Muir Live
September 26
The Grand, Ellsworth
This stirring production, based on conservationist John Muir, has been presented every summer in Yosemite National Park—and throughout the country and around the world as well—since 1983. 4 pm. Adults $15; seniors $12; children $8.
www.grandonline.org

Passport to Your Future at Old Town High School

By Melanie Brooks

I was invited to a special career fair at Old Town High School today called "Passport to Your Future." The last time I was there it was 1996 and they were still known as the Indians. I was greeted and expertly taken care of by two wonderful OTHS students, Robbie and Kaylie, who gave me water, diet coke, and checked in on me throughout the day. Thanks guys!

I brought along copies of Bangor Metro, Maine Ahead, and Real Maine Weddings to give away. It seemed like the teachers were just as interested in what we do over at Bangor Metro world headquarters...especially in our recent feature on historical homes in the Bangor area...must have been history teachers.

Get your hike on...

By Melanie Brooks

It's been a busy few days...so busy in fact that I didn't get a chance to post the weekly What's Happening list of weekend events. Shame on me! Thursday I left work early to head down to Portland to have dinner with a friend who just had her second child. I was up bright and early on Friday and spent the day spreading the news about Real Maine Weddings to vendors in the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport area. I spent the day in Kittery on Saturday and on Sunday, Sidekick Shane and I headed to MDI to do a little hiking.

The "Black Ghost" of Maine

By Melanie Brooks
Illustration by Brad Eden

In honor of the hunting guide who was mauled by a bear earlier this week, I'd like to tell you about a neat event the Bangor Land Trust has planned for next weekend...a Bear Walk!

Bangor Metro + United Way = Awesome!

Bangor Metro and the United Way of Eastern Maine have partnered up to help raise money for a worthy cause. Readers who subscribe to Bangor Metro will have $5 of their subscription donated to the United Way. All you have to do is give us the promo code: UNITED when you call. Easy enough, right? Do your community a favor and treat yourself to the best regional magazine around and sign up today.

Gubernatorial-palooza!

By Melanie Brooks

It's nearly mid-September already and the elections are right around the corner! How did this happen?! If you're like many other busy Mainers, you probably haven't had a lot of time to ponder who you are going to vote for this November...but that can be changed.

ELEVEN organizations are teaming up with Bangor Greendrinks to host a gubernatorial forum on Maine's quality of place at the Bangor Opera House on Tuesday, September 21st. Join Greendrinkers for a pre-forum pint at 5 pm in the lobby and stay for the debate, which will start at 6 pm.

Democratic candidate, Libby Mitchell, along with the trio of Independent candidates, Eliot Cutler, Shawn Moody, and Kevin Scott have confirmed their attendance. We're not quite sure about Paul LePage yet but regardless, it's your chance to hear how our next governor intends to protect and promote Maine's productive landscapes, vital downtowns, distinct cultural heritage, and more.

Participating hosts: GrowSmart Maine, Maine Development Foundation's Downtown Center, Maine Downtown Coalition, Maine Conservation Voters Education Fund, Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Preservation, Trust for Public Land, Maine Rural Partners, Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, and Healthy Community Coalition.

Like all Bangor Greendrinks events, this is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! For more information check out Bangor Greendrinks on Facebook and become a fan while you're at it.

Contest for the Kids!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and we have an awesome new contest to debut. We want your kids to help us promote shopping locally for all their holiday needs this year. We'll be awarding a $50 Visa gift card to three winners in three age categories. And the three winning ads will run in our December issue!

We can't wait to see what our littlest readers come up with! All the details are below. If you click on the image it will open as a larger file.

What's Happening This Weekend...

The leaves aren't turning yet...but it's definitely becoming fall! Get out there and take advantage of all the fall festivals.

International Seaplane Fly-In
September 9-12
Greenville
Join land and float plane pilots from all over the world for a special weekend of float-plane competitions, educational exhibits, Moosehead Lake Region’s largest craft fair, food, and more.
www.seaplanefly-in.org

Fiber College on Penobscot Bay
September 9-12
Searsport
Celebrate all that is wool, silk, cotton, and wood over four days of intimate classes. Free scheduled demonstrations, presentations, vendor booths, food, and more. Fun for the whole family.
www.fibercollege.org

Acadia Night Sky Festival
September 9-13
Mount Desert Island
Centered on Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, the festival celebrates the protection and enjoyment of Downeast/Acadia's stellar night sky through education, science, and the arts. From an ecotourism panel discussion to day-time hands-on activities to stargazing in Acadia National Park, the public is invited to share the inspiration of Maine's spectacular night sky.
www.nightskyfestival.org

Alan Jackson in Concert
September 10
Bangor Waterfront
Country music legend Alan Jackson will perform live on the Bangor waterfront as part of his Freight Train Tour. 7:30 pm. $30–$80.
www.waterfrontconcerts.com

Trails End Festival
September 10-12
Millinocket
Come to the Katahdin region and celebrate with food, music, activities, and fun for the whole family in downtown Millinocket and the surrounding area. This year’s featured entertainment is David Mallett in Veteran’s Memorial Park.
www.trailsendfestival.org

Eastport Pirate Festival
September 10-12
Eastport
This event is the largest pirate festival in northern New England and the Maritimes for good reason—a swashbuckling good time! Festivities include a pirates ball, parade, bed races, pirate ship race, lobster boat races, and music.
www.eastportpiratefestival.com

Jason Mraz in Concert
September 11
Bangor Waterfront
Popular singer, songwriter Jason Mraz will perform live on the Bangor Waterfront as part of the Hollywood Slots Waterfront Concert Series. 8 pm. $30–$50.
www.waterfrontconcerts.com

Bangor Car Show: Wheels on the Waterfront
September 11
Bangor Waterfront
Come see cars in over 20 classes show off on the Bangor waterfront—over 200 cars are expected to show this year. Rain or shine. 9 am–2 pm. Admission is free.
www.bangorcarshow.com

Garland Days
September 11
Garland
Garland’s annual fair kicks off with a parade. Other events include a craft fair, farmers market, and games for children. 9 am.
924-3053

Medieval Tournament at Fort Knox
September 11
Experience life in medieval times by watching knights in armored combat, listening to live medieval music, seeing art and science displays, and viewing an archery demonstration. 10 am–4 pm.
http://fortknox.maineguide.com

An Evening with C.S. Lewis
September 11
The Grand, Ellsworth
David Payne’s hit one man show is a memorable and entertaining production, which never fails to move the audience. 7:30 pm.
www.grandonline.org

Songs of Broadway
September 11
Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Christina Saffran Ashford, soprano, and Norman Large, tenor, star in this production with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. These two singers will perform hits from shows such as Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, and Chicago. 8 pm.
www.collinscenterforthearts.com

Bangor Gun Show
September 11 & 12
Bangor Auditorium
With over 100 vendors gathering at the Bangor Auditorium, this yearly event hosted by the Penobscot County Conservation Association is a must-see. Sat. 9 am–5 pm; Sun. 9 am–2 pm. $7; NRA and law enforcements officers, $6; children under 12, free.
www.conservationassociation.org

Tim McGraw Lobster Bake

By Melanie Brooks

The good folks at McLaughlin's Seafood teamed up with Bangor Metro to host a killer lobster bake before the Tim McGraw concert on Friday. The day was gorgeous, the seafood delicious, and the company was wonderful.

We'd like to thank the other sponsors of this event -- we couldn't have done it without them!

McLaughlin Seafood for the delicious spread; Waterfront Concerts and Live Nation New England for the tickets; Granville Rental & Party Plus for the tent, tables, and chairs; Cellardoor Winery and Wicked Whoopies for filling our gift baskets; and the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau for helping us pull it all together on the waterfront.

More pictures of the event after the jump...

What's Happening This Weekend...

Hopefully Hurricane Earl will stay at bay so we can enjoy the last official weekend of the summer....

Country Bluegrass Labor Day Festival
September 3-5
Farm Park, Fort Fairfield
Hear the best bluegrass music played by the best bands in the U.S. and Canada. Camping, picnicking, music, and fun.
www.countybluegrass.com

Camden Windjammer Festival
September 3-5
Camden
Join the celebration of Camden's maritime heritage and living traditions. When it comes to a party the crews, captains, craftspeople, business owners, residents, neighbors, and visitors really know how to have a great, family-friendly time in one of the world's prettiest harbors.
www.visitcamden.com

Island Arts Association Fair in the Park
September 4
Bar Harbor
The 36th annual event features handmade dolls, jewelry, photographs, hand-knits, pottery, and quilts. 9 am-5 pm.
288-5246

Eastport Pirate Festival Invasion of Lubec
September 4
Lubec
The pirates of Eastport invade Lubec by land, sea, and air as a kick-off to their annual Eastport Pirate Festival the following weekend. 9 am.
www.eastportpiratefestival.com

Vintage Motorcycle Meet
September 4 & 5
Owls Head Transportation Museum
A much-anticipated annual gathering of antique and classic bikes.
www.ohtm.org

North Country Intertribal Powwow
September 4-6
Newport
This event gives the general public an opportunity to experience Native American culture. 10 am - 5 pm. $5 for adults.
www.wanderingmoosecreations.com