Editorial

A few years ago, Bill Clark was a man with an unusual hobby; a passion for growing giant pumpkins. Clark has since parlayed his hobby into a town wide festival complete with a parade; a pumpkin based street art show, and a rapidly growing pumpkin regatta.

 

In the spirit of the pure, raw, little kid fun of the event, organizers have even added a catapult this year.

 

Nowadays the three-day Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization (MePGO), an organization Clark founded, boasts some serious cultivators, several of whom, including Clark himself, have laid claim to the Maine State record for pumpkin size and weight at one time or another.

 

Damariscotta’s Second Annual Great Pumpkin Fest this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is just another example that despite reports to the contrary, Vacationland doesn’t close up shop after Labor Day.

 

In fact, some of the best kept secrets in the country just might be that the best time of year around here are those weeks between seasons; in the fall just before the snow flies, and in the spring, just before the black flies arrive. The weather generally is sunny, with a cozy snap to the air, the trees are vibrant with color, and the harvest is in.

 

This weekend, on Saturday there is the Fish Ladder Restoration Celebration in Damariscotta Mills, which includes hot chowder and family-friendly activities.

 

On Sunday, there is the annual Tour de Farms fundraiser at Morris Farm in Wiscasset. Bikers head out in the early morning, and bike upwards of 100 miles (their choice of trekking length), to come back to the farm to activities and an incredible barbecue featuring local farm raised produce.

 

In the spirit of the election season, The Lincoln County News will host a candidate’s forum, on consecutive Wednesdays, Oct. 15 and 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Mobius Center on Main Street in Damariscotta. The public is cordially invited to listen to the discussion and learn how the candidates plan to represent them locally and in Augusta.

 

Also next week on Sat., Oct. 18, there is a community dinner in Jefferson, intended to raise money for the Community Energy Fund to keep our neighbors warm this winter. Also on Oct. 18, the SVCA christens yet another preserve that is open to the public for posterity.

 

The 11^th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is on Sun., Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at The First. Thousands in pink are expected to walk the three miles, celebrate survival and remember those who fought and succumbed.

 

Also on the calendar and detailed elsewhere in these pages are church socials, apple festivals, opera broadcasts at the Lincoln Theater, concerts at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House, a River Company production, the Waldo’s ongoing show, art gallery openings…

 

In short, there is still plenty to do around here. The tourists are gone. Come out and play.