One of the great secrets of the great State of Maine is that we are, in fact, open year ’round. Those from away may think we shutter our lives when they go away but we have more than that.
We may be famous for our lobsters and coastline, usually depicted in colorful brochures in some sun drenched summer setting, but each season in Vacationland offers its own unique charms.
During the fall, the foliage is followed by gathering wood, pellets and fuel oil like squirrels gathering so many nuts.
In winter time, there is ice fishing. We have the ice harvest in South Bristol, Feb. 17, to look forward to and the ice fishing derby to support the Great Salt Bay School Community Playground follow the week after that, Feb. 23.
Whenever we have a decent amount of snow, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding and snowmobiling opportunities abound.
For lovers of high school basketball, this is the best time of the year as the state tournament cranks up. We wish our local squads luck on the hardwood.
Other states (Indiana comes to mind) may be better known for their basketball, but our tournament, our players and our fans collectively, can hold its own against anyone’s else.
Winter of course, also means budgets are being prepared and town meetings loom immediately ahead.
Of all the things that recommend this great state, town meetings are near the top of the list. They are rarely thrilling, but they are vitally important; democracy literally on the hoof as it were.
Mother was right. There is always something to do, and there is enough to do that there is something for almost everyone. Get outside and enjoy.
