The fruits of the Maine lobster season – fresh, sweet new shell lobsters.

Much smaller than the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland and a bit more of an expedition (unless you live Downeast), the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival offers a charming schedule of events in one of Maine’s most picturesque lobster fishing villages and the opportunity to taste the fruits of the Maine lobster season – fresh, sweet new shell lobsters.  During my youth I often traveled to the festival by boat with my father.  He loved lobster boat racing and the Winter Harbor lobster boat races, which form part of the Lobster Festival schedule, were part of the race circuit.  Several years ago I attended the festival by land and enjoyed the lovely drive down Route 195, the delicious lobster dinner and beautiful setting.  Below is this year’s Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Schedule which takes place on August 8th.

The Winter Harbor Lobster Festival Schedule – August 8th, 2015

6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Hall.

8:00 a.m. – 5K George Schaeffer Memorial road race in Birch Harbor (registration @ 7:00 a.m.).

9:00 a.m. – Craft Fair at the school gym (continues until 4:30 p.m.) and vendors selling coffee, muffins, snow cones, sandwiches and more (the year I went there were lobster rolls for sale).

10:00 a.m. – Lobster Boat races at Henry Cove.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Lobster Dinner behind the school gym and town office.  It includes a steamed lobster, corn on the cob, coleslaw, a drink and dessert. By early August, the Maine lobster season (shedder season to us Mainers) will be in full swing so you’ll be able to enjoy a deliciously sweet new shell lobster as part of your dinner.

2:00 p.m. – Ice cream eating competition.

5:30 p.m. – Parade on Main Street.

7:00 p.m. – Dance at Hammond Hall

Dusk  –    Fireworks

Delicious Winter Harbor lobster – ready to be plated and served at the festival.

To read more about the lobster fishing village of Winter Harbor, click here.