29 March, 2024, 08:44

Celebrate 200 Years of Maine with History, Music, and Seaside Festivities

Discover a place where seafood flourishes, coastlines are rugged and wild, and history spans back 200 years. The destination is Maine, and this year marks their bicentennial, the state’s 200th birthday. Not only is this an exciting time for local Mainers, but those visiting in 2020 can take advantage of the plethora of festivities that are happening every day in celebration of this momentous event.  

America’s Historic Event of the Year

Main200 is a statewide initiative to bring people together to highlight the stunning beauty, long history, and rich culture of The Pine Tree State. Throughout the month of March, different theaters will be showing movies that have Maine as their backdrop, like The Lighthouse and The Man Without a Face. Join the DaPonte String Quartet on March 15th to hear “Maine’s 200th: Music of Early Maine,” which highlights different historical events and cultural influences throughout the last two centuries in the form of melody. If you prefer a visual interpretation of Maine’s history, check out the Portland Museum of Art for their “20 X 20: Marking 200 Years of Maine History”, which showcases twenty stories that illustrate Maine’s past, present, and future. 

There are hundreds of events happening all across Maine, so no matter where you decide to visit, you’re sure to be able to find something on the Maine200 events calendar that syncs up with your stay. 

Statehood Day Ceremony

One day you won’t want to miss out on is Statehood Day on March 15th in Augusta at the Augusta Armory. This event will commemorate Maine with performances by the Maine Army National Guard color guard, the Bicentennial Choir, and Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Speakers include Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, Bicentennial Commission Chairman Sen. Bill Diamond, and State Historian Earle Shettleworth, who will narrate Maine’s history. Other big highlights are the unveiling of the official USPS Bicentennial Postage Stamp, and of course, plenty of birthday cake!

Sailing Ships Festival 

New England’s coastline is known as one of the most beautiful in the countryand for good reason! Royal blue waters, verdant foliage, and winding shores look like an enchanting postcard come to life. Experience some of these spectacular views during the Sailing Ships Festival that runs from June 21st to July 20th. During the festival, aside from admiring the many boats on display, there will be opportunities for sailing excursions, and each harbor will have its own unique land activities. The festival kicks off in Boothbay Harbor and travels through the many coastal towns of Maine, including Rockland, Buckspot, Belfast, and Portland. 

Where to Stay

Get a front-row view of the Sailing Ships Festival at Spruce Point Inn, which is situated steps away from Boothbay Harbor. The inn’s picture-perfect oceanside location has earned it a spot as one of the Top 25 Northeast Resorts by Conde Nast and #1 Mid-Coast Maine Resort on TripAdvisor. If you visit during the Sailing Ships Festival, you can also take advantage of Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days, which brings together lighted boat parades, free concerts, fireworks, and street festivals. Ideal for romantic getaways, family reunions, and seaside escapes, Spruce Point Inn is where oceanside memories in Maine come to life. 

Share