Seafood lovers will discover the best way to beat the August heat is a trip to the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland.  A scenic harbor town overlooking beautiful Penobscot Bay, Rockland will play host to the festival for its 64th year from August 3d through 7th, in celebration of the culinary and maritime traditions that Maine is famous for.

The festival boasts activities and events that are fun for the whole family.  The Cooking Contest encourages contestants to serve up their own recipes for judging.  Past entries that have tempted taste buds include Lobster Puffs, old favorites like Bisque, salads, casseroles and many other delights.  The Lobster Crate Race breeds true champions while runners who prefer to stay on land can take part in the 10k Road Race.

Kids are encouraged to take part in the Lobster Eating Contest, the Codfish Carry or the Costume Parade.  Adults will find wares from local artisans in the Arts & Crafts tent.

Proceeding down Main Street, the Big Parade draws 25,000 onlookers annually, starring the newly crowned Sea Goddess, Sea Princesses and their Naval escorts, along with King Neptune and his Court.  Marching bands and other musical acts, plus colorful floats and drill teams, keep the action going.  Of course, the “world’s greatest lobster cooker” serves up 20,000 pounds of lobster – plenty for everyone!

There is so much more fun to be had at this all-volunteer festival.   For more information ,visit the Official Website.

Nestled half way between Portland’s thriving eateries (Bon Appetit dubbed it America’s “foodiest small town”) and the natural wonders of Acadia National Park, the Maine Lobster Festival is only four hours by car from Boston and less than two hours from Portland.