16 / 60
14
CVB
SEASONS .
New England is blessed to have four seasons that
each brings its own distinct pleasures. The clear,
crisp days of autumn give way to winter’s frosty
elegance while spring’s thaw is accompanied by
new growth and brilliant floral hues. Summer is
chock-a-block full of activities and also a time to
unwind by the lake or on the beach, cooled by a
salty sea breeze.
Year-round in Maine.
Meeting in Maine during the peak season can be a challenge for
budget-conscious groups, but you can still have a budget-friendly
meeting in the summer by choosing the right venue. Head to the
mountains where ski resorts welcome groups at off-season rates
and state parks are nearby. Or take over a college campus! When
school’s out, you can enjoy the robust meeting and leisure space of
several colleges near the ocean. Book a multi-functional arena or
theatre for your peak season space and shout “Bravo” at the savings.
Winter and spring are the value seasons in Greater Portland; your
budget will stretch further during these months. Not only are room
rates less but the region is filled with fine dining, sports, and an
abundance of arts and entertainment. You’ll enjoy performances of
professional theater, dance, the Portland Symphony, and headliner
concerts, all of whose primary programming correspond with
Portland’s value dates.
Your delegates will want to take advantage of the seasonal flavors
on tap when they’re here. Curling up by a winter’s fire, rafting
during a spring high-water release, picking apples, sailing on the
bay—there’s always something special to do to make the most of the
time you’ve chosen to meet in Maine.
Maine is a safe and comfortable destination where delegates often
combine a family vacation with business travel. Throughout the
summer, the skies fill with the sounds of outdoor concerts. Annual
festivals celebrate everything from the bounty of autumn’s harvest to
the delights of winter. When you hold your next meeting in Maine,
you may run out of time, but never things to do!
Photos on right:
clockwise from top left: Tim Greenway; courtesy Sugarloaf Resort;
Thomas Mitchell; Benjamin Williamson
FESTIVALS &
ANNUAL EVENTS
(Continued from page 12)
AUGUST
11–13 / Italian Street Bazaar
in Portland.
Ethnic celebration
featuring band music, children’s
games & Italian food.
18–20 / MS Regatta
Harborfest
on Casco Bay.
Sailboat race, tug boat display, music
& food on Portland’s waterfront.
26 / WCSH-6 Sidewalk
Arts Festival in Portland.
350 booths featuring artists from
all over the country.
25–27 / American Folk Festival
in Bangor.
Music, song & dance
from across the country & the world,
held on the Bangor waterfront.
SEPTEMBER
24–30 / Cumberland Fair
Large agricultural fair with crafts.
OCTOBER
7–8 / Freeport Fall Festival
Over 100 artists will exhibit at
this annual event.
26–29 / Harvest on the Harbor
in Portland.
Food & Wine Festival
celebrating Maine’s culinary arts.
NOVEMBER
NOV 24–DEC 23 /
Polar Express in Portland.
Ride the
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad to the
North Pole.
NOV 24–DEC 17 / Light Up
Your Holidays in Portland.
Downtown is alive & merry with joy-filled
celebration on its streets.
DECEMBER
1–3 / Sparkle Weekend
in
Freeport.
Parade, carol singing &
horse-drawn carriage rides.
1–10 / Christmas Prelude in
Kennebunkport
.
Annual celebration
with tree lighting, candlelight ceremony,
caroling & crafts fairs.