Yarmouth Clam Festival, Maine
Yarmouth, Maine
This year’s vacation to Maine was purposefully scheduled to coincide with the Yarmouth Clam Festival, which takes place, naturally, in the town of Yarmouth. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the event, which is always held the weekend of the third Friday in July. Festival admission is always free, and is hosted by a network of volunteers dedicated to raising money for Yarmouth’s non-profit organizations, school groups, and churches.
This festival is a fixture in my childhood memories, so when I planned our vacation it was with a sense of excited nostalgia that I would be able to stroll among the food booths and craft vendors, hand in hand with my husband, who hasn’t had that particular pleasure as of yet. To be sure, he’s not quite as excited about the prospect as I am, but then he just doesn’t GET it yet. He soon will. Oh yes, he soon will.
The Royal River Grill in Yarmouth, Maine
Imagine a bright July afternoon, highs in the low 80’s, a light breeze wafting against your skin. Imagine happy children running among the isles of vendors. Imagine strolling hand in hand with your beloved as you search out your ultimate goal…
A big, steaming, dripping bucket of steamed clams. With a side of drawn butter for dipping. Or fried clams, with cocktail sauce (or its heathen relative, ketchup). Breaded baked clams with garlic. And all the “fixin’s” – fresh local corn on the cob, french fries with salt and malted vinegar, “dough boys” sprinkled in powdered sugar for dessert. And, of course, a pile of other kinds of foods, if clams aren’t your gig (and SHAME on you for that). Hot dogs, lobster rolls, burgers, chowder, grinders, strawberry shortcake, fried scallops, clam cakes, blueberry cobbler… the list goes on and on AND ON. You will NOT walk away hungry from this festival.
Once stuffed with such gastronomical goodness, spend the rest of the afternoon strolling among the vendors. Enjoy craft and art shows, and peruse the goods from dozens and dozens of local artists and craftsmen/women. Listen (and dance!) to the live music. Watch (and march in!) the parade, which takes place on opening day at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy the annual “battle of the bands”. Participate in the canoe and kayak race. Try your hand at the clam shucking contest. Run in the kids fun run, or compete in the 5k race. Enroll your toddler in the diaper derby.
If you’re in the area (and I hope you will be!) I highly recommend attending the Yarmouth Clam Festival. Visit their official website for details, daily schedules, and directions.
Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Flickeritis” by metimbers on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “The Royal River Grill” by Bob Travis on Flickr Creative Commons.