It’s summer! It’s Maine! It’s a Flamingo Festival?

OK, so we’re not crazy — did you know there is a festival that celebrates the flamingo in Maine each year? Yup! And we’ll tell you where, but before that, do you know how summer festivals and fairs came into being?

Maine communities were once few and far between. People didn’t travel much; they mostly stayed at home and worked. Whether on farms or in mills or in the woods, it was usually long hours and little pay — if any. Fairs and festivals sprung up as a way for people to show off their wares and hard labor, and socialize.

Farmers would show their animals and produce, and women would have cooking contests and display their quilts and other handmade items. People would bring food, and gatherings turned into yearly celebrations that offered a break from the routine. It gave the townspeople something to look forward to and work toward, and it brought communities together.

Festivals have remained a part of our lives over the years, although for many people they are now more about entertainment. Everyone knows about the larger fairs and festivals in Maine, such as the Fryeburg Fair, the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, the Old Port Festival in Portland and others that have become a tradition for a lot of us. But what about some of the lesser-known gatherings?

Like the Potato Blossom Festival held in Fort Fairfield each year with everything from the crowning of the Maine Potato Blossom Queen to mashed potato wrestling. It runs from July 14 to 22. (FMI go to http://fortfairfield.org/)

And the Pirate Festival at Fort Knox in Prospect on July 21. Shiver me timbers! There will be a pirate ship firing cannons at Fort Knox as it sails up the river in search of treasure. There will be a pirate costume contest, so get dressed up and bring a picnic to make a day of it. Admission to the fort is $3, but for $20 a person you can have an hours-long sail on the ship and be present when the cannons fire on the fort. Ahoy matey, who can pass that up? (FMI: http://fortknox.maineguide.com/events.html)

So, if you’re feeling “festive” in an out-of-the-ordinary way, read on for some of Maine’s more unusual festivals, as well as suggestions for other things to enjoy while you’re in each town.

Pittsfield x 2

Central Maine Egg Festival

July 17 to 21

Downtown Pittsfield

http://www.wix.com/centralmaineeggfest/centralmaineeggfest

This festival celebrates the brown egg industry and is held in Manson Park. This is an annual event with a parade, street dancing, crafts, fireworks, “Egglympics” and much much more. Don’t forget to see the world’s largest frying pan.

Great Central Maine Everything That Flies Fly In Festival

July 21

Pittsfield Municipal Airport, Harrison Street

http://www.pittsfield.org

Coinciding with the Egg Festival, this is exactly what it says: There will be a B-25 bomber and five fighter planes along with the Famous Texas Flying Legends. It starts at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast.

While there . . .

Central Maine Skydiving

Pittsfield Municipal Airport, Harrison Street

487-5638

http://www.centralmaineskydiving.com/

If you find the idea of flight intriguing, while in Pittsfield check in with these skydiving pros and cross it off your “bucket list.” You know you want to!

Southwest Harbor

Flamingo Festival

July 13 to 16

329 Main St.

244-3713

http://www.harborhousemdi.org/index.php/events/flamingo-festival

The stores and lawns will be decorated with – what else – pink flamingos! But that’s not all. There is a lobster bake put on by the Kiwanis Club, and a parade, craft fair, children’s carnival and a 4-mile walk/run race on Sunday. Most of the activities are held at the Harbor House on Main Street.

While there . . .

XYZ Restaurant

80 Seawall Road, end of Bennett Lane

http://www.xyzmaine.com/xyz.html

244-5221

This is a great Mexican restaurant out in the woods at the end of a winding road in Southwest Harbor. Their dining room is small, so call for a reservation.

Stonington

Stonington’s Annual Fisherman’s Festival

July 22

Downtown

348-6980

http://www.deerisle.com/calendar-of-events/

This event is hosted by the Island Fisherman’s Wife Association and is a day of fun on the pier with craft and food vendors, a pet show, wacky rowboat races and a codfish relay. Too much fun to pass up.

While there . . .

Fisherman’s Friend Restaurant

Route 15, School Street

367-2442

http://www.fishermansfriendrestaurant.com/

Do you know there are more than 30 different ways to cook lobster? This restaurant gives you that choice and much more. But that’s not the only item on their menu, so stop by.

And, walk it off at . . .

Crockett Cove Woods Preserve

Nearby Deer Isle

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/maine/placesweprotect/crockett-cove-woods.xml

With close to 100 acres, this is a great spot to spend the day. A quarter-mile nature trail winds through a fog forest full of moss- and lichen-covered rocks and trees. From Stonington, travel about two miles west on the Shore Road. Turn left on Whitman Road and you’ll find it just after Airport Road.

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