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Dear Sun Spots: I wrote to you last year asking you for help finding car show listings in Maine. You were very helpful and I’ve misplaced your response. Could you please reprint it? Thank you very much. – Greg C., Auburn.

Answer: Check out the second Casco Bay Car Show June 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pine Tree Academy in Freeport. Cars and trucks, all makes and models, antique, hot rod, new off road, classic, three trophies per class and many categories. There will be food, entertainment and lots of fun promised. FMI call (207) 865-4747, or check out their Web site at www.pinetreeacademy.org.

In addition, you might also want to check out the Owls’ Head Transportation Museum Web site at www.ohtm.org. The museum is located on Route 73 in Owls Head, Maine, just two miles from U.S. Route 1. It lists several shows for 2005. A more detailed listing is posted online. Among the shows:

• The 28th annual New England Auto Auction, Sat. Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. until closing of sale. This includes up to 200 outstanding consigned antique, classic and special-interest automobiles – from every era – as they head to the auction block. Each year, the New England Auto Auction represents one of the finest collections of automobiles assembled in New England. If you’re looking for that special automobile, you don’t want to miss this auction. And if you simply love classic autos and high drama – but aren’t necessarily looking to buy – then you’ll want to attend this special silver anniversary event as a spectator. The auction preview is on Friday, Aug. 19 and on the morning of sale.

• Made in the USA Car Meet & Antique Aeroplane Show, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and including such classics as FoMoCo, GM, Dodge, Studebaker, Rambler and more.

Dear Sun Spots: You are so good at getting information. Would you know how to treat a cast iron skillet? I lost my paper that came with it and it needs to be treated again. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to www.thegrillstoreandmore.com you will need to:

Before you start to cook on it, there are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure long lasting satisfaction. First of all, you need to “season” your cast iron. This is the process of allowing oil to be absorbed into the iron, creating a non-stick, rustproof finish. Many cast iron manufacturers use a wax coating to protect it from rusting during storage and shipment before the sale. So, you need to thoroughly wash your cast iron with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. After the cast iron is clean, rinse and dry completely. Oil your cast iron inside and out with vegetable shortening and lard if available. If your cookware piece is small enough to fit in the oven, bake it at 350 for one hour, and let it cool down slowly.

If your cast iron pot is too large to fit in the oven, you can season it in two ways:

1. The best way is to build a hot fire underneath your pot (If you have purchased a stand, you may use the stand to hold the pot). Put a couple of inches of oil inside the pot. The fire must get the grease hot enough to catch a fire. Let it burn out and cool down, and you will have a perfectly seasoned pot.

2. If you do not have an area to build a fire, you can use a burner. Turn your burner to a very low setting and let it burn for 4 hours.

After your cast iron cookware has been seasoned, store away in a dry place.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].

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