Off Beat: Outstanding in their field

The humble scarecrow gets some well-deserved recognition this weekend in the Kennebunks.

Off Beat: To have, to hold, to heft … ’til finish line do us part

Back in the day, men chose their wives for entirely romantic reasons like land acquisition or lots of cash. Later, on account of all those John Hughes movies, that “love” stuff came into play. People started getting married simply because they liked each other. But since the North American Wife Carrying Championships arrived at Sunday […]

Medieval feast strictly hands-on

Modern-day diners have gotten out of touch with their food.

Back in the medieval day, eaters dove into dinner hands first, unabashedly plunging their fingers into a plump goose thigh, herring or eel.

As uncouth as it may seem to present-day folk, spoons and forks simply weren’t used. It wasn’t a silverware misunderstanding, as though those utensils existed but were shunned from the table and used only to farm very small plots of land.

Next Maine Event: Let the gourd times roll at Damariscotta fest

Unlike their pumpkin brethren in neighboring towns, Damariscotta pumpkins don’t quietly deflate on the front porch of a family home. Instead, they fly. They explode. And they float. The annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, which runs today through Oct. 11 in Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro, elevates pumpkin appreciation to an entirely new level. Think pumpkins […]

The big one: the 2010 Fryeburg Fair

Maine’s largest fair draws about 300,000 for the week, promoting agriculture and education.

Off Beat: This regatta ya gotta see

It’s a race of the fattest (gourds, that is) at the annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta.

Off Beat: Femme Show wild, and wildly thought-provoking

Femininity can be a delicate hand on a quaint cup of tea. It can also be a leather boot that ends at the knee. It can be demure or forward, tucked behind batted eyelashes or muscled arms. And contrary to what some of our predecessors thought, femininity isn’t restricted to 1950s housewives in pink aprons […]

Trail & Error: Surprised by treasures of geocaching

Geocaching is hiking through the woods in search of something you never lost. It’s also a treasure hunt of sorts, even if the so-called treasure is nothing more than the opportunity to say “I was here” in a small logbook. Less than a decade old, the high-tech hide-and-seek game has lured people into parks, down […]

Next Maine Event: A toast to switchel and the traditions of Maine

People don’t drink much switchel anymore. But the water, vinegar and ginger drink was mighty popular in the American Colonies. In the 19th century, the drink was served to thirsty farmers during harvest time and was often sweetened with honey, sugar or syrup. Switchel was the Gatorade of yesteryear. Folks interested in a switchel sample […]

Divatini Challenge has divas selecting signature cocktail

Feathered boas and pencil-thin heels are often considered the trademark of a diva. But diva seekers shouldn’t be distracted by flashy accouterments. True leading lady finesse comes from within — that “make room for the diva” attitude. The same holds true for a diva-worthy martini. The discerning lady drinker knows a classy libation when she […]