Arguably one of Maine’s most beautiful months, July brings many exciting events to the Boothbay region. Whether you’re in for a night of jazz music or hoping to show off your rock-skipping skills, the Maine coast is the perfect place to spend the heart of summer.
Pick up where June left off with the first Friday Arts Tour on July 1, beginning at 2 p.m. Enjoy wine and other refreshments while touring eight to fourteen galleries, presented by members of the Boothbay Artist Colony. Be sure not to miss the open house held at the BRAF Gallery at One Townsend Ave from 5 to 7 p.m. The gallery features for-sale art by local artists in various styles including oil, watercolor, acrylic, photography, sculpture and more.
Convinced a square is nothing more than a simple polygon? Not according to John M. T. Seitzer, who says, “geometric symbols have their own meaning or form of communication. They speak to us.” Seitzer’s paintings will be on display for a Sacred Geometry Exhibit during the entire month of July at Joy To The Wind Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Celebrate Independence Day with a band concert presented by the Hallowell Community Band on July 4 from 7:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Waterfront Park in Boothbay Harbor. Just following the concert, the Chamber of Commerce features an hour-long spectacular fireworks display — a family-favorite Fourth of July tradition.
For a late night aboard a custom designed vessel, Harbor Princess, join in Cahoots Classic Rock Cruise every Thursday beginning July 7, and continuing through Sept. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Cahoots features a live band and full bar, and reservations are required six days prior to the cruise date. Attendees must be 21.
The Lincoln Arts Festival summer schedule continues on July 7 at 7:30 p.m. with Jimmy Jo and the Jumbol’Ayuhs. Leader Jim Joseph is a “Ragin’ Cajun” originally from Maine, and plays the accordion, fiddle and performs vocals, backed up by his band featuring a unique array of percussion instruments. The show takes place at the Railway Village in Boothbay Harbor and admission is $15.
Start thinking of an appropriate rock-skipping nickname. The Orne’s Candy Store International Rock Skipping Contest takes place on July 9 from 12 to 3 p.m at the Footbridge Parking Lot. Prizes range from rock candy to fudge and the contest is open to all ages. For official rules and admission prices, visit ornescandystore.com.
Take the chance to talk to some of Maine’s most talented authors at the Maine Summer Book Fair at the Railway Village on July 9 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. About 40 authors and illustrators from around the state will present their works, talk to their readers and sign copies of their books.
Admire some of the latest and most fabulous fashions and models at this year’s annual Boothbay in Bloom. The event, which takes place on July 13 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Spruce Point Inn, features a silent auction and a fashion show of beautiful clothing and accessories for men, women and children.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will be hosting “Tastefully Maine,” a midsummer gala with food and spirits in the gardens, on July 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sample from some of Maine’s premier restaurants and caterers and listen to live music by big band, the Edith Jones Project, all while surrounded by beautiful gardens. Reservations are required and admission is $75 per person.
Join the Boothbay Opera house for a night of New Orleans Jazz on July 29 from 8 to 10 p.m. From the rump-shaking street beat to traditional swing and modern day funk, the evening will feature a wide range of jazz musicians, instruments and styles in tributes to legends Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Jelly Role Morton. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show.
