Maine Lobster Festival Delegate

Originally Miss Maine Seafoods, then the Maine Sea Goddess, the Maine lobster Festival expanded its Coronation event in 2023 by opening up participation to anyone ages 16-22 who is passionate about being an advocate for Maine’s lobster industry, regardless of gender. The title of this chosen representative is Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.

Previously, contestants were only able to participate in the event once. Starting in 2024, and retroactive to 2023, contestants may participate a second time, as long as they are still ages 16-22 and did not win 1st or 2nd place the first time they competed.

This year we are accepting 16 participants who will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Leading up to the Coronation, participants will be expected to participate in events which will include a basic orientation, local volunteering and service, public speaking workshop, social media workshop, letter writing campaign in support of Maine’s lobster industry, helping to set up before the Festival opens, and riding in the Big Parade.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. At the Delegate Banquet participants will each have a turn to speak with judges to showcase their knowledge of Maine’s lobster industry and ideas to support the industry during the current challenges it is facing.

The banquet will be held Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 pm at the Samoset Resort and is open to the public to attend. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. A full meal is included and there will be a cash bar.

On the opening night of the Festival, July 30, 2025, the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be chosen along with a runner-up and Most Congenial, voted on by fellow participants. The winner will represent the Maine lobster industry throughout the year at various festivals and events.

Prizes

Delegate: $2,000 cash prize

Second Delegate: $1,500 cash prize

Miss/Mr. Congeniality: $500 cash prize

Requirements

Maine resident

Age 16-22 on July 29, 2025

No past or pending civil or criminal charges

$100 application fee that will later be donated to a non-profit of your choice once approved by the Coronation Committee

Applications must be received by June 15

2024 Delegate Competition participants enjoying a beautiful day out on the water for a lobster boat tour. (left to right) Lyla Brooks, Caitlyn Lamb (2024 1st Delegate), Hannah Hall, Captain Gerry Cushman, Jillian Barnard (Congeniality), Chelsea Gaiero (2024 2nd Delegate)

The 1948 festival featured a parade, hot lobster cooked by several local dealers and trucked to Rockland ‘s Public Landing, a concert by the Rockland City Band on Saturday afternoon, and a coronation ball Saturday evening at the Rockland Community Building.

At this premier coronation, Ruth Roberts of Rockland was crowned as the first “Miss Maine Seafoods,” a title that would later be changed to “Maine Sea Goddess”, and changed again in 2023 to “Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.” It was in 1948 that the festival extended from one day to two and was held in July. Since then, the Maine Lobster Festival is held the first weekend in August that contains the first Saturday. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate represents Maine and the lobster industry throughout their reign at various fairs, festivals and events.