Marine Tent

The Marine Experience Tent is a Festival attraction that provides hands-on chances to touch and learn about a wide variety of Marine life. Maritime activities and demonstrations will continue during the festival. Who knows what creatures from the deep will show up? Exhibitors set up interesting displays for all ages.

The Gulf of Maine is a complex and sometimes mysterious place. Who knows what creatures from the deep will show up in the Marine Experience Tent? Each year, Marine tent exhibitors, from lobster trap builders to fishermen, explain and demonstrate how they fit into a very big picture. The touch tank allows visitors of all ages to get up close and personal with some of Maine’s smaller sea life. Learn how lobster traps are made by watching a demonstration by Brooks Trap Mill of Thomaston, Maine. Learn about boat building and sailing on the open ocean from The Apprenticeshop of Rockland, Maine. These are just a few of the exhibitors you’ll meet in the Marine Experience Tent.

The Marine Experience Tent frequently hosts book signings by Maine authors and illustrators.

2024 Exhibits

Brooks Trap Mill of Thomaston will be displaying the complete start-to-finish process of building a lobster trap—and the materials that go into its building.

Maine Authors Publishing The trusted source for books by Maine authors since 2009! As a cooperative-style publisher, Maine Authors Publishing’s goal is to support local, independent authors throughout the publishing process with affordable services such as editing, design, printing, a trade catalog, distribution, and marketing assistance. Writers wanting to explore publishing are invited to register for a free Zoom class on the first Friday of every month called “Introduction to Cooperative-Style Publishing.”

You can find Maine Authors Publishing all week long in the Marine Tent, where they will have signings as well as a selection of books by best-selling Maine authors.

Piece by Piece by Piece Sea Glass Art by Anne Dow, Westbrook, ME Anne’s art is created from sea glass that is found piece by piece by piece along the shores of Maine. Her work features a variety of themes~from lobsters and lighthouses to pet pieces and nature. It has always been Anne’s favorite pastime to collect sea glass, shells, and rocks in the mid-coast area with her daughter, sister, and niece. Besides the quality time with family, there is a therapeutic value in it. Stop by the Marine Tent and take home a piece of Maine!

Station Maine of Rockland is an organization of community members dedicated to offering boating opportunities at no cost to youth of all ages in the Midcoast area. Members will give rowing demonstrations and will recruit prospective rowers.

Lauren Elizabeth Smith Providing an assortment of T-shirts for the whole family. Tees are designed to be colorful, happy, and to make people laugh, but most of all to represent Maine. The lobster industry is a big part of her family. Lauren’s partner grew up and fished out of Rockland and his family is currently fishing out of this area. Her family is also a part of the Dark Rose Pirates which will be located right outside the Marine tent.

Penobscot Bay Watch Keeping an eye out for threats to Maine’s biggest bay. Projects: wastewater outfalls oversight, legacy industrial waste site identification and cleanups aquaculture oversight, fending off marina sprawl and commercial sprawl. They will be set up in the marine tent to educate the public about their service and projects.

LJ’s Lobster & Beach Themed Jewelry, Owl’s Head, Maine Creating jewelry has become a passion of mine. Growing up, I watched my grandfather turn local beach rocks into beautiful jewelry. After his passing, I realized how much I also enjoy creating jewelry. Being a young teenager who isn’t old enough to seek employment yet, I have found myself passing time creating jewelry. I’ve decided to take a chance and share my creations with others at the festival. Please stop by my table in the Marine Tent to check out my work!

The Dempsey Challenge 5K Fundraiser James Stone will be in the Marine tent Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2 11 am – 5 pm raising money for The Dempsey Challenge 5K. This is the premiere fundraising event for the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit founded by actor Patrick Dempsey. The Dempsey Center makes life better for people impacted by cancer by easing the side effects of cancer by improving their physical, emotional, social, familial, and functional well-being at any point in their cancer journey–all at no cost. With a donation made to James’ fundraising efforts whether you buy a book, hat, or T-shirt, all for $20, you can help support thousands of cancer patients, survivors, care partners, and their loved ones. Gifts of any amount will provide no-cost support for years to come.

Joining James on Thursday and Friday will be Macy, an 8-year-old girl from South Thomaston, Maine, with a big smile and an even bigger heart. Recently, Macy achieved a remarkable feat—she won the title of Miss Maine Elementary! Now, she’s off to Orlando to represent her beloved state in a National Beauty Pageant, where she’ll dazzle everyone with her confidence and charm. But Macy’s talents don’t stop there! She’s also set to strut her stuff on the runways of New York Fashion Week after securing a spot with her winning style and grace. With her love for fashion and a passion for making friends wherever she goes, Macy is ready to shine brightly on these exciting journeys.

For exhibitor information, email [email protected].