Stay in touch with the coast.
Sign up for our newsletter »

Press Release - July 14 - 6th Annual Show

Show News
Images & Links
Press Contact Info
The Annual Maine Boat & Home Show is typically held the second weekend of August. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily
Show Information for Press and Media
include('boatShow_nav.html') ?>
Information for Press: Show News | Image Bank & Link Info | Contact Info
Press & Media Info For immediate release - July 14, 2008
Sixth Annual MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW Combines the Best in Maine-Made Vessels, Fine Furniture, and Home Furnishings
August 8-10, 2008 Rockland, Maine
CAMDEN, Maine - Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine will again present its boat and coastal lifestyle show on the waterfront in Rockland, Maine, August 8-10, 2008. The only annual in-the-water event of its kind in the state--and perhaps the world--the 2008 MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW will showcase some of the finest examples of Maine-built boats, from runabouts to poweryachts, daysailers to round-the-world cruising sailboats, and kayaks to rowing shells, all arrayed on more than 1,500 linear feet of dock space. On land, there will be even more boats, plus the finest of goods for the home. With close to 300 exhibitors, the MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW is the only opportunity to see some of the finest vessels and woodworking available from Maine (and beyond) gathered together in one location. Visitors are invited to come on board to talk with boatbuilders, and see, in detail, what makes Maine-made boats and handcrafted furniture world-famous for design and construction. "Where else can you step aboard gorgeous boats by builders like Atlantic Boat, Hinckley, Lyman-Morse, Morris Yachts, Pulsifer, Sabre Yachts, and John Williams, and then go try out a handmade Windsor chair by a famous maker such as Thos. Moser, or view the custom cabinetry of the Kennebec Company?" asked John K. Hanson Jr., founder of the magazine and show. Special features of this summer's show will include: "Tremolino! and the Work of Lance Lee." Educator, boatbuilder, and internationalist Lance Lee has worked from the coast of Maine for more than 40 years; the Apprenticeshop, Atlantic Challenge International, and his new Tremolino! Project have all enhanced life on the coast. Also on display will be the 83-foot Jacob Pike. This recently retired sardine carrier is now part of the Penobscot Marine Museum and an active symbol of two of Maine's most important industries: fishing and shipbuilding. "This is the show for anyone who appreciates the Maine coast and all it has to offer," said Hanson, "It's a fun and eclectic blend of coastal life and style that offers something for everyone." Over the course of three days, Rockland's three-acre waterfront park will teem with exhibits, demonstrations of marine arts and crafts, live music, local food, and more. In addition to fine boats and furniture, the show will also feature well-known artists, jewelers, craftsmen, architects, and garden designers. The show also has an area dedicated to children. The Kid's Fun Zone will have opportunities for youngsters to learn practical nautical skills including skiff painting, caulking, and knot tying. There will also be paper crafts and mural painting on canvas sails. Kids of all ages can race foot-long remote-controlled sailboats in the Footy Competition, or watch a remote-controlled powerboat model negotiate a slalom course, all on the show's custom-built 32-foot-long model pond. "From the start, the response to this show from exhibitors and visitors has been fantastic," said Hanson. "The allure and high caliber of Maine craftsmanship shines through here." For many exhibitors, the MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW is the only show they attend, which makes it a special opportunity for anyone in the market for a Maine-built boat, piece of art, home furnishings, or gifts. Dog lovers will particularly enjoy the wildly popular (and zany) World Championship Boatyard Dog® Trials, held the final morning of the show, Sunday, August 10, at 10:30 a.m. The trials are a mix of skill and silliness, and promise to entertain visitors of all ages. NOTE: Only dogs that have pre-qualified to compete are allowed on show grounds, on Sunday a.m. only; no other pets are allowed on show grounds. "Walking through the MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW," said Hanson, "will be like walking through the pages of our magazine. Visitors will be able to see firsthand the great variety of craft and commerce that's particular to coastal Maine. It's simply the best $10 you'll spend this summer." The MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW was founded in 2003 by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine. Held annually during the second weekend of August in Rockland, Maine, the show attracts thousands of attendees from all over the country and world. The city is a popular summer destination, known for its authentic architecture and lovely ship captains' homes, with restaurants, cafés, shops, bookstores, a movie theater, and galleries to enjoy. Rockland has also become a well-known arts destination. In the week leading up to the boat show there are a number of exciting events and activities scheduled in what is known as "Coastal Creativity Week." Events include a Wednesday night Bay Chamber Concert (piano and string quartet) at the Strand Theater, the Farnsworth Art Museum's annual "Paint the Town" event, and an art walk/treasure hunt among participating Arts in Rockland galleries and museums. The Farnsworth Museum, one of the country's finest small art museums and home to the Wyeth family collections, is located here, as is the Maine Lighthouse Museum, home to the largest collection of Fresnel lighthouse lenses and the most important landmark collection of lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia in the United States. Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine, the premier magazine about life on the Maine coast, is celebrating its twenty-first year. Noted for its eclectic and award-winning coverage of all aspects of coastal living, the magazine covers everything from maritime matters and natural history to boats, homes, fine art, and food. Published out of nearby Camden, the magazine has loyal subscribers around the world and more than 100,000 total readers. The award-winning online edition at www.maineboats.com is filled with original content, photo galleries, tide charts for Maine and New Hampshire, guides to products and services, and Local KnowledgeTM to help visitors enjoy the Maine coast. Show hours: Friday and Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-4. For more information about the show, exhibitors, and events, visit www.maineboats.com Media Contact: Leila Murphy, email: news@maineboats.com Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, P.O. Box 758, Camden, ME 04843; 207-236-8622; 800-565-4951