Traditions of Summer in Maine

by Esther J. Perne

Bean-hole beans, loons, outdoor concerts, summer theater, art shows, auctions, fundraisers, fishing in the rain . . . these are traditions that summer is made of and the reason why people are here. Isn't it time to schedule a few?

Beans simmering underground, overnight, in cast iron pots, ladled generously (three kinds, of course) on a plate heaped with other traditions — hot dogs, brown bread, sometimes cole slaw — and served with a smile that says leave room for homemade pie. Beans were traditionally a logging camp staple during river drives, set to bake underground by cooks who traveled a day ahead of the work crews and left a meal that would be hot and ready when they arrived.

Beans in this region are regularly served at church and grange suppers, at fairs, at home on Saturday night, and on August :1 at the Bean Hole Bean Supper sponsored by the Belgrade Fire and Rescue. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center for All Seasons in Belgrade Lakes, the tradition continues. Beans simmering underground, overnight, swimming in molasses or maple syrup, served hot from cast iron pots . . . with smiles. Save room for the pie!

Loons calling for rain, swimming, diving, surfacing, entertaining. Loons solitary and private, quietly fishing. Loons grouping and rafting. Loons are these lakes, the vivid black and white, the disappearing act, the fast flutter of wings when flying, but most of all the call. It's like coming home to be near a lake and hear a loon. Loon calls are magical, eerie, primitive, and hard to imitate. Or are they?

On Saturday, August 1, the world will find out at the Belgrade Lakes Loon Calling contest held near the bridge in Belgrade Lakes. Sponsored by Castle Island Camps, now in its eightieth year as a traditional, historic fishing camp, the contest is legendary. Crowds gather, the bold sign-up. The less than bold and the friends, the relatives, and the curious line up along the bridge. The calling starts at 7:00 p.m. and so does the fun. There are three classes: ten and under, eleven to fifteen, and sixteen to forever. Be bold, sign up!

Outdoor concerts, almost every day of the week, every town, every tune, every setting, every time. And free. The trend dates to a camp on a lake which for seventy plus years has played to the public, under the pines. Enjoy all the others but especially go to the New England Music Camp in Sidney, most Saturdays and Sundays at the "Bowl in the Pines."

Summer theater, historic buildings, opera houses, stages with stories to tell and modern performances to present. Ballet, Shakespeare, children's tales, entertainment and more. Join the tradition and enjoy.

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Traditions of Summer in Maine