Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Are Back

After a long winter, frankly, after a long year, it is almost time to welcome summer with the 59^th Annual Windjammer Days. The festival planners are excited to be moving ahead with the event scheduled for June 27-July 3, 2021. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience all of the fun and “normalcy” of the festival alongside adherence to health and safety guidelines. Here are just a few of the things you can expect when you participate in this celebration of maritime history.

Gathering of the Fleet: The festival isn’t called “Windjammer Days” for nothing. Watch as these majestic vessels enter the harbor under full sail. There are multiple places to watch from the east or the west side of the harbor. Experience the beauty of the windjammers up close by taking a trip into the harbor via boat. Enthusiasts can study up on the visiting schooners on the windjammers page.

Cod Fish Race: If the thought of carrying around big, smelly fish in a relay race sounds like fun, this is the event for you. If the thought of laughing along with those carrying fish, but from a non-smelly distance, sounds like fun, this is the event for you. Watch or compete as teams of four race each other while wearing fisherman’s oilskins and boots. This event is fun for the whole family. The winning team receives $100.

Parades: The Antique Boat Parade features vintage boats that are 25 years old or more. The Harbor Master’s Boat leads the procession around the harbor with the boats lined up from oldest to newest. When night falls, all boats are welcome to get dressed up in their finest lights for a Lighted Boat Parade. Boats of all types and sizes are welcome to enter this evening parade. Spectators can watch from anywhere in the inner harbor. Boats will make the loop twice so you have two chances to choose your favorite.

Pirates of the Dark Rose: These pirates can’t wait to teach the young and the young at heart about the life of a pirate. View a puppet show about buried treasure. Observe a weapons demonstration and take cannon lessons. Watch as the motley crew go to battle with the British. Don’t forget your pirate costume for pictures with Oreo the bird and recruit training.

Rock Skipping Contest: All ages and abilities are welcome in this contest. Participants compete in one of four divisions and all rocks must be naturally occurring stones. For social distancing reasons, this event will be broadcast for spectators to view virtually. Winners receive a painted rock memento and a collection of tasty sweets.

Fireworks: No festival is complete without colorful and mesmerizing fireworks lighting up the sky. Get your camera ready. You may capture the perfect photograph of a windjammer backlit by the artistry of fireworks.