Right now, nothing is more important than taking steps to save lives and keep our community safe. But it is perfectly normal – and okay – to mourn the loss of activities that bring us joy, especially social events.
One of the things I love about Maine is that is steeped in opportunity to connect with others, especially my tribe. Typically, there is at least one major event each month that I look forward to, often several. I love a party with a cause, and the Kennebunks host THE best FUNdraisers I have ever attended. Each time one is canceled because of COVID-19, my heart sinks a little. These are the 2020 Maine events I will miss most.
2020 Maine events cancelled due to Coronavirus COVID-19
The Kennebunkport Festival | June 2 – 7, 2020 – Postponed until at least Fall 2020, the Kennebunkport Festival has become Maine’s foremost food, wine, and art event. The weeklong festival encompasses several BIG parties, as well as nightly dinners prepared and served by Maine’s top chefs in private homes. More importantly, 100% of ticket sales go local charities. The event raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars over the last two years.
Launch: A Maritime Festival | June 17-21, 2020 – Hosted by the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses, this 5-day festival celebrates nautical history and the vibrancy that lobstering, commercial fishing, shipbuilding, and local seafood restaurants bring to the community. Events include a 5k race, boat parade, Rock the Dock party, cooking contests, lobster bake, live music, blessing of the fleet, and more.
2020 Maine events NOT cancelled (yet)
I do NOT know the status of the following 2020 Maine events. Let’s cross our fingers that it will be safe to gather again in time for these additional favorites. I’ll be crushed if they’re cancelled.
Farm to Fork | early August 2020 – This dinner party to benefit COS programs, which actually takes place on a working farm, is my personal favorite. It is an opportunity to sit down with other community members and enjoy a family-style meal expertly prepared with locally sourced ingredients by the area’s best chefs. The mission of COS (Community Outreach Services) of the Kennebunks is to lend a helping hand to individuals and families in the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel, Maine, who face challenges with food, fuel, or specific needs.
Above Board Annual Gala | late August 2020 – The Above Board is a volunteer committee of proactive community members looking to support initiatives that directly affect the greater York County community. In 2018, the committee raised $50,000 to establish the Recovery Coach Training Academy of the Kennebunks with an elegant, tented party at On the March Bistro in Kennebunk. For their 2nd annual gala, they hosted masquerade ball at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport. The proceeds funded a Certified Provider Program to assist with post-crisis addiction care as well as Ride Along Service for local first responders. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this year!
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude | December 3rd – 13th, 2020 – If you have ever experienced this holiday extravaganza, it comes as no surprise that HGTV has named Kennebunkport the #2 Christmas Town in America. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit. The 10-day festival calendar is PACKED with activities for adults and children alike.
Wells Vacation Rental 