The Maine Lobster Festival

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Hearty fare at the Lobster Festival.

The reputation of Rockland's great summer celebration has spread far and wide, with major feature stories appearing in some of the country's largest daily newspapers. It has also been getting international attention thanks to the Internet.

It starts on the Wednesday preceding the 1st weekend in August each year, and attendance for the five days typically tops 50,000. There are numerous attractions, highlighted by the Sea Princesses who compete for the coveted gemmed crown and the title of Maine Sea Goddess, which also carries with it a cash award and, of course, some responsibilities. This annual pageant is held on the Main Stage Friday evening and typically draws several thousand people to the grounds.

rare colored lobster

The real highlight of the Festival, however, is delectable Maine lobsters - and there are plenty of them! Each year, Festival-goers consume thousands of pounds of freshly cooked Maine lobster, which the Atwood Lobster Company has exclusively supplied since 1991. Seafood fanciers also will delight in other menu items that include shrimp, clams, steamed mussels, chowder and other delicacies.

There is also plenty of non-seafood fare available throughout the Festival grounds, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and sausages.