July 16, 2009

A weekend tale of clams and pow wows

But Friday I do have to start you off with an indoor event. It's a good one and you'll want to get there early. Wilco's Nels Cline will make an in-store appearance at Bull Moose in Portland from 12:30-1:30 pm. It's free! And it's bound to be packed. If you're early you can browse for a bit or stake out your spot and plant yourself in it.

If you're still in the mood for music in the evening, pop over to North Star Music Cafe where Megan Jo Wilson and Lyle Divinsky will be playing at 8 pm. There's no cover for the show but it would be good etiquette to at least buy a drink while you listen.

Una is famous for one of the best happy hours around. Tonight's the grand re-opening party starting at 4:30 pm - just when things usually get happy. There's always $4 martini and wine specials and on this night don't be surprised to find even better deals as the club welcomes old friends and new to celebrate it's makeover. Check out the new digs with a beverage in hand and be sure to wish owner Cameron Reed well.

The first thing you need to know about Saturday is it's Zone Urban Epic day. The sprint triathlon, which is one of Portland's best sporting events, kicks off at 8:30 am near East End Beach. Swimmers will take to the waves for their .5-mile swim, then transition to bikes at Portland Company Complex on Fore Street. The ride will be 13 miles, up over the Eastern Prom and then to Baxter Boulevard. Grab a spot near Payson Park to watch the action. After another transition, the athletes will be running 3.7 miles before finishing on the Maine State Pier. You'll want to be near the finish line because there will be a party going on. Music, entertainment and a beer garden are the big draws for competitors, fans or just plain old people off the street. Listen to the Jason Spooner Trio while the stragglers drag themselves to the finish.

Maybe all the road closures and the crowds are too much for you. Maybe you'd rather be part of a smaller, quieter fest. If so head to Freeport for the Creative Spirits Summer Festival at Kendall Tavern (213 Main St.). There will be music, performers and an arts and crafts sale from 10 am-4 pm.

Or maybe you'll be wearing your Save the Animals hat on Saturday, which means you'll be perfectly dressed for the Vegetarian Food Festival at East End Community School in Portland. You can sample vegetarian and vegan food, learn about animal issues, environmentalism, organic farming and check out what the local exhibitors have going on. Admission's free.

Lots of times Sunday's a day lacking in interesting things to do. Not this weekend. How about starting off at Wells Harbor Park in Wells where the 7th Annual Native American Pow-Wow is being held (Saturday also). It lasts from 9-5 and you can enjoy dancing, drumming, vendors, storytelling and more. Admission is only $5 and it'll be way better than mowing the lawn.

Also today it's wrap up day for the Yarmouth Clam Festival (activities are also on Friday and Saturday). The annual bike race starts on Main Street at 9 am or check out the diaper derby at noon. The music slate has the Wicked Good Band playing at 12:15 pm at NYA, the Bluez Dogs at 2 pm at Memorial Green and the Rock Starz of Yarmouth Battle of the Bands winners from 2-3 pm on the library lawn. Free. Free. Free.

And finally this weekend - the best way to get yourself outdoors: The Maine Department of Conservation is opening all of its state parks and historic sites to the public for free this weekend (Saturday also). All you have to have is a car with a loon license plate. Because proceeds from the plates go to the Department of Conservation and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife projects it's their way of saying thanks. So enjoy. And say you're welcome.