It's all about the festivals

So ... for Friday let's start by easing into some noontime entertainment in Post Office Park. Mary Ukelady Hargreaves will be playing for lunching Portlanders and others who have wandered into the city during one of the freebie sessions. Grab a sandwich (I enjoy chix salad) and grab a listen.

If you're in the mood for music after work, head out to Yarmouth and Deer Run Tavern for the free show by Kevin Midgley. The tunes start at 7:30 pm and you can get a beverage or two or a pretty reasonable price.

Finally tonight, one more mellow event. Round up a beach or camp chair and get over to Riverbank Park in Westbrook for a free outdoor movie courtesy of the Westbrook Historical Society. The show starts at 8 pm and tonight's film is "The Palm Beach Story." It's from way back in 1942 and it's described as a "romantic screwball comedy." It could be a little corny, too, but no complaints - it's not gonna cost you a thing.

OK. Saturday's here. Take a deep breath because it's time for festivals.

First up is Summerfest, running from 9 am-2 pm at the Wiscasset Town Common. There will be crafts, vendors, music, a silent auction, even a dog parade. Admission is free. Want food? Pay the price.

Next up is the 2nd Annual Seaside Arts Festival in Old Orchard Beach. Find more than 25 members of Saco Bay Artists, who will be showing and selling their art, music from the Salvation Army Band, a used book sale and a raffle every hour. More than 25 local merchants have donated prizes for you to win. The fest is in Memorial Park in OOB and runs from noon-7 pm. If you get there and it turns out to be lame, well, you can go to Palace Playland instead.

Moving on, we've got Lewiston Root Cellar's 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off at 89 Birch Street from 1-4 pm. The live music, dancing and visits with exhibitors are free, but there are likely small fees to taste what's cookin'.

And finally, don't miss the 7th Annual Greater Portland Festival of Nations. Folks will be gathering in Deering Oaks Park from 2-8:30 pm to celebrate Maine's ethnic diversity. There will be an international bazaar, exotic foods, diverse vendors, dancing, drumming and music. Nations represented will include Armenia, Bosnia, Cambodia, France, Greece, Ireland, Somalia, Thailand, Uganda and more.

If you're not overloaded on festivals after your Saturday experiences you can get more of the same on Sunday. Getting you started at 8 am is the Antique Tractor and Engine Show in Eliot. The three-day extravaganza (Fri-Sun) takes place at Raitt Homestead Farm on Rte. 103. It's just $4 to get in and enjoy the entertainment, tractor pulls, flea market, crafts and displays. (FYI - you can get in free on Friday if you bring an auction item.)

If tractors don't do it for you how about heading up the coast for the 6th Annual Harpswell Festival from 11 am-6 pm. Find the fun at George Mitchell Field on Rte. 123. Get your fix of live music, entertainment, food, rides, artisans and crafters. Admission and parking are both free.

And to wrap up your weekend, how about a little Christmas spirit. It's Christmas in July at the Nubble Lighthouse in York where, for the 16th year, you can see the Nubble as it appears during Christmas season - but you'll be wearing daisy dukes and a tube top. The viewing goes from 7-9 pm and it's absolutely free. Seasons greetings!