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SEASONS.

New England is blessed to have four seasons that each bring their own distinct pleasures. The clear, crisp days of autumn give way to winter’s frosty elegance while spring’s thaw is accompanied by new growth and brilliant floral hues. Summer is chock-a-block full of activities and also a time to unwind by the lake or on the beach, cooled by a salty sea breeze. Welcome to Maine. Your delegates will want to take advantage of the seasonal flavors on tap when they’re here. Curling up by a winter’s fire, rafting during a spring high-water release, picking apples, sailing on the bay—there’s always something special to do to make the most of the time you’ve chosen to meet in Maine. Throughout the summer, the skies fill with the sounds of out- door concerts. A host of annual festivals celebrate everything from Maine performers and artisans, to the bounty of autumn’s harvest, to the delights of winter. If the family is along, there’s plenty to keep children actively entertained: baseball, hockey and basketball games, a children’s museum and planetarium, ice-skating and rollerblading, parks and wildlife. Maine is a safe and comfortable destination where delegates often combine a family vacation with business travel. If you are looking to mix pleasure with business, hold your next meeting in Maine. You may run out of time, but never things to do. Our members were delighted at the prospect of visiting Portland for the association’s annual conference – attendance was more than 30% higher than the typical meeting! The Portland CVB provided excellent planning support to our team, and worked with local businesses to prepare for our group’s week in Portland.” - Dave Beebe, National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS 2015 MARCH 4-8 / Portland Flower Show Annual exhibition of Maine horticulture & landscaping professionals. 20-22 / Maine Boatbuilders Show Portland’s gathering of the finest craftsmen & boatbuilders on the East Coast. JUNE 12-14 / Old Port Festival in Portland. Crafts & food booths, kids’ activities, music & live entertainment. 21–27 / Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor. Fully rigged 25–27 / Greek Heritage Festival in Portland . Greek foods, arts and crafts,and live entertainment. JULY JUN 28–JUL 26 / Bar Harbor Music Festival. Outstanding up & coming talent from jazz to brass to strings & even opera. 17–19 / Yarmouth Clam Festival Celebration includes a parade, races, games, entertainment & all the clams you can eat. AUGUST JUL 29–AUG 2 / Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. New England’s fun festival where lobster is king. 1 / Beach to Beacon10K Road Race in Cape Elizabeth. 5,000+ runners race from Crescent Beach to Portland Head Light. 8 / Art In The Park in South Portland . Paintings & prints by artists from the entire Eastern Seaboard. 13–22 / Portland Chamber Music Festival in Portland. Evening performances by outstanding young musicians. windjammers sail into the harbor. Concerts, antique boat parade, & fireworks.

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Photos on right: top right – Corey Templeton; top left, bottom – Thomas Mitchell; middle right – Tim Greenway

12 CVB