10 fantastic food festivals for 2015

Lobster crates provide an unsteady race course over Rockland Harbor, Maine.

Where: Rockland, Maine
When: July 29-August 2, 2015

This food fest started out as an effort to help local lobster men, who often harvest a glut of softshell lobsters in mid-summer. But now, in its 68th year, it's a local tradition.

Highlights of the festival include a parade, a beauty contest to name a Maine Sea Goddess, and entertainment that has in the past featured the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Edgar Winter, and Clint Black.

But the most popular event is the lobster crate race. During the race, participants run across lobster crates that are floating in the harbor. Young, lithe runners enjoy a definite advantage but everyone winds up in the chilly water anyway.

The town of Rockland is on Penobscot Bay, one of Maine's prime tourist venues. A fleet of sailing vessels offer day trips and overnighters of three to 14 days.

Festival goers can also include Acadia National Park on their schedule. Acadia features rocky seascapes, abundant wildlife and the highest point on the Eastern seaboard.

For further information: Maine Lobster Festival

First published February 26, 2015: 1:28 PM ET

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