Just take a short 15 minute drive north from Portland, Maine, and you'll find the wonderful vacation destination of Yarmouth. Perched directly on the stunning coast, this city is ideal for your next getaway due to it's picture perfect scenery, great activities and beautiful architecture.
With so much to offer in one area, Yarmouth is what dream summer excursions are made of. Try taking a hike along the picture perfect coastline and you’ll be treated to a variety of wildlife, stunning natural features, and spectacular sunsets. The local parks and public areas are scenic and great for a host of outdoor activities. There is also a great selection of restaurants serving some of the best seafood that you’ll find anywhere, period. When it comes to shopping, the area delivers again and again, with unique boutique shops in almost every direction. From boat tours to exploring the area's vibrant culture, one trip to Yarmouth won't be enough. A great way to get to know the community and explore what it has to offer is during one of the city's premier events, such as the Yarmouth Clam Festival.
For 51 years, Yarmouth Clam Festival has been a can't-miss summer experience for thousands of people from the area, region and far beyond. The event is free to enter and has something for all ages and interests. From a vibrant parade to over 40 live music acts, this festival has much to enjoy. For food, there will be all the typical festival fare, plus some of the best seafood you’ve ever had. If you're traveling with the family, the event has a Kid’s Area that is packed full of fun games and activities for children of all ages. With so much happening it's nearly impossible to not have fun at this event. Find out why over 100,000 people make their way to Yarmouth for this event annually. We got the chance to speak to Chelsie DiConzo from the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce to talk about this unique festival.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
CD: The Yarmouth Clam Festival first started in 1965 and we are celebrating our 51st Anniversary this year. Last year we were even voted Maine’s Greatest Summer Festival! We are very proud to say that the festival is free and open to the public, and funds raised through food sales and parking lots go back to our local non-profits who work non-stop throughout the weekend. We generally expect between 100,000 and 140,000 people throughout the three-day weekend, and in 2009 our surveys indicated that we had visitors from 32 different states and 13 countries! One of the great things about our festival is that while we are known for being a fun family event, there is something for everyone here including live music, a carnival, an arts and crafts show, and plenty of food.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
CD: Each day is a little different at the Yarmouth Clam Festival as we have 10 different special events happening throughout the weekend including a 5 Mile Road Race, Clam Shuck, Professional Bike Race, a Diaper Derby for the little ones. In between the big events, we have live music, horse and wagon rides, a Kid’s Area and PLENTY of food. More than 6,000 pounds of clams, 13,500 Lime Rickeys, 6,000 lobster rolls, 2,200 pancake breakfasts, 1,500 shore dinners, 400 homemade pies, and 6,000 strawberry shortcakes are expected to be consumed during the event.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CD: We are fortunate to be located along I-295 so our guests have plenty of options for accommodations, whether they’d like to spend the weekend camping next to the ocean, at a charming inn or national chain hotel. Down-East Village in Yarmouth is a family owned motel that has been in operation since 1949 and is the closest accommodation option to the festival. Make sure to book a room here early as they tend to fill up fast.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
CD: While the Clam Festival has grown more visible and inviting to the world beyond Yarmouth, it remains a bonding experience for many throughout the local community at its core. The Clam Festival is a centerpiece for homecoming gatherings, a reminder of the pleasure of simple hometown charm, and a full-fledged village event that kindles a strong sense of community. During the weekend we have over 35 local non-profit groups and over 3,000 volunteers that work hard to make the this Maine’s Greatest Summer Festival, all while raising money for their programs.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CD: We say that the Yarmouth Clam Festival has been a village tradition since 1965, so when people visit us you can definitely see and feel the community energy that surrounds the entire event. As Maine’s largest free family festival, we pride ourselves in providing an experience that everyone can enjoy and showcasing events that will help attendees create memories. Since last year was our big 50th, we had quite a few people come to us saying that they were a previous Diaper Derby champion who entered their child into this year’s competition, or they were running in the 5 mile race while their kids were in the Fun Run, and it was just amazing to hear how these families were sharing their memories with the next generation.
This festival offers lots of things to do for all ages, but let’s not forget about the food! You can get a Maine Shore dinner, different types of clams and our famous Lime Rickey!
If you're looking for more information about the Yarmouth Clam Festival, please visit their website.