The Boothbay Region's festival founded in 1962 remains the most anticipated event of the year. The 64th annual Windjammer Days week-long festival happens from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27. 

Windjammers, schooners and yachts confirmed for the 64th festival are: Alert, Applejack, Columbia (new!), Eastwind, Gleam, Harvey Gamage, Heritage, Hesper, Isaac H. Evans, Isabella, Lewis R. French, Sycamore, Thomas E. Lannon, Tree of Life, True North, Tyrone, and Maine's First Ship Virginia, joined by and Friendship Sloop, Bay Lady. 

A week-long festival since 2015, with the Friends of Windjammer Days (FWJD) at the helm, new events and competitions added another level of fun and excitement to keep crowds coming back for more. Best of all,  members of those crowds could be part of the festival. The fish relay race, lobster eating competition, hot dog eating contest, and the tug of war across the harbor all invite visitors to be part of the fun and part of Boothbay Harbor's Windjammer Days history.

FWJD began "spotlight groups" back in 2021 when COVID was underway and the festival had to be canceled. As was posted on the official website: "2021 compelled us to take stock of what is important. Our sponsors would like to take a moment to shine a light on a few people who have made the world a little bit brighter. For it is these kinds of actions that have great ripple effects and make the world a better place for all." https://www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org/heroes. Since then, the Friends of Windjammer Days have shone a spotlight on: Women on the Working Waterfront, the U.S. Coast Guard, Boatbuilders of the Region, and Boothbay Maritime Explorers.

This year, that spotlight shines on the U.S. Navy, established on Oct. 13, 1775. Many of our local residents who have served, or who are serving, have shared memories of their years of service. There will be a Meet & Greet with these men and women during the festival on Monday, June 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Oceanside Resort on Atlantic Avenue.

Boothbay Region Historical Society has a Navy exhibit highlighting its long-standing connection with local shipyards, including slideshows sharing museum images of ships under construction, the U.S. Navy Patrol during WWII, and stories about Boothbay-built vessels on active service.  

At last week's FWJD committee meeting, final details were being worked out on a few of the events. Here, though, are a few new additions to look forward to: At Sample's Shipyard on Commerical Street, immediately following the Vintage Boat Parade, is the Pier Party, and this year local ghost guru Lisa Matthews of Mysterious Harbor Tours will be telling a tale or two about happenings within the supernatural sphere, tentatively scheduled for 4:45-5:15 p.m. on Friday, June 26 in one of the buildings on the pier. The Pier Party will have delicious food and thirst-quenching beverages all catered by Ralph Smith and his dynamite crew at Mine Oyster, and music by the Wharf Cats. And, on your way to "The Party," check out the collection of antique cars and motorcycles.

The Crab Cake Cookoff returns Monday, June 22 at Boothbay Harbor Inn from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a ticketed event. But yours at https://shorturl.at/04BSA before it's too late!

Just for the kids: Windjammers For Wee Mateys on the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lawn with crafts and games, ocean and pirate-themed; and Kids Alley on the waterfront: building, painting, and creating all kinds of good memories! And don't miss the youth talent show, Boothbay's Got Talent on Sunday night (June 21), 6 p.m. at the YMCA.

Also returning: the Street Parade, Blessing of the Fleet and Fishermen's Memorial Service at Fishermen's Memorial Park, the infamous pirates of the Dark Rose, contests: rock skipping, hot dog eating, lobster eating, fish relay races, tug of war across the harbor; server shuffle, vintage boat parade and decorated boat parade; youth talent show; E-bike and walking ghost tours with Mysterious Harbor Tours and walks very much on the supernatural side with American Ghost Walks; Artist's Alley Thursday and Friday (June 25 and 26) on the waterfront with live artist demos and vendors galore.

The U.S. Coast Guard Station and Maine State Aquarium will hold events on Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, both from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days is a week of fun, excitement and laughs, but, above all, it is a celebration of the windjammers, visiting and local, those cargo and passenger ships of old. Each one distinctive, each one a treasure still sailing thanks to the captains and crews devoted to their ships and the history they represent. 

Be part of the region's longest-running festival, being held June 21-27 this year. For more information, visit the offical website: www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org