MACHIAS, Maine — Margaretta Days won’t be held until June 13, but the lead organizer for the event is gearing up now and trying to drum up more support from area residents and businesses.
Carlene Holmes was handing out fliers last week looking for help and ideas for the festival, which attracts about 1,000 visitors each year.
Sponsored by the Machias Historical Society, the event celebrates the anniversary of the first naval battle in the Revolutionary War in which rebel forces from Machias commandeered the British ship the Margaretta.
Holmes, who leads the festival organizing committee, wants people to stick around afterward and spend their money in Machias.
“Our goal is to keep people around here,” she said.
Holmes is urging businesses to run special sales, hold events or otherwise capitalize on the crowds.
“How about a benefit supper Friday or Saturday evening?” Holmes wrote in her flier about the festival. “Your business could offer Margaretta Days discounts … a special food or drink named after a Margaretta Days hero or heroine.”
Holmes also is inviting businesses to support the festival by placing an ad in the annual festival magazine or donating money or items for prizes.
Individuals, organizations and groups are encouraged to get involved as well. Holmes said groups could plan events to take place in the weeks leading up to the festival.
New this year will be a performance by the United States Navy Band. Many other festival attractions, such as the antler toss contest and tomahawk throwing, will return, she said.
Getting additional volunteers on board will help the committee expand and improve the event.
“The Machias Historical Society can only do so much,” Holmes said. Members have some “great ideas” such as re-enacting the battle or parading prisoners through town, but they need people to carry them out.
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Holmes at carlenemholmes@yahoo.com or call 263-5886.