From Traditional to Offbeat, There's Nothing like the Holidays in New England
To many people, there's no more picturesque setting to celebrate the holidays than in a snowy New England town. Across the state of Maine, there are a wide variety ways to celebrate during the holiday season. Some live up to that traditional image, others are a little more offbeat.Shaker Christmas Fair - New Gloucester
On a sprawling hilltop farm in rural Maine, a community of believers carries on the faith and traditions of the Shakers, an influential religious sect that has all but vanished. Today, a handful of adherents live and work the 1800-acre communal farm that was founded in 1783. They are the last practicing Shakers anywhere in the world.
On the first Saturday in December each year, the Shakers open their small village to visitors for a holiday celebration that includes homemade baked goods, farm-grown herbs, cheese and pickles. Plus, the sought-after Shaker crafts such as knitted goods, home-spun yarn, and authentic Shaker oval boxes are also on sale. It's a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a traditional setting that has nearly disappeared.
Chester Greenwood Day - Farmington
Over 135 years ago, a fifteen-year old boy in Farmington had his mother sew some fur onto a loop of wire, and thereby invented the earmuffs. For 60 years, the earmuff business kept many of the town's residents employed. Today, Farmington celebrates its native son and his quirky winter wear with a holiday celebration. Though the state of Maine has officially declared December 21st as Chester Greenwood Day, Farmington celebrates the holiday with a parade and festival on the first weekend of December.
Christmas by the Sea - Camden/Rockport
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