This years schedule is in the making. Please contact the town office to participate.

• December 2, 2011-February 11, 2012: Exhibit at MerryMeeting Arts Center: “Ice and Smelt: Winter on Merrymeeting Bay”.

This exhibit previews the Ice Cutting-Smelt Fishing Festival the arts center will host on February 4, 2012 as part of the yearlong celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Town of Bowdoinham. Works in the exhibit address the themes of ice and smelt and how winter affects Merrymeeting Bay.

• Jan 2012: Ongoing: “Ice and Smelt: Winter on Merrymeeting Bay” Merrymeeting Arts Center

• February 4th, 2012: Smelt/Ice cutting Festival, BEST BEARD Contest!

• March 2012 Bowdoinham Maple Sunday

• April 7th, 2012 Town Clean-up to include Cemeteries

• May 2012 Bowdoinham Plant Sale/Historical Plants and Gardens Exhibits

• June 23, 2012 ***4th of July Chicken BAR-B-Q***

In collaboration with Red, White & Blue Festival

• Sept 2012 CELEBRATE Bowdoinham 250

3 day event September 14, 15, 16 Parade, Festival, Road races etc. **Fireman’s Rally

• Nov 2012 Veteran’s Day – History Day Celebration

The Bowdoinham waterfront and village center will be full of action! Favorite events from the past and new attractions are all part of a great day's schedule. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.

Ice and Smelt Festival

to be held Friday, Febmary 3 and Saturday, Febmary 4 at Mailly Waterfront Park, Bowdoinham, ME. A snow date of Febmary 5th has been set. A reception at the Merrymeeting Arts Center will be held Friday evening from 5:30 to 8 for the public, with a reading and storytelling of "Smelt Makes Ice" from Local Myths by Bryce Muir.

Come enjoy refreshments and see the exhibit by local artists "Ice Cutting & Smelt Fishing: Winter on Menymeeting Bay" in collaboration with the Bowdoinham Historical Society. Following the reception will be a dance for young and old from 8- 10 at the Town Hall. Saturday's events, from 10-4, will include a full day of activities, games, and contests culminating in a Camival of Smelt - a costumed parade staged by Ziggurat Theatre Ensemble.

The first contest to be announced is the Best Beard Contest. This contest was originally held 50 years ago and is being held again by special requests of many townspeople. There will be multiple categories and prizes offered. The events hosted by the Merrymeeting Arts Center, will signal the official start to the 250th Bowdoinham Anniversary Celebration.