Building Rockland's Lobster Trap Tree

Story and Video by Doug Mills

Photography by David Mills

RCN America Network

Rockland, Maine - It's 8:30 in the morning as the Brooks trap truck arrives with the first load of green lobster trap[s for Rockland's famous Lobster Trap Tree. Volunteers unload the traps under a cold and overcast sky.

“Rockland Main Street, Inc. has been building the World's Largest Lobster Trap Tree since 2003, celebrating 10 years in 2013. Built by volunteers the Trap Tree is constructed from 152 traps built specially for Rockland Main Street Inc. by Brooks Trap Mill in Thomaston, Maine. Each trap weighs 40 pounds. A special engineering plan allows the height to tower to 35 ft. Each trap is outfitted with a red door to help with the festive look. 480 ft of garland decorate the tree along with 125 lobster buoys that were brought to the tree by lobstering families to decorate the original tree. The tree is lighted from the inside, as well as twinkle lights that wind through the garland. The final topper is a 5ft fiberglass lobster that reigns over the tree for the holiday season.”http://www.rocklandmainstreet.com

This year we were able to film the entire event and condense the 4 hours of building down to 12 minutes minus the cold for your enjoyment.

Our thanks to all the volunteers who worked tireless in the cold and a very special thanks to Rock City Roasters, Tim Hortons and Pizza Hut for their hot food and drink to keep everyone going.

Festival of Lights 2013

Thanksgiving Weekend
November 29, 30 and December 1st

Events Listing

Friday November 29th

12:00 Santa arrives by Coast Guard Boat at Buoy Park/ Middle Pier greets the kids and parades to his workshop in Mildred Merrill Park near the Lobster Trap Tree.Sponsored by Journey's End Marina

12:30 - 3PM Santa is at his Workshop in Mildred Merrill Park ( top of the hill in Harbor Park near the Lobster Trap Tree ) Sponsored by Kinney Rentals & MLW,LLC and Eastern Tire

12:30 - 4PM Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, pick up near Rustica across from Planet Toys
for a ride around downtown. Sponsored by Local Businesses so everyone rides for free !

1PM – 3PM Gingerbread House drop off at Waterworks Sponsored by The First

6PM Lobster Trap Tree Lighting ! Santa arrives by All Aboard Trolley to Light the Trap Tree and greet the kids ! Enjoy Cocoa, Cookies and Holiday Music under the Wallace Tent !
Sponsored by Camden National Bank

Saturday November 30th

All Day: Gingerbread Gazing on Main Street. Look for Gingerbread Houses in the shop windows. Stroll Main Street, Shop and Dine, enjoy the festive decorated windows and lights. Sponsored by The First

10AM - 1PM Share the Wonder at the Farnsworth Art Museum: Family Activities
and Music

12 - 3PM Santa is at his Workshop by the Lobster Trap Tree greeting kids or
Strolling Main Street ( Be sure to say hello ! ) Sponsored by The Maine Lobster Festival and The Free Press

1PM - 3PM Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, pick up near Rustica across from Planet Toys
for a ride around downtown. Sponsored by Local Businesses so everyone rides for free !

6PM - 8PM Festival of Lights Parade! Floats return to Main Street for viewing.

Best viewing between Park and Summer Streets on Main Street.
Vote for The people's Choice Award your favorite by placing can goods on the float for the Salvation Army.
Awards given to the Most Lights, Best Spirit, Most Creative and Best Business Floats.
Entry with the most Can Goods donated receives the People Choice Award!
Sponsored by The First

Sunday December 1st

8:30 - 10:30 Festive Family Breakfast with Santa $2 kids, $5 Adults

Hosted by The Chowder House at The Tradewinds.
Breakfast sponsors by The Tradewinds and Rockland Cafe, Served by Camden National Bank