According to scientific evidence, the summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet's semi-axis, in either the northern or the southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star (sun) that it orbits.
This is the explanation for the fact that Downtown Rockland will be throwing two big parties on Saturday, June 17.
The traditional Summer Solstice Street Party on Main Street, complete with live music, food, fun and games from 4-7 PM, will precede the Summer Solstice 2nd Annual After Hours Dock Party at Journey’s End Marina at the end of Tillson Avenue, featuring a cash-only bar, live music, and dancing from 6-10:30 PM. The street party is family-friendly, while the dock party is strictly adults – 21 and over, with ID. Both events are free to the public – there is no cover charge.
The decades-long tradition for residents from all over the Midcoast region will bring hundreds of families – thousands of people - to a Main Street that will be closed to vehicular traffic. During that time, the street will be filled with pedestrians enjoying live bands, plenty of food, and fun for all ages.
One of the big attractions will be the traditional Whoopie Pie-Eating Contest, sponsored by Rockland Café, where registration begins at 4:00 and the contest begins at 6:00.
In addition to live bands and plenty of food options, festivities will include games and prizes for children, dancing, and a spontaneous flash mob dance where everyone is encouraged to participate.
Free face painting, temporary tattoos, giant bubbles, art classes, knitting classes, and a street chalk-art exhibition are also scheduled.
While this is a free, family event, donations to help support this and other events are appreciated.
In addition to the outdoor activities for the duration of this event, many of the downtown shops will be open, and all of the restaurants are expected to be open for dinner.
During this rain-or-shine event, organizers have said that smoking on Main Street will be prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash. According to Gordon Page, executive director of Rockland Main Street, Inc., Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from the corner of Park Street all the way to Summer Street, but the entire harbor will be accessible to vehicles via Park Drive and the Harbor Park entrance next to Mildred Merrill Park on South Main Street.
Park Drive will be open to provide complete vehicular access to Buoy Park, Lermond’s Cove, Journey’s End Marina on Tillson Avenue, the Landings Restaurant and Marina on Commercial Street.
There will be no vehicular access to Main Street via the side streets between Park and Summer. Parking will be available behind the Thorndike block, accessible from lower Tillson, via Park Drive, in the Winter Street parking lot, also accessible via lower Tillson Avenue. Public bathrooms are located on Tillson Avenue.
Signs stating NO PARKING AFTER 3:00 PM will be posted on Main Street earlier in the day.
The Annual Summer Solstice Celebration is produced by Rockland Main Street, Inc. Major sponsors are Journey’s End Marina; Back Cove Yachts; LCI Fiber Optic Networks; and Bud Light.
In addition to the Summer Solstice Celebration and other events, Rockland Main Street, Inc., also produces the “Festival of Lights Parade and Lobster Trap Christmas Tree”; Rockland Main Street, Inc. Rockland Main Street, Inc., is committed to the historic preservation of, and economic and community development in the downtown district.
