Celebrate the traditional opening of the sailing and boating season as the parade of boats receive their blessing. The clergy of the Maine Sea Coast Mission, from aboard their sailboat the Sunbeam, bless each boat as they pass by in procession. The blessing is followed by a memorial service held at the Sea Coast Mission. The day is festive with games and events focusing on water safety, including mooring ball races, blindfolded row boat race, sea cucumber carry and survival suite race.
All events are open to the public.
A Festival of concerts, art and culture will be held in Bar Harbor. The 103 year old Bar Harbor Town Band plays seaside at the bandstand on Adamant Park and the 51st annual art show will finish off the festival week. Highlights of the week include the Summer Festival of the Arts with its artist showcase, swing dance and poetry readings. The entire weekend takes you back to a time when Bar Harbor was the world's most exclusive resort. The festival begins Friday night with a historic silent film showing starring Lillian Gish, accompanied by a live ragtime performance at the historic Criterion Theatre.