History: More than 80 years ago, Camden's Captain Frank Swift turned some old cargo schooners into leisure cruisers and started the business of offering visitors a way to enjoy the Maine coast aboard a sailing ship. During the 19th century, the harbor at Camden would have been filled with schooners, sloops, and other vessels. In 1996, it was decided that the maritime heritage and traditions of the windjammers needed to be celebrated, and so the festival was born. This popular annual event for residents and visitors is organized by Camden Park and Recreation and is the largest gathering of sailing ships in the Northeast.
Month Held: The Camden Windjammer Festival is held annually over Labor Day weekend on Friday and Saturday.
Attractions: 21 Vendors and exhibitors are available all day on Friday and Saturday. A lobster hauling demonstration, a treasure hunt, and a walking tour of Camden are all happening. At around 1 p.m. the schooners will begin to arrive in the harbor, and it will take until about 4:30. The fleet will be officially welcomed at 5 p.m. Friday ends with a concert, talent show, and fireworks. On Saturday the Rotary Club offers a blueberry pancake breakfast, followed by the Build a Tiny Boat, the lobster crate race, an opportunity to go on board the schooners, and ending the weekend with the Harbor Masters Dance Party,
On Friday there will be an auction of dinner for two on the schooners sponsored by the Maine Windjammer Association. The top bidders will get to join the crew onboard the vessel for dinner and to watch the fireworks. It is one way to get on board the schooners. On Saturday you can enter the Chowder Challenge and have a delicious lunch sampling and voting for your favorite chowder. Food vendors will be available as well as local restaurants all weekend.
Admission: Admission to Camden Windjammer Festival is free.
Parking: Camden has several large parking lots that have all-day free parking.
