| Description: | From Margaretta Days Festival Website: The 9th Annual Margaretta Days Festival sponsored by the Machias Historical Society will be held on the Mall area of the University of Maine at Machias on June 15, 2013 from 10 am to 3 pm, coinciding with the 250th birthday celebration of Machias.
Margaretta Days celebrates the American Revolution Downeast, specifically the Battle of the Margaretta, - first Naval Battle of the American Revolution and beginning of the US Merchant Marines- and the Battle of the Rim - when the British returned for revenge.
Named one of Yankee Magazine's 2010 Top 20 Events - - we take you back in time to life in 1775. History comes alive with an encampment of soldier re-enactors and period demonstrations. We have had a skirmish or two between the redcoats and the settlers. Trappers, timber framers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, weavers, even tomahawk throwers have joined us. We have period activities and games for children and an antler toss contest for children and adults. You may taste period food, moose or venison stew, beans, pies, etc. Enjoy the University of Maine Ukulele Band, listen to Don Ross' storytelling, watch Passamaquoddy dancers and drummers, meet heroes of the Battles, Jeremiah O'Brien, Hannah Weston, Rev. Lyons. Hear the story of the Battle of the Rim, partake in a Passamaquoddy smudging ceremony and/or an inter-denominational colonial church service.
Last, but not least, you can shop contemporary artists and crafters. Some of our past participants have sold such items as salts, teas, embroidered quilts, soaps, jellies, Native American baskets, jewelry, painted feathers, books, birch roses, watercolors, rugs, canoes, doll clothes, and dog collars.
Area historical societies answer questions, help with genealogy and sell items for fundraisers.
Every year the festivities begin with a 9:00 parade consisting of a color guard by the Sons of the American Revolution, Soldier Re-enactors, Native Americans, Acadia Frontiersmen, drum and fife, horses and riders, Machias High School JMG's replicas of the Margaretta and Unity ships, and patriot re-enactors. Every year brings surprises as when the Massachusetts Sons of American Revolution came to honor the Revolutionary War patriots of the Watts family in this area. This year the American Legion of Machias will again host the Pancake Breakfast at 7 am before the 250th birthday downtown parade and Festival and the Masonic Lodge will hold a downeast bean supper at 5pm.
The same day Machias' historic Burnham Tavern Museum will be open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. for a small admission fee. Docents in colonial dress will be on hand to welcome visitors on tours. The 'Tavern' is the oldest building in eastern Maine and the only one with a Revolutionary War history for it was to Burnham Tavern that the British wounded were taken following the Battle of the Margaretta.
History, food, games, shopping! Fun for the whole family and admission to the Festival is free!
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