Foliage Report October 9

It's funny, no matter when Columbus Day Weekend is, it always seems to coincide with peak foliage times, and this years seems to be no different. Despite the big wind storm we had Monday night, foliage viewing it at it's peak in the Bangor area, and coastal Maine as well as Southern Maine.

According to the October 9th release from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the southeast of Maine is now experiencing peak foliage and leaf drop is low at 30% to 50%.

This has been one of our best fall foliage seasons to date,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “There is still time to view the blanket of color in the southeastern part of the state before winter sets in.”

There are a number of festivals this weekend, including two in Southwest Harbor and Blue Hill, where the foliage is at it's peak

Acadia’s Oktoberfest Food & Crafts Festival begins on Friday, October 11th with a Wine & Cheese Festival and a Brewfest on Saturday, October 12. More than 20 Maine brewers and many crafts booths are on display at the Brewfest, along with music and entertainment and all Maine products. The Ocktoberfest takes place at the Smuggler’s Den Campground, 20 Maine Street, Southwest Harbor (www.acadiaoctoberfest.com/schedule.html). This area is not affected by the government shutdown.
The 8th Annual Blue Hill Peninsula Fall Festival spans 10 days, from Thursday, October 10th until Sunday, October 20th. The signature event is on Sunday, October 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mainescape Garden Shop in Blue Hill. Businesses and farms from all corners of the Peninsula, Deer Isle and Isle au Haut offer arts, crafts and samples prepared by local chefs. (www.bluehillpeninsula.org)