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Emu Fever Way Downeast

At first, the emu sightings were few and far between. In Alexander, spotted by a hunter. In Whiting, spotted by a passing driver. Then, suddenly, emus were popping up everywhere —  in a photo at Jasper Beach, gazing reflectively at the waves, in front of the local high school, and at Helen’s Restaurant, preparing to enjoy an eclair at the soda counter. 

Wait, what?

I never imagined I would have cause to mention emus in back-to-back emails about Washington County, Maine, but there’s no way around it — this week has been defined by Emu Fever Way Downeast. Once we realized there was more than one running through our woods, some witty photo editors started depicting them here, there, and everywhere. There’s even a new Downeast Emu Alliance, and there’s already merch! Yesterday, I bought our oldest child a t-shirt from Maine Coast Custom Apparel. Highly recommended.

To see more photos of the emus’ adventures Way Downeast, click the album page above.

The number of emus lost in our woods is a matter of some debate, and where they’ve come from is also uncertain, at least from where I sit. I understand one perished from a broken leg, and the rest, captured this week in various locations, are headed back to western Maine, from whence they apparently came.

Happy trails.

It’s nice when an entire county takes a moment to share a belly laugh. The last one I recall was after the unfortunate 2018 collapse of a historic sardine brining shed in Lubec, followed by the spectacular way it floated intact across the channel, landing in Canada. Amidst the grief and recriminations, suddenly, a new Facebook account appeared: Briney Shed, with its first status update, “Retired and traveling the world by sea.”

Seen around town

My friend Delia Farris, seen above with me in 2022, comparing bread labels at Hannaford this week in a quest for the most nutritious bread to offer a flightless gull that has taken up residence near her home. After leaving the bread aisle, Delia was off to get some sardines so she could “lay on a spread.”

You can hear Delia in the second half of this Way Downeast podcast about Lighthouses. 

Mark Your Calendars

As we speak, the Whitneyville Public Library is hosting one of its popular craft fairs, set to run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Oct. 21 at the Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. 

Due to the rain, West Branch Farms has arranged to host its Community Halloween Party indoors tonight. First, come for a free community turkey dinner running from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Mercantile (monetary donations for the Machias Food Pantry gratefully accepted) and enjoy Trunk or Treat in the cafe. Then, from 7 to 9 p.m., a haunted hayride (in a giant tent) and other seasonal fun.

Then tonight, plan to visit The Anchor, where popular local musical duo Cook n’ Lamb will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight. 

At 6 p.m. this Wednesday, Oct. 25, plan to raise your IQ by at least 10 points simply by attending Monmouth Theater’s production of Henry IV Part 2 by that Shakespeare fellow. Organized by the English department of Machias Memorial High School and sponsored by the Collins Center for the Arts, entry is by donation. The play has been adapted to be performed at the middle and high school level, which is good news for those of us who might not have seen Henry IV Part 1 in some time.

Friday, Oct. 27,  is one of my favorite events of the whole Washington County calendar — Trick or Treat Main Street in Machias. Though my own children are officially beyond the age of trick-or-treating, I plan to drag one of them with me just for the amazing costume-watching. Thank you to the dozens of Machias businesses that spend their own dollars (and lots of them) to make this event possible and to the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing. You can find a list of participating businesses here.

After trick-or-treating Main Street, families are invited to attend the free 5th Annual Family Harvest Meal, sponsored by the Community Caring Collaborative. Costumes are encouraged, and the menu includes roast chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, and more, catered by Angie's Comfort Kitchen. That runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27.

Then, the next day, don’t miss the Halloween Spooktacular put on by Jonesboro Grange No. 357. That runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, and will include a pumpkin derby, a farmers market, a chili cook-off, and trick or treats!

Condolences

I’m sorry to relay that retired Maine State Trooper Andy Foss passed away this week at his home in Whiting. A benefit supper and silent auction is planned for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, to be held in the gymnasium of the Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, 1 Bulldog Way, Machias.

The Machias Ridge Riders are hosting a benefit ATV night and parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. The parade will line up at Subway in Machias. For more details, contact Jodi Look at 356-3602.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, Andy was transported home by ambulance from a Boston hospital. Hundreds of people lined the route, and a motorcade of first responders and well-wishers led his ambulance home. To see a video of the procession, click here.

Another stunning foliage shot by Ryan Malagara of Drones Eye View Inc., this week of the Orange River in Whiting. Orange, indeed! You can buy prints, from Ryan too! Click on the photo to be taken to his page. Photo courtesy DEVI Inc.

I enjoy sharing my love of Washington County, Maine, so much that I’d honestly do it for free. In fact, most of the time, I do. But I wouldn't say no if you wanted to buy me an oat milk macchiato for my troubles!