It was our first summer in Washington County, and we felt so lucky that Griffin was already welcomed to ride on the children’s blueberry parade train. (That’s me, Sarah Craighead Dedmon, walking alongside him, smiling a little larger than he is!) But that’s Way Downeast for you — open and ready for involvement if you want it, or quiet if you don’t. The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival has changed and grown since 2005. Hear all about it on the inaugural edition of the Way Downeast podcast! Details below. Photo by Chris Dedmon

Our border collie, Dot Mae, likes to spend her evenings lying in front of the screen door, intently staring — and sniffing — into the darkness. We call it “Dot TV,” and she can watch it all night long, but Dot’s opportunities are winding down, I feel, with the return of cooler mornings. 

No doors were left open last night.

I’ve been spending quite a lot of time behind closed doors this week, but not because of the weather. I’ve been busy recording, and now I’m so proud to announce the soft launch of my podcast, Way Downeast, where I’ll share small town stories and big conversations about Washington County, Maine.

The trailer went live last night on our website, and this email is the official announcement of episode one’s release — All About the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.

You can also find the podcast on Spotify, and soon you’ll find it on Apple and other podcast apps. I’ll let you know when. But you’ll also always be able to find it here, on our website.

Easy peasy.

This is an exciting time of year in Washington County. So much is happening, it would be nigh on impossible to attend every interesting event or performance, but I think it’s wise to try. An active summer and autumn go a long way to justifying a little lethargy in the winter months — all nine of them.

(I jest. It’s only seven.)

From left clockwise: Legendary Maine humorist Tim Sample, taking to the brand new Milbridge Theater stage on Saturday, Aug. 12. Photo courtesy Milbridge Theater and Community Arts Center; Sarah Craighead Dedmon with Sample. Photo by obliging strangers; Star 97.7 radio personality Sonnie Shepherd and Washington County Manager Renee Gray enjoying the show. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Did you know one of the original Keystone Cops performed on the Milbridge stage in 1958? Not to mention members of the cast of Hee Haw! Stay in touch with the theater and its upcoming events through its webpage here.

Authors James and Deborah Fallows on the Eastport Arts Center Stage with Maine Monitor Editor David Dahl. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Last night, Tuesday, Aug. 15, my friend Kirstin and I attended an excellent event at the Eastport Arts Center, collaboratively put on by EAC, The Quoddy Tides, The Maine Monitor, The Boat School, and The Commons.

In an interview with Maine Monitor Editor David Dahl, journalists and authors Deborah and James Fallows spoke about their research into small-town resilience across America. Much of the Fallows’ original research is in their bestselling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, which I am now inspired to read. Eastport is featured prominently in the book and the HBO movie of the same name.

As you surely know, small town resiliency is a subject near and dear to many, if not most, of us here in Washington County.

Speaking of books, if you’re a subscriber to this email, you’re already entered to win a copy of Rich Bard’s excellent guide to Washington County, Beyond Acadia: Exploring the Bold Coast. No Washington County home — or fan — should be without it. I’ll announce the winner on Facebook on Monday, Aug. 21, and in my next email.

If you’re already an email subscriber, you’re already entered to win a copy of Rich Bard’s excellent guide to the Bold Coast. Photo courtesy Rich Bard

Now, it’s full steam ahead to the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, which I am pleased to note is the subject of our first full podcast episode. You’ll find me around town helping with the library book sale and the festival information booth, as well as lurking near the Machias Fire Department’s food truck, working to rationalize a lovely plate of fried dough.

With a side of wild blueberries, of course.

Get excited! The 46th Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival is almost here! The festival runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug. 18-20, and the blueberry musical begins tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 16, and runs through Saturday night. You can find tickets here. Photo by Ryan Malagara, DEVI Productions

If you know someone who might enjoy these newsletters, please forward! If this was forwarded to you, you can sign up here. And be sure to Follow and Like our Facebook page here to see what we are loving in Washington County, Maine, and to be the first to know about upcoming podcast episodes.