The Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Committee gathered at the home of Director, Deborah Wilson on Sunday, March 21. The first order of business was to establish the dates for the Third Annual Fish Ladder Restoration Festival: Memorial Weekend 2010, May 29, 30, and 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. At this time Damariscotta Mills will be in full spring bloom, the alewives will be running well, the osprey, eagles and gulls will be circling the stream and onlookers will be gathered along the fish ladder.
This increasingly popular spring festival and celebration of one of Maine’s historic fisheries will offer events and activities for the entire family including: The Mulligan’s famous breakfast sandwiches to start your day, a pig roast on Saturday under the direction of Tom Wriggins, the famous North Nobleboro Chicken Barbeque on Sunday, live music, games, an Art Show and Gallery Opening at the White Church, harvesting and smoking demonstrations, historical talks and exhibits, activities for youngsters andthose who are young at heart, and live music. Alewife goods and gear will be on display for everyone who visits the festival to purchase. There will be new products and souvenirs, even a new 2010 Alewives T-Shirt design. Saturday and Sunday you will be able to travel to the festival on-board the Maine Eastern Railroad.
Damariscotta Mills is home of the state's oldest and most productive Alewife fishery. Restoration of the fish ladder is critical to the health of the Damariscotta River alewife stocks. Alewives are an important part of the food chain and they contribute to the health of the marine environment and to the lakes and streams where the fish spawn. In the spring, alewives are a critical source of fresh bait for local lobstermen who are setting out gear after a winter ashore. The Towns of Newcastle & Nobleboro have harvested alewives since the 1700s and, by balancing conservation and economic goals, they have carefully tended the Damariscotta River alewife stocks. Today, all funds received for harvested alewives are spent to maintain the fish ladder and harvesting area.
Help support the restoration efforts by saving May 29, 30, and 31, 2010 for your and your family’s annual trip to the Damariscotta Mills fish ladder.