Kayaks and a canoe pass beneath the Carter Memorial Bridge during the Kennebec River Ramble on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Sponsored by the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Skowhegan, the “ramble” brought together nearly a hundred paddlers in five dozen kayaks and six to ten canoes for an eight mile excursion from Waterville to Sidney.
(Click here or on the photo above to enlarge it.)
On the Cover
Maine’s Great Indoor Outing
It’s a treasure hunt, a trek into nostalgia, an answer to a not-so-outdoors weather day, a family adventure, a refreshing distraction from the frustrations of the world and a discovery of how awesome Maine can be. Call it thrifting, retro, repro, second hand, vintage, antique, recycled, historic, campy, repurposed, trendy. More…
Community Update
Remembering Ellie the Elm
Waterville is called the Elm City, after the tall, graceful trees that once lined the city’s streets. But six decades ago, most of those trees fell victim Dutch Elm Disease. Now the last known survivor in the city has died. More…
7 Lakes Alliance
Invasive Aquatic Plants: Preparing for 2026
This year will be an important one for protecting the long-term health of our lakes, streams, and wetlands. As of October 2025, four water bodies within our seven-lake chain are managed for invasive aquatic plant infestations. More…
Belgrade History Beyond Belgrade
Belgrade’s Bicentennial Covered Wagon
One of the most ambitious celebrations of the nation’s bicentennial was the wagon train pilgrimage to Pennsylvania. Five covered wagon trains crossed the country, following as closely as possible to historical wagon trails. The trains would all arrive at Valley Forge National Historical Park by July 3, 1976. More…
Call of the Loon
Loon Etiquette
When in the presence of loons, what is considered proper etiquette? Basically, what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to approaching these beautiful and inquisitive birds? More…
Dams Report
Where Lake Levels Need To Be
All our pond water levels are in great shape after a very tumultuous past week. Thanks to these persistent showers! Yet, our farmers and gardeners are still complaining that the showers do help but, “We need RAIN!” More…
Music
Free Outdoor Concerts
Enjoy a free, outdoor concert — many of them waterside; some with playgrounds nearby — in central Maine’s beautiful parks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Buy snacks or food truck fare on site or plan on visiting a local restaurant. More…
Barkley On Books
History Matters
As we celebrate our country’s 250th, let us enjoy more history from Maine’s summer resident David McCullough in Camden. His daughter Dorie and Michael Hill selected speeches and essays and compiled them posthumously into History Matters. More…
Barkley On Books
The Age of Homepun
How pleased I was Christmas Day when our guest for dinner picked up The Age of Homespun by Laura Thatcher Ulrich. Many markers in this massive, 500-page, research project were showing. More…
Take It Outside
Families in the Woods
This week is the first week of summer vacation for most schools in the area, and families with kids are beginning to show up everywhere. Almost all of the summer camps and sporting camps are back to a normal schedule. It is good to see our friends from away returning. More…
Download the Print Edition
The print edition includes all the above articles and much more. You can find a complete table of contents on p. 3. Adobe Reader is required.
(Get the low-resolution version. The pictures aren’t as crisp, but the download is faster.)
<— Previous Article • Next Article —>
©2026 by Summertime in the Belgrades. All rights reserved.