Open-air cinemas, the place patrons watch movies from the consolation of their autos, stay a nostalgic pastime in Maine. These venues supply a novel mix of traditional leisure and trendy comfort, offering households and people with an inexpensive and pleasing approach to expertise films. Sometimes, these venues embody a big out of doors display, a projection sales space, a concession stand, and a delegated parking space for autos.
The enduring attraction of this type of leisure stems from its affordability, family-friendly ambiance, and nostalgic attraction. Traditionally, out of doors theaters offered accessible leisure throughout the mid-Twentieth century and skilled a resurgence in reputation throughout latest instances. They provide a way of group and a novel viewing expertise not replicable in conventional indoor cinemas. Moreover, these venues usually assist native companies and contribute to the cultural panorama of Maine’s communities.
This text will additional discover the particular places, historic significance, and cultural influence of out of doors cinematic experiences inside Maine, providing readers a complete understanding of this treasured type of leisure.
1. Nostalgia
Nostalgia performs a big function within the enduring attraction of drive-in film theaters in Maine. These venues evoke a way of less complicated instances, paying homage to the mid-Twentieth century when drive-ins had been a outstanding type of leisure. This nostalgic connection attracts audiences in search of a break from trendy complexities and a return to a extra communal and family-oriented movie-going expertise. The crackling sound of the audio system, the odor of popcorn, and the sight of households gathered beneath the celebrities contribute to this sentimental ambiance. This attraction extends past particular person reminiscences, tapping right into a collective cultural nostalgia for a bygone period. For instance, some Maine drive-ins actively domesticate this nostalgia by showcasing traditional movies and internet hosting particular occasions that commemorate the historical past of out of doors cinema.
This nostalgic factor differentiates the drive-in expertise from typical indoor theaters. It provides greater than only a film; it supplies a connection to the previous, a shared cultural expertise, and a way of group. This understanding is essential for drive-in theater operators in Maine. By recognizing and catering to this nostalgic attraction, they’ll domesticate a loyal viewers base and make sure the continued success of those distinctive venues. Preserving and selling the historic features of the drive-in expertise can improve its draw for audiences in search of a nostalgic escape.
The hyperlink between nostalgia and Maine’s drive-in theaters represents a strong pressure in sustaining this type of leisure. Whereas trendy multiplexes supply technological developments, drive-ins present a definite expertise rooted in shared reminiscences and cultural historical past. This nostalgic connection provides a worthwhile asset in a aggressive leisure panorama, contributing to the preservation of a cherished cultural custom.
2. Affordability
Affordability represents a cornerstone of the drive-in movie show expertise in Maine. The associated fee-effectiveness of this leisure possibility considerably contributes to its enduring reputation, significantly for households. Typically, the worth of admission for a carload of individuals at a drive-in is similar to, and even lower than, the price of two tickets at a conventional indoor cinema. This pricing mannequin makes outings extra accessible for bigger households or teams, permitting them to get pleasure from a night out with out incurring vital expense. Moreover, the flexibility to convey one’s personal snacks and drinks, a standard follow at drive-ins, additional reduces the general value in comparison with indoor theaters the place concession costs are sometimes greater. For instance, a household of 4 may spend significantly much less at a drive-in, factoring in tickets and refreshments, than at a conventional cinema.
This affordability issue has a number of vital implications. It broadens entry to leisure, making movie-going a viable possibility for a wider vary of socioeconomic teams. This accessibility fosters a way of group, as people from various backgrounds can collect and revel in a shared cultural expertise. Furthermore, the affordability of drive-ins can stimulate native economies. Patrons could also be extra inclined to spend cash on concessions or at close by companies if their preliminary leisure expenditure is decrease. This financial ripple impact can profit the encompassing group and contribute to the sustainability of the drive-in theater itself. As an example, some drive-ins accomplice with native eating places to supply meal offers, additional enhancing the affordability and group side.
In conclusion, affordability acts as a key driver of the success and continued relevance of drive-in film theaters in Maine. This cost-effectiveness expands entry to leisure, strengthens group bonds, and provides potential advantages to native companies. Understanding the financial dynamics of drive-ins permits for a deeper appreciation of their function as accessible and inclusive leisure venues. This mannequin additionally supplies a worthwhile lesson for the leisure trade, demonstrating how affordability can positively affect group engagement and financial sustainability.
3. Household Leisure
Drive-in film theaters in Maine maintain a particular attraction as venues for household leisure. A number of components contribute to this affiliation. The out of doors setting supplies a relaxed and casual ambiance the place kids can transfer round extra freely than in a conventional indoor cinema. This flexibility reduces the constraints usually related to confined areas, making the expertise extra pleasing for households with younger kids. Moreover, the affordability of drive-ins permits households to get pleasure from a night out with out the monetary burden of a number of particular person tickets, as is the case with typical film theaters. The power to convey one’s personal meals and drinks additional enhances this cost-effectiveness, making the outing extra budget-friendly. For instance, households can pack a picnic basket with favourite snacks and drinks, creating a customized and inexpensive eating expertise.
The communal nature of the drive-in expertise additionally strengthens household bonds. Sharing a film beneath the celebrities fosters a way of togetherness and creates lasting reminiscences. Many Maine drive-ins improve this family-friendly ambiance by providing options equivalent to playgrounds, pre-show actions, or particular occasions tailor-made to kids. These additions present additional leisure choices and contribute to a constructive and fascinating household expertise. As an example, some drive-ins host themed nights or supply reductions for households, additional reinforcing their dedication to household leisure. This deal with household differentiates drive-ins from different leisure choices, solidifying their place as a worthwhile group useful resource.
The emphasis on household leisure at Maine drive-ins represents a big side of their enduring attraction. The mixture of affordability, a relaxed ambiance, and a deal with creating shared experiences reinforces the worth of those venues for households. Understanding this connection is essential for drive-in operators in search of to take care of and develop their viewers base. By persevering with to cater to the wants and preferences of households, drive-ins can safe their place as very important hubs of group and leisure inside Maine. This focus not solely advantages particular person households but additionally contributes to the cultural panorama of the state by offering accessible and pleasing leisure choices.
4. Outside Expertise
The out of doors setting distinguishes Maine drive-in film theaters from conventional indoor cinemas, contributing considerably to their distinctive attraction. This open-air setting provides a definite cinematic expertise formed by pure components and a way of freedom not present in enclosed areas. Understanding the out of doors features enhances appreciation for the drive-in’s enduring reputation.
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Reference to Nature
Drive-in theaters present a uncommon alternative to expertise movie inside a pure setting. Beneath the open sky, audiences can respect the evening air, starry skies, and surrounding panorama. This reference to nature fosters a way of escape and tranquility, enhancing the movie-going expertise. The sounds of crickets, the rustling of leaves, and the cool night breezes turn out to be a part of the ambiance, making a multi-sensory expertise not replicable indoors. This immersion in nature might be significantly interesting in Maine, a state recognized for its pure magnificence.
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Freedom and Informality
The out of doors setting of drive-ins fosters a relaxed and casual ambiance. Audiences can benefit from the movie from the consolation of their autos, permitting for higher private freedom and suppleness. Youngsters can transfer round extra simply, and households can convey pets, making a much less restrictive and extra snug setting. This informality contrasts sharply with the structured and infrequently quiet setting of indoor cinemas, providing a welcome various for these in search of a extra informal movie-going expertise. For instance, households can arrange garden chairs or blankets outdoors their autos, including to the relaxed ambiance.
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Climate Dependency
The open-air nature of drive-ins makes them inherently inclined to climate situations. Rain, sturdy winds, or excessive temperatures can influence operations and doubtlessly disrupt screenings. This dependence on favorable climate provides a component of unpredictability to the drive-in expertise, requiring audiences to be ready for potential modifications or cancellations. This reliance on climate situations contributes to the seasonal nature of drive-in operation in Maine, the place they primarily perform throughout hotter months. This seasonality contributes to the drive-in’s nostalgic attraction and makes it a novel summertime custom.
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Neighborhood Environment
The shared out of doors house at a drive-in fosters a way of group amongst moviegoers. Gathering beneath the open sky creates a shared expertise, encouraging interplay and a way of camaraderie amongst attendees. This communal side distinguishes the drive-in from the extra remoted expertise of indoor cinemas, selling social connection and a way of belonging. This group ambiance might be additional enhanced by pre-show actions, concessions, and different social components that encourage interplay amongst attendees. This side contributes to the drive-in’s function as a social hub inside its group.
These out of doors sides, interwoven with components of nostalgia, affordability, and household leisure, outline the distinctive character of Maine’s drive-in film theaters. This understanding highlights the worth of those venues as distinctive cultural areas that provide a mix of leisure, group engagement, and reference to nature, distinguishing them throughout the leisure panorama.
5. Neighborhood Occasions
Maine drive-in film theaters perform as vital group hubs, extending their function past mere leisure venues. They facilitate social interplay and contribute to the cultural material of native areas. This group engagement stems from a number of components, together with the distinctive ambiance fostered by the out of doors setting, the affordability that enables broader entry, and the intentional programming selections that cater to various pursuits. The communal nature of the drive-in expertise encourages interplay amongst attendees, fostering a way of shared expertise and native pleasure. For instance, some Maine drive-ins host themed nights celebrating native sports activities groups or showcasing movies made in Maine, strengthening group ties and selling native expertise.
The affordability of drive-ins permits a wider vary of group members to take part, no matter socioeconomic background. This inclusivity fosters a way of belonging and shared enjoyment. Moreover, drive-in theaters usually host particular group occasions like fundraisers, traditional automotive exhibits, or vacation celebrations. These occasions additional solidify their function as group gathering areas and contribute to the native financial system by attracting guests and supporting native distributors. The Saco Drive-In, as an example, hosts an annual Trunk-or-Deal with occasion, attracting households from the encompassing space and offering a protected and pleasing Halloween celebration.
Understanding the integral connection between group occasions and Maine drive-in theaters is essential for his or her continued success and relevance. By actively fostering group engagement by inclusive programming and partnerships with native organizations, drive-ins can strengthen their place as very important group belongings. This strategy not solely advantages the theaters themselves but additionally contributes to the general well-being and vibrancy of Maine communities. This recognition highlights the broader cultural and social influence of drive-ins, extending past leisure to embody group constructing and financial growth.
6. Distinctive Viewing
The distinctive viewing expertise supplied by Maine drive-in film theaters considerably contributes to their enduring attraction. This distinctiveness stems from a mix of things inherent within the drive-in setting, differentiating it from conventional indoor cinemas. The power to observe a movie from the privateness and luxury of 1’s personal car fosters a customized and relaxed ambiance. Households can unfold out, convey pets, and converse freely with out disturbing others, making a extra informal and personalised movie-going expertise. This contrasts sharply with the structured seating and quiet expectations of indoor theaters. For instance, households with younger kids respect the flexibleness of a drive-in, permitting for motion and interplay with out disrupting fellow viewers. This personalised setting contributes to the drive-in’s attraction as a family-friendly leisure possibility.
Moreover, the out of doors setting itself enhances the viewing expertise. The expansive evening sky, the contemporary air, and the encompassing pure setting create a multi-sensory expertise unavailable in enclosed areas. This reference to nature provides a novel dimension to the movie-going expertise, fostering a way of escape and tranquility. The shared out of doors house additionally fosters a way of group amongst attendees, contributing to a extra social and interactive ambiance. This contrasts with the often-isolated expertise of attending a conventional cinema. As an example, many drive-ins encourage pre-show socializing with designated areas for picnicking or video games, additional enhancing the communal side. This mix of personalised viewing and shared out of doors house distinguishes the drive-in expertise.
Recognizing the distinctive viewing expertise supplied by drive-in theaters is essential for understanding their continued relevance within the leisure panorama. This distinctive mix of personalised consolation, out of doors immersion, and communal ambiance supplies a compelling various to conventional movie-going. This understanding provides worthwhile insights for drive-in operators in search of to take care of and improve their attraction. By capitalizing on these distinctive features, drive-ins can domesticate a loyal viewers base and make sure the preservation of this cherished type of leisure. The problem lies in balancing the preservation of the traditional drive-in expertise with the evolving expectations of recent audiences, requiring strategic diversifications whereas retaining the core components that outline the distinctive viewing expertise.
7. Seasonal Operation
Seasonal operation considerably shapes the character and enterprise mannequin of Maine’s drive-in film theaters. The local weather performs a vital function, as these out of doors venues primarily function throughout hotter months, sometimes from late spring to early autumn. Harsh winters and inclement climate render year-round operation impractical. This seasonality contributes to the nostalgic attraction, associating drive-ins with summertime traditions and household outings. For instance, the Bridgton Twin Drive-In sometimes opens in Might and closes in September, aligning with Maine’s hotter months. This restricted operational window influences programming selections, usually specializing in summer season blockbusters and family-friendly movies to capitalize on peak attendance throughout trip durations.
This seasonal operation presents each challenges and alternatives for drive-in homeowners. Concentrated income era necessitates efficient advertising and marketing and operational effectivity throughout the restricted season. Upkeep, staffing, and movie licensing prices have to be fastidiously managed inside this timeframe. Conversely, the seasonal nature can improve the drive-in’s attraction, creating a way of anticipation and exclusivity. Many drive-ins capitalize on this by internet hosting particular occasions, themed screenings, or providing reductions throughout shoulder seasons to increase their operational window and appeal to audiences. The Bangor Drive-In, for instance, hosts particular traditional automotive occasions throughout its opening and shutting weekends, attracting automotive lovers and including to the general expertise. This adaptability contributes to the continued success of drive-ins in navigating the constraints of seasonal operation.
The inherent seasonality of drive-in film theaters in Maine intrinsically hyperlinks their operation with the state’s local weather and cultural rhythms. Understanding this connection supplies essential insights into their enterprise practices, programming selections, and enduring attraction. This seasonal nature presents ongoing challenges and necessitates adaptability, contributing to the distinct character and nostalgic attraction of Maine drive-ins, positioning them as cherished summertime traditions inside their communities.
8. Traditional Movies
Traditional movies maintain a particular place inside Maine’s drive-in movie show tradition, contributing considerably to the nostalgic attraction and distinctive programming of those venues. A number of components intertwine to create this connection. Drive-ins usually showcase traditional movies, capitalizing on viewers nostalgia for bygone eras and cinematic experiences. This programming selection differentiates drive-ins from mainstream multiplexes, which generally prioritize new releases. The out of doors setting, with its inherent connection to less complicated instances, enhances the viewing expertise of traditional movies, creating an ambiance paying homage to the drive-in’s heyday. This deliberate deal with traditional cinema cultivates a definite viewers, attracting cinephiles and people in search of a novel, nostalgic movie-going expertise. For instance, the Pleasure’s Nook Drive-In in Westbrook repeatedly options traditional double options, drawing audiences who respect older movies and the communal drive-in expertise.
The affordability of drive-ins permits for broader entry to traditional movies, making them accessible to a wider viewers than may sometimes attend artwork home cinemas or particular screenings. This accessibility promotes group engagement and shared cultural experiences. Moreover, the big screens and communal ambiance of drive-ins lend themselves properly to traditional movies, making a shared expertise that amplifies the emotional influence of those cinematic works. The power to get pleasure from these movies in a relaxed, out of doors setting, usually with household and associates, provides one other layer to the viewing expertise. As an example, displaying traditional horror movies throughout Halloween season at a drive-in enhances the communal thrill and nostalgic attraction of the style. This focused programming demonstrates how drive-ins can leverage traditional movies to create distinctive and memorable occasions.
The connection between traditional movies and Maine’s drive-in theaters represents a symbiotic relationship. Drive-ins present a novel platform for showcasing traditional cinema, whereas traditional movies improve the nostalgic attraction and distinctive programming of those venues. This understanding holds sensible significance for drive-in operators, highlighting the strategic worth of incorporating traditional movies into their programming to domesticate a definite model identification and appeal to a loyal viewers. This strategy not solely sustains the drive-in custom but additionally contributes to the preservation and appreciation of traditional cinema, making certain its accessibility for future generations. This symbiotic relationship reinforces the cultural significance of drive-ins inside Maine’s leisure panorama and highlights their function in preserving cinematic historical past.
9. Native Companies
Maine drive-in film theaters usually play an important function in supporting native companies, making a symbiotic relationship that advantages each the theaters and the encompassing group. This connection extends past the fast financial influence of ticket gross sales and concessions, encompassing partnerships, employment alternatives, and the general stimulation of native commerce.
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Financial Affect
Drive-ins generate income that straight advantages native economies. Ticket gross sales, concession purchases, and employment alternatives contribute to the monetary well-being of the encompassing group. This financial exercise might be significantly vital in rural areas the place leisure choices could also be restricted. For instance, the Skowhegan Drive-In’s concession stand sources substances from native farms, straight supporting agricultural companies within the space. This localized sourcing demonstrates the potential for drive-ins to create constructive financial ripples inside their communities.
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Partnerships and Collaboration
Many Maine drive-ins actively collaborate with native companies, creating mutually helpful partnerships. These collaborations may contain joint advertising and marketing efforts, cross-promotions, or sourcing services from native distributors. As an example, a drive-in may accomplice with a close-by restaurant to supply meal offers or collaborate with an area brewery to function their drinks on the concession stand. These partnerships improve the drive-in expertise whereas offering worthwhile publicity and income streams for native companies. The slim gauge drive in ceaselessly companions with native eating places.
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Employment Alternatives
Drive-in theaters create employment alternatives for group members, providing seasonal jobs in varied roles, from ticket gross sales and concessions to projection and upkeep. These employment alternatives contribute to the native financial system and supply worthwhile work expertise, significantly for youthful residents. For instance, a number of Maine drive-ins actively recruit native highschool and school college students for seasonal employment, providing them worthwhile work expertise and contributing to the native youth employment panorama. Many supply these employment alternatives.
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Tourism and Neighborhood Identification
Drive-ins can contribute to native tourism efforts, attracting guests from outdoors the fast space. Their distinctive character and nostalgic attraction can function a draw for vacationers in search of distinctive experiences, producing income for native companies and enhancing the group’s general attraction. Moreover, drive-ins usually turn out to be integral elements of a group’s identification, representing native tradition and offering a shared house for leisure and social interplay. For instance, the Prides Nook Drive-In’s annual traditional automotive present attracts attendees from throughout the state, contributing to native tourism and reinforcing the drive-in’s function as a group landmark. This integration into the group material strengthens the drive-in’s long-term sustainability.
The interconnectedness of Maine’s drive-in film theaters and native companies creates a mutually helpful ecosystem. Drive-ins contribute to native economies, foster partnerships, present employment alternatives, and improve group identification. Recognizing this interdependence highlights the broader societal worth of those venues, extending past leisure to embody financial growth and group well-being. This understanding reinforces the significance of supporting native drive-ins as very important contributors to Maine’s financial and cultural panorama.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to drive-in film theaters in Maine, offering readability on operational features, facilities, and the general expertise.
Query 1: How a lot does it value to attend a drive-in movie show in Maine?
Admission costs range by location however usually vary from $25 to $35 per car, usually permitting a number of occupants per automotive. This pricing construction makes drive-ins a cheap leisure possibility, particularly for households.
Query 2: What facilities are sometimes accessible at Maine drive-ins?
Most drive-ins supply concession stands promoting conventional film snacks like popcorn, sweet, and tender drinks. Some places additionally supply expanded menus with scorching meals choices. Restrooms are normal facilities, and a few drive-ins present playgrounds or different leisure for kids.
Query 3: Can one convey outdoors meals and drinks to a drive-in?
Insurance policies relating to outdoors meals and drinks range by location. Whereas some drive-ins allow outdoors meals and drinks, others could limit or prohibit them. Checking the particular drive-in’s coverage earlier than arrival is really helpful.
Query 4: How does sound work at a drive-in movie show?
Trendy drive-ins sometimes transmit audio by FM radio. Patrons tune their automotive radios to a delegated frequency to obtain the film’s soundtrack. Some venues should still retain conventional speaker programs, however these are much less widespread.
Query 5: What occurs if it rains throughout a film?
Rain insurance policies range by drive-in. Some supply refunds or rainchecks for future screenings in case of inclement climate cancellations. Others could proceed the present if the rain is mild. Checking the particular drive-in’s coverage is advisable. Climate forecasts and native situations needs to be consulted to make knowledgeable selections for a profitable drive in film expertise.
Query 6: Are pets allowed at drive-in film theaters in Maine?
Pet insurance policies range by location. Whereas some drive-ins welcome pets, others could have restrictions or prohibitions. Confirming the particular drive-in’s pet coverage prematurely is really helpful to make sure a clean and pleasing expertise for all attendees. Contact info for venues is usually accessible on their respective web sites and social media channels.
Cautious consideration of those ceaselessly requested questions ensures a pleasing and knowledgeable drive-in film expertise. Consulting particular drive-in web sites for detailed info is at all times really helpful.
The next part supplies a listing of drive-in film theaters positioned all through Maine, providing location particulars and get in touch with info for every venue.
Ideas for an Pleasurable Drive-In Expertise
Cautious planning enhances enjoyment of Maine’s drive-in film theaters. The following tips guarantee a cushty and memorable expertise.
Tip 1: Arrive Early
Arriving early secures a fascinating parking spot, particularly on busy nights or for widespread screenings. Early arrival additionally permits ample time for buying concessions and settling in earlier than the present begins. This may be significantly vital throughout peak season.
Tip 2: Verify the Climate Forecast
Climate considerably impacts the drive-in expertise. Checking the forecast and dressing accordingly ensures consolation. Bringing blankets or further layers can present heat throughout cooler evenings. Planning for potential rain with applicable gear enhances preparedness.
Tip 3: Tune Your Radio
Most drive-ins use FM radio for audio transmission. Confirming the designated frequency upon arrival and making certain clear radio reception prevents audio points throughout the movie. Bringing a transportable radio with contemporary batteries supplies a backup possibility if automotive radios malfunction.
Tip 4: Pack Snacks and Drinks (If Allowed)
Whereas many drive-ins supply concessions, bringing one’s personal snacks and drinks can improve affordability and personalize the expertise. Confirming the drive-in’s coverage on outdoors meals and drinks beforehand is crucial. This proactive strategy permits for preparation.
Tip 5: Contemplate Automobile Dimension and Placement
Bigger autos like SUVs or vehicles ought to park in the direction of the rear or sides of the viewing space to keep away from obstructing the view of others. Cautious car placement contributes to a constructive viewing expertise for all attendees.
Tip 6: Bug Spray
Maine summers usually contain bugs. Bringing insect repellent enhances consolation and minimizes distractions throughout the film. This precaution contributes to a extra pleasing out of doors expertise.
Tip 7: Respect Fellow Moviegoers
Sustaining an inexpensive noise degree, dimming headlights, and avoiding disruptive conduct ensures a pleasing expertise for everybody. Consideration for fellow patrons contributes to a constructive and communal ambiance.
Following the following tips ensures a cushty, pleasing, and memorable drive-in film expertise, maximizing appreciation for this distinctive type of leisure. Consideration to those particulars enhances enjoyment and fosters a constructive ambiance for all attendees.
The next conclusion synthesizes key features of Maine’s drive-in movie show tradition.
Drive-In Film Theaters in Maine
Maine’s drive-in film theaters supply a novel mix of nostalgia, affordability, and group engagement. This exploration reveals their enduring attraction stemming from a number of key components. Outside settings foster a reference to nature, whereas affordability makes leisure accessible to a broader viewers. The relaxed ambiance and family-friendly setting create lasting reminiscences. Moreover, drive-ins function very important group hubs, supporting native companies and internet hosting particular occasions. Their seasonal operation provides to their nostalgic attraction, associating them with cherished summertime traditions. Traditional movies and a novel viewing expertise additional distinguish drive-ins throughout the leisure panorama. These components collectively contribute to the enduring reputation and cultural significance of drive-in theaters in Maine.
Preservation of those cultural landmarks requires continued group assist and adaptation to evolving viewers expectations. Drive-in theaters symbolize extra than simply leisure venues; they symbolize group gathering areas, financial drivers, and keepers of cinematic custom. Their future rests on recognizing their multifaceted worth and making certain their continued accessibility for generations to return. Patronizing these venues actively contributes to the preservation of a cherished cultural custom, making certain the survival of this distinctive type of leisure in Maine.
