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Area Description l Attractions
l Events l Back
to Maine's Southern Coast Region
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Maine's Premier Beach
Remember summers when you were a child, and your family went on vacation? You dreamed about the perfect summer vacation? First, there had to be things to do-lots of things, like miniature golf, games, amusements, and rides. Then, there had to be food exciting mouth watering treats, like pizza, fried dough, cotton candy, caramel popcorn. And of course, there had to be a beach - a big, broad stretch of sand where you could build castles, run with a kite, or just sit and soak in the suns warmth.
Do you remember those thoughts and dreams? Do you still dream about finding the kid perfect place? That vacation still exists at Old Orchard Beach and is waiting for your children and the child still inside of you.
Its almost impossible not to have fun in Old Orchard Beach. The low surf makes this a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and making new friends. When the kids get hungry they can explore the boardwalk for pizza, french fries, hot dogs and cheeseburgers, or you can choose from the many family-style restaurants around town. Try your luck at the video games, jump on a ride, treat yourself to an ice cream or a frosty cool soda. Thrills, chills and frills-take your pick or do it all.
Catering to tourists and families is a way of life in Old Orchard Beach. The Beach, the arcades and amusement rides, nightly entertainment, golf, fishing, auto races and harness racing are just a few favorite activities in the Old Orchard Beach area. Old Orchards Pier is the center of the recreational offerings. Extending nearly 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, the Pier features shops, eateries, games of skill, and nightlife.
During the summer, there are almost daily special events, festivals, fairs, concerts, street dances, and fireworks to entertain all.
Old Orchard Beach is easy to reach by plane, train or automobile. The Downeaster - Amtrak train service stops in Old Orchard Beach seasonally (May - October) and Interstate Highways are just minutes from the beach. By air, we are serviced by the Portland Jetport, 13 miles north. Bostons Logan and Manchester (NH) International Airports are less than 2 hours away each. Local bus service is directed to the center of town where you have easy access to numerous accommodations.
Youll also find that Old Orchard Beach is ideally situated if your interests go beyond a lazy day at the beach. The Route One corridor just west of town is a beehive of activity with two water parks, an amusement park, restaurants and shops. Twelve miles to our north is the popular Maine Mall with a vast array of stores, shops and restaurants. The historic Old Port, with its cobblestone streets adjacent to Portland Harbor, is a dining, entertainment and boutique shopping delight.
Old Orchard Beach is surrounded by the idyllic seaside communities of Ocean Park, Pine Point and Camp Ellis.
The cities of Biddeford, Saco and Scarborough are our immediate neighbors, offering a variety of services and shopping. New Englands largest salt marsh is off Route 9 in neighboring Scarborough with guided walks and canoe tours.
Less than 30 minutes north is the bustling factory outlet town of Freeport, home of the famous L.L. Bean store, open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Just to our south, less than a half hours drive, is the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, summer home to President Bush and a long established oceanside resort community.
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| Old
Orchard Beach, Maine - Attractions |
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* 7-Mile Beach - #1 Beach in Maine.
* The Pier stretching nearly 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
* Palace Playland Amusement Park
* Funtown/Splashtown Amusement and Water Park
* Numerous Shops, Restaurants, Motels and Hotels. Many directly on the beach.
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| 2005
Old Orchard Beach, Maine - Calendar of Events |
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* Weekly Summer Events *
Weekly Concerts In The Square
Weekly free entertainment and shows from Capricorn Productions every Monday and Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Fireworks In The Square
Professional fireworks display every Thursday evening from June 23 Labor Day. A fun event for the entire family. Approximately 9:45pm next to the Pier (sponsored by Palace Playland and The Pier). Also July 4th Show!
Ocean Park Association Concerts
Sunday evening concerts. Chautauqua Weeks inspirational services. At the Temple. FMI 207-934-9068.
* 2005 Calendar of Events *
January 1: 17th Annual Lobster Dip
Watch or join in as over 300 participants dip into the chilly waters as a fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics of Maine. On the beach in front of the Brunswick Hotel. Sponsored by the Portland Rugby Club. 207-879-0489
May 30: Memorial Day Parade
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion of Old Orchard Beach co-host this 1pm annual parade. 207-934-4724
June 24-25: Pier - A - Palooza Music Festival
A locals music festival featuring upcoming musical talent. On the pier. 207-934-3595
June 25: 2.5 Mile Walk and 5K Run
First Annual Memorial 2.5-Mile Walk and 5K Run. Start and Finish at Old Orchard Beach High School. Time of run: 8:30 am, Time of walk: 8:40 am. To volunteer or FMY: 207-934-2360, Email: runforcash_04064@yahoo.com or visit www.CaptainChristopherScottCashMemorial5KRUN.com
July 1: 3 Parade and 17th Annual Sandcastle Contest - Ocean Park
Come enjoy a parade and band concert with line and square dancing. Sandcastle contest on the beach. Fun for the entire family. 207-934-9068.
July 4: Fireworks In The Square
On the beach next to the Old Orchard Beach Pier.
July 8: 10th Annual Green Heritage Festival
Weekend long festival celebrating homemade Greek food, pastries, music and dancing. Church tours, bookstore, crafts and many activities for children. Live Greek band on Friday and Saturday evening. Fun for the whole family. St. Demetrios Orthodox Church in Saco. 207-284-5651
July 30- August 6: Salvation Army Pier Ministry
Week long evening entertainment in The Square featuring vocalists, magicians, bilingual speakers, bands and other entertainment. Parade of Witness. 8th annual golf tournament. Volleyball beach blast. 207-934-2024.
August 6: Illumination Night - Ocean Park
Ocean Park community lights their homes during the 15th annual Festival of Lights. Band concert and strawberry shortcake are special favorites during this event. 207-934-2024.
August 12-14: World Lobster Eating Festival
The World's most fun and affordable Maine Lobster Bake! On the Beach! Featuring name Bands; live comedy; "Miss Low Tide" parade; "Maine Lobster Eating Championship for amateurs; "World Lobster Eating Championship" (IFOCE sanctioned); Maine Arts Crafts; Cooking Demos; Ocean Touch Tank and fun activities for the kids; Climb aboard a real Maine Lobster Boat and haul a real trap! Celebrate our Maine Lobster heritage and have tons of fun on Maine's Best Beach! 207-329-1791.
August 19-21: 22nd Annual Beach Olympics
Three days of fun competition, music, displays and a presentation to benefit Special Olympics of Maine. On the Beach, in The Square and the surrounding area. All welcome.
August 20: Annual 5k Race
Enjoy a kid's "fun run" or adult 5k through town with T-shirts and medals for the kids and other awards for divisional winners. All are welcome.
September 9-10: Tri-State Fishing Tournament
Catch and release for striped bass and blue fish on the Beach. 207-934-9991.
September 9-10: Tow Truck Meet & Parade
15th annual show provided by the Towing and Recovery Association of Maine. Includes driver skill tests, police and fire demos, parade, awards and other fun events. Memorial Park. Open for all to view.
September 10: Bikefest On The Pier
All day motorcycle showcase with live music, a giant pig roast and vendors. Ride your motorcycle on the pier! Hundreds of motorcycles on display. 207-934-3595
September 16-17: 12th Annual Car Show
Car show with many divisions, entertainment, trophies and awards. Friday night lineup on Main Street with parade and car show on Saturday. Great family fun for all.
October 8: Blues Oktoberfest
An all day event featuring blues music and seasonal ales crafted by local breweries. On the pier. 207-934-3595
December 4: Celebrate the Season by the Sea
13th annual tree-lighting event with free horse-drawn haywagon rides, face painting, entertainment, hot chocolate and food. Frosty, Rudolph, Santas head Elf are on hand. Bonfire and caroling on the Beach and holiday bazaar. Have your picture take with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive on a fire engine, making this a very special tradition and holiday event.
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Event schedule subject to change without notice.
For additional information on family vacations in Old Orchard Beach, contact the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce at 207-934-2500. e mail: info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com or visit the Old Orchard Beach web site at: www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com
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7-Mile Beach and Palace Playland Amusement Park
Just another day at the beach!
The Famous Pier
Palace Playland Amusement Park
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