Join the YMCA of Southern Maine for the Virtual Peaks to Portland Swim to Benefit Kids! The event runs anytime between July 1 and July 31, and brings the world-famous open water swim to you while helping the Y provide critical support to kids and families in our community.  By registering to swim the 2.4 miles in your body of water of choice, you’ll be making life more certain for kids while continuing the tradition of the iconic Peaks to Portland swim.

The Camden Garden Club’s major fundraiser is back after a year hiatus with its “Gardens-Only” tour on July 15. The annual tour includes wonderful gardens and a special guided visit at the Conway Homestead. The Club continues its 73-year tradition providing locals and visitors with a fun day spent in lovely gardens. A painting by Maine artist Cali Veilleux will be raffled off, with all proceeds going to the Club’s Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets online or at the Camden Chamber of Commerce Office on tour day.

Join the Friends of Fort Williams for the 10th annual Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour, featuring beautiful gardens with ocean views, backyard wildlife habitat, native plants, woodlands, raised beds, stone work, historic homes, and more! The event is self guided, with maps and a program available at registration on the morning of the tour. Tickets are $30, with proceeds benefitting the Friends of Fort Williams Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose Ecology Project controls damaging invasive plants and nurtures sustainable plant communities. Established sites support wildlife and provide natural spaces for visitors’ enjoyment. For more information, contact Jennifer at Friends of Fort Williams Park (207-767-3707).

LifeFlight’s annual fundraiser is a remote event where participants “cross” their favorite part of Maine by swimming, paddling, hiking, biking, running, sailing, rowing and more. This unique event aims to connect the corners of Maine with hundreds of individual “crossings” much like LifeFlight connects patients from all over the state to the critical care they need. This unique statewide event has raised more than $1.8 million to help LifeFlight carry out its lifesaving mission. The breathtaking waters, mountains and trails of Maine are legendary… find your favorite place, or a new one, and make your crossing epic!

Central Maine’s largest food and music festival, with live entertainment, beer and wine gardens, brew samplings, vendor booths, restaurants, food trucks – a full day of adult-focused activity. (No one under 21 admitted). Listen to the sounds of Downeast Brass, Borderline Express music headliner Stolen Mojo and more

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 – Noon to 11 p.m.

Head of Falls, Waterville, ME

Head to SailMaine at 77 Thames Street in Portland for two days of fun on the water to support their scholarships and outreach programs to the Southern Maine community. Build a team, sail fast, have a great time, and raise money to help SailMaine reach its goal. For more information, or to register your team, contact 207-772-SAIL or sailmainefest@sailmaine.org

Friends of Acadia will host its Annual Benefit on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 7:00 pm. The online/virtual benefit includes a live and silent auction, and an exciting paddle raise to help Green Acadia. Help celebrate Acadia National Park and raise critical funds for conservation projects in the park.

Phone: text the word ACADIA to 843-606-5995 and follow the link to register

Computer: visit EVENT.GIVES/ACADIA to reserve your ticket to the live event

There is no ticket cost this year!

Join us for this reception in honor of our fall exhibit, “Light, Sky, Land, and Edges: A Collaboration Between Painter and Poet.” which runs through October 31.

Long-time friends Tracy Baker-White and Martha Andrews Donovan combined their creative powers to create the paintings and poetry on display during this very special exhibition. These works were inspired by the landscapes of Mount Desert Island. Join us to meet its creators and enjoy their work. No charge, but reservations required.

Featured image: Cornflower Cloud on a Cirrus Sky, Tracy Baker-White, 2020, Oil on canvas