Celebrate World Fish Migration Day at the Benton Alewife Festival (BAF), a celebration of Benton's annual Alewife harvest and successful fish ladder program (nearly 2 million Alewives transported over the Benton Dam in 2013). Attendees are treated to a number of free activities that focus on the "Maine Outdoors" while learning about the importance of the Alewife to the Maine ecosystem.
Location: Benton Family Fun Park, 269 Neck Road, Benton
For more information visit: 2014 Benton Alewife festival on Facebook, or email antlori@myfairpoint.net
Activities include: Free Shuttle to and from the Benton Dam to witness the fish ladder and Alewife harvest up close, Live Bird of Prey Demonstration (Eagle, Hawk, Falcon), Kennebec/Messalonskee Trail Hiking, Canoe/Kayak Race, Free Smoked Alewives, Horse/Carriage Rides, Maine Authors (Doug Watts, Coreysha Stone), Educational Booths, and children’s activities.
EATING WITH THE ALEWIVES DINNER
Friday, May 16, dinner 5:00-6:30 p.m., followed by speakers
$12.00, Includes: 1 Lobster, Alewives, 1 baked potato, 1 vegetable, and drinks.
Benton Grange Hall (29 River Road, Benton)
Ever want to eat an Alewife? Ever want to learn more about this amazing fish? Come to the Eating With The Alewives dinner on Friday, May 16th at the Benton Grange Hall for a truly unique experience.
The dinner will feature Alewives fresh from the Sebasticook River (smoked, chowder, and fried!!!). After the dinner attendees will have the opportunity to listen to and ask questions from experts who have a vast array of experiences with Alewives in Maine. Featured speakers are: Nate Gray (Maine Department of Marine Resources), Jeff Pierce (Alewife Harvesters of Maine), Rick Lawrence (Benton Alewife Warden), Doug Watts (Author of “Alewife”).
Tickets for the dinner can be purchased in advance at the Benton Town Office or by contacting Diane Hebert at 453-2292.
If you would like to enter your own Alewife Chowder for this dinner as part of the Benton Alewife Festival Chowder Contest, please contact Diane Hebert also.
