This is the second part in our regional activity preview, as last week we highlighted a half-dozen local events and projects to mark your calendar with.  Though Mother Nature has thrown us a few last gasps of winter this week, spring is here and it will be a busy fun season as we head into summer.  Here are a number of projects, reminders and events you won’t want to miss:

Tax Day April 17, not April 15

Ok, this isn’t fun necessarily, but it is information that I’m finding many people are not aware of so I wanted to share it.  You actually have two more days to file your taxes this year thanks in part to Patriots Day falling on April 15 in Massachusetts and Maine, and Emancipation Day being April 16 in Washington D.C. The IRS must select a date when all 50 states and the District of Columbia are open, thus April 17 this year.

Race the Runways, April 27

This is a full family event that promotes health and exercise and is produced by the MidCoast Triathlon Club.  It’s in its 9th year and it’s for every level of athlete, meaning walkers are encouraged to participate just as much as triathletes.  There is a distance for everyone with a 1-mile, 5K, 10K and half marathon.  There is even a kids fun run for the youngest participants- literally something for everyone.  A unique feature of this race, as compared to others, is the location.  The race happens up on Brunswick Landing and for some of the distances the route follows alongside the active runway at Brunswick Executive Airport.  For experienced racers, the challenge comes with the wind or lack thereof.  Without wind, and the flat course conditions, many racers have hit their personal records.  Other years there was significant wind, and with no trees to block it, the race becomes quite a singular challenge unlike many other races.  All races begin in the morning on that Saturday and more details can be found online.  There are a few races like this around the globe, and at some military bases, so when you are searching for it, be sure to use the full name with the “s” at the end: racetherunways.com

Maine Maritime Museum’s First
Impressions Project & Community Day on May 18

For those that may not be aware, the Museum in March began a 12-month construction and re-design project called the First Impressions Project, but the Museum will be open throughout the year during this exciting construction project.

According to their website, “the First Impressions project encompasses a complete redevelopment of the front entrance and south side of the museum’s campus with a goal of enhancing the visitor experience, creating an ecologically friendly and attractive landscape bordering the river and Washington Street, and addressing a lack of handicapped accessibility, crumbling front steps, and deteriorating parking surfaces.

In addition to redesigned parking areas, the south campus of the museum (5 acres) will be transformed into a new landscape that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, incorporates native plantings and expansive greenspace, utilizes interactive elements to provide a deeper appreciation of the history and unique ecology of the Kennebec River, and is accessible to all. Unique features of the landscape plan include groves of native Maine tree species that were used in traditional shipbuilding, a beautiful boardwalk along the riverbank providing views of the coastal wetlands, and a special garden honoring Navy families adjacent to the BIW: Building America’s Navy exhibit.

New plantings will include 73 native Maine trees, 2,078 native Maine shrubs, and 1,446 native Maine perennials and grasses. The park-like south campus will be open to the public.”

Along with the regular exhibits that are open year-round, the Museum will be celebrating Community Day from 11AM to 2PM on May 18- which kicks off their cruising season and summer activities.  Cruises will run daily from May 18 through Columbus Day weekend, and then even include some special autumn cruises in October.  Community Day will feature free admission, a return of the Mary E and a cannon salute at noon as they raise flags over the Wyoming.  A great event for the whole family.

Maine State Music Theater Season Opens June 6

Quite literally some of the best theater in New England happens every summer in Brunswick thanks to Maine State Music Theater.  They bring thousands of people to the region annually to see their shows and to have a bite before or after the performances.  This years schedule includes main stage performances, a Monday performance series (on the Mondays between shows) and Theater for Young Audiences.  The main stage performances are: Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Treasure Island, Hello Dolly & The Wizard of Oz.  The Monday series features performers from past seasons putting on concert events.  These include Walkin’ the Line a Johnny Cash inspired show, a cabaret jazz night with Lettin’ the Good Times Roll and the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Finally the youth theater performances will include Snow White, The Three Little Pigs and the Little Mermaid.  Check it all out at www.msmt.org

7th Annual Hacker’s Ball Golf
Tournament, May 10

The chamber is excited to have our golf tournament be one of the first of the year in the state, and we will be back at Brunswick Golf Club for a 9AM shotgun start on Friday, May 10.  Registration is available on the SMMC website at www.midcoastmaine.com

This is a very relaxed and fun tournament where we split the field into two divisions, for those who are actually good at golf, and for those who are not.  The Golfers Division and Hackers Division have their own prizes too.  There are lots of side games (including an Air Cannon), and at only $85 per player, it is one of the least costly tournaments you will find- especially for all the food and fun you will have.  Open to the public.