Yarmouth Clam Festival


Yarmouth Clam Festival

Third weekend of JulyHeld in a small town in southern Maine, the Yarmouth Clam Festival has been a New England tradition since 1965. For a few days, the town expands to as much as 15 times its size, receiving nearly 120,000 visitors.
The event is a great introduction to the many methods of clam preparation. Festival goers have their choice of steamed clams, whole fried clams, clam strips, clam cakes, clam chowder, and fried clams in batter, among other traditional festival fare. Along with celebrating Yarmouth's seafood, the festival is also a fundraiser, with proceeds from the seafood booths helping to support over 35 local nonprofit organizations.
Other clam-related activities include clam-shucking contests and It's Clamtastic!, a competition added to the festival in 2006. Taking place on the Thursday before the festival officially opens, the competition invites people to sample and judge seafood platters from local restaurants.
Beyond sampling clams and other seafood, attendees can choose from a number of other activities including rides, games, live music, an antique show, a parade on Friday night, and a fireworks show on Saturday.
CONTACTS:
Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce
162 Main St.
Yarmouth, ME 04096
207-846-3984; fax: 207-846-5419
www.clamfestival.com