Can You Out-Call a Loon? Belgrade’s First Festival Puts Your Skills to the Test

The First Annual Loon Festival in Belgrade, Maine, takes place on Saturday, August 3, and it sounds like a great way to celebrate one of Maine's most famous birds. What I like most is that it brings the whole community together. Downtown Belgrade businesses participate in any way they can by decorating their stores, supporting activities, welcoming visitors, and helping create a fun atmosphere throughout the village. It really shows how much everyone cares about making the festival a success.

The part that stood out to me the most was the loon calling contest. After the Belgrade Fire Department's Bean Hole Supper, everyone gathers at the Lakepoint Real Estate waterfront for the contest, where people of all ages try to copy the unique call of a loon. I think that's what makes this festival different from other events. Instead of just watching, everyone gets involved, and even if someone isn't great at it, it still looks like a lot of fun and probably makes everyone laugh.

Since loons are such an important symbol of Maine, this festival is a fun way to celebrate the wildlife, the lakes, and the local community. If I had the chance to go, the loon calling contest would definitely be the event I'd want to see the most because it looks unique, entertaining, and full of community spirit.