Margaretta Days Festival of Machias, Maine

06/24/2026

The merry crew at the MVNO are in a festive mood this week, and with good reason. This week’s edition features a recap of last weekend’s incredible Margaretta Days celebration, previews this coming weekend’s Machias ATV Jamboree, and reports on the start of rehearsal for this year’s Machias Wild Blueberry Festival musical and the June 25 kick-off of the 2026 Kitchen Summer Concert Series at Middle River Park.

We also have reports about a cell phone ban instituted at Jonesport-Beals High School, a fatal car crash in Charlotte, another poorly attended special town meeting in Machias, and the closing of UScellular’s stores in Machias and Calais.

Phil Stuart and Will Tuell has all your sports interests covered, and all our regular columnists are back with thought provoking commentaries and opinions.

All this and so much more can be found in this week’s Machias Valley News Observer, on sale at newsstands today for just $1.50. Or consider subscribing for weekly delivery to your mailbox or — if you prefer the digital edition — direct to your inbox. To do so visit us online at www.machiasnews.com, call us at (207) 255-4058. or stop by our Broadway office in Machias weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

Thank you to Downeast Coastal Conservancy for hosting our 2026 Margaretta Days Festival!

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

We work hard at promoting the rich history of Downeast Maine.

A Taste of History & More in Machias

Another festival with historical overtones underway the same weekend is the annual Margaretta Days Festival & Craft Fair in Machias, commemorating the Battle of the Margaretta. During the first naval battle of the American Revolution, Machias patriots successfully captured the British vessel HMS Margaretta.

During the festivities, Revolutionary War reenactors of Downeast Maine display several trades of the time. Reenactor Chris Sprague has ancestral connections.

“I am a descendant of several Revolutionary War soldiers — one who was in the Boston Tea Party, others who were in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and several who were in the Battle of the Margaretta,” Sprague said.

Volunteer Joe McBrine is active with ongoing work at Machias Liberty Village, operated by the Machias Historical Society. The goal is to develop a living history site, including a replica of Fort Foster, built in 1776.

“With its blend of preservation, education, and community involvement, Liberty Village promises to become a landmark destination celebrating our enduring Revolutionary spirit and rural heritage,” McBrine said. He has produced numerous video productions documenting Machias history.

When in Machias, be sure to visit the Burnham Tavern Museum, built in 1770. It is just off Route 1, about a half-mile from the iconic Helen’s Restaurant.

Another summer event worth checking out in the area is the 50th Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Aug. 14-16, a celebration of the powerful little fruit that puts Downeast Maine on the map each August at harvest time. More than 200 vendors, many with a focus on blueberries, are on the agenda. Tickets go on sale in July.

No matter where you travel in Maine, you will be treated to beauty, tranquility, fascinating history, and plenty of...

06/20/2026

Thank you to Downeast Coastal Conservancy for hosting our 2026 festival at Middle River Park!
Our community is enjoying the new location.