The Festival takes place in the height of summer, in the heart of the Maine Woods The Festival features inspiring presentations and authentic programs all about the region, all led by expert Maine people The Festival is a one-week journey, landing in a remote, spectacular landscape, learning the ways of the Wabanaki and the ways of the Woods The Festival helps to find the cultural thread and quiet solace that inspires harmony with Nature, for its many human benefits The Festival celebrates the balm of the Maine Woods, as seen through the eyes of Thoreau, learned from the traditions of the Wabanaki
Schedule of Events:
1 – 4 pm - Birch Bark Canoe Gathering & Exhibition
led by Master Birch Bark Canoe Builder Steve Cayard
Location: Greenville Junction Wharf on Moosehead Lake, Greenville Junction, Maine
7 pm The Art of River Traveling
with Penobscot Nation Guides Jason Pardilla and Ryan Ranco Kelley
Location: The Depot Historic Train Station, Greenville Junction, Maine
Penobscot Guide Ryan Ranco Kelley brings home the final leg of an 1800-mile canoe journey. He and Jason Pardilla will talk about the technical and heart skills of river traveling during this summer's Fest. Suzanne AuClair photo.
Both Jason Pardilla and Ryan Ranco Kelley have lived their lives close to the rivers, guided and paddled many different river systems. Tonight, they will talk about those adventures, some of the technical and heart skills required, and why being on the rivers is important to them. Jason Pardilla has guided on many rivers in Maine and out West. Ryan Ranco Kelley completed an 1800-mile canoe journey that took him from Maine to New York, up the Hudson River to Quebec, and back.
