Executive Directors Message
Keep it going! 

I think this month I'm going to borrow (well, steal) the "Switch On / Switch Off" editorial feature format of the Maine Switch Magazine. If you don't know what I mean, pick up a free copy of Switch and check it out. Switch, by the way is a great lifestyle magazine that has joined us this year as a media sponsor of out 9th Annual Fall in the Village Art Festival (Sept. 8th remember).

Here's the "Switch On" part... there's lots of year left, lots for folks to see and do, and lots of business out there. As we transition into our next season we look forward to events like the Art Festival, the L.L.Bean Hunting Expo, new FPAC concerts, plus thousands of foliage friends coming to visit. It's a great time to focus on visitors that may be coming from closer to home, too.

Efforts to "expand the season" have been quite successful. These days, traffic on Columbus weekend (Oct 6,7,8 this year) has rivaled or surpassed that of Labor Day weekend. Let's keep it going!

And now to the "Switch Off" part...

There is the constant media coverage of "the unofficial end of the season" that comes along with Labor Day, reported as if someone died and we're reading the will. Admittedly it's a big transistion point, but that's what it is - a transistion, not an end. Yes, we'd like to know how the summer went, just please don't make it sound like someone shuts off the lights, puts a chain across the bridge and no one is allowed into Maine again until next summer.

Then there is the inevitable boneheaded article(s) about how "we've got our state back now that the tourists have gone home". Excuse me, Bucky, but might I remind you that tourism is our number one industry, and that those tourists are the ones that bought you the food you'll be wanting later on some cold winter's night. You should be so lucky that they don't go home. Tourists can read, by the way. Please don't insult them. The vast majority of us really appreciate them, even if you don't.

This just in... Right after I finished this piece, WCSH aired their report on the subject, which included the fact that we now turn to a whole new season with lots more happening. It also mentioned the "Come back soon gift" and listing of upcoming events being handed out at the toll booths. Congrats to both WCSH and Maine's tourism marketing team for keeping it going!

FPAC Excitement...

Lots of things are happening at FPAC (The Freeport Perfroming Arts Center) these days! Following a great spring/summer concert season, the fall looks to be even more fun. For example, you'll find Dave Mallett in concert to benefit the Freeport Community Library, the ever popular Schooner Fare in Concert, sponsored by the Denney Block Properties, the famous Chad and Jeremy singing duo, the hilarious Carol Burnett Show as performed by the Freeport Community Players, and the start of the Second Tuesday Speakers Club, just to name a few happenings.

You can find out more info on our Events Calendar at www.FreeportUSA.com or at www.FreeportPAC.org. Be sure to share these happenings with your customers and guests. It's part of the unique Freeport experience!

New schedule for 2008 FMA membership...

This year we will be making an adjustment to the FMA membership cycle. While the membership for 2008 will still be based on the normal calendar year, we will be moving back the membership schedule and billing dates. You can look for membership materials to arrive in October of this year  for 2008. There are multiple reasons for this change.

First, the move is in response to many member requests for dues to fall at a time when cash flow is better. Secondly, it will allow our members more advanced marketing and event planning for the coming year.

Additionally, it will bring our deadline and Visitor Guide production schedule more in line with the Maine Tourism Association, Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland, and other destination marketing organizations publication schedules.

Creative B & B's...

What fun! The Brewster House, White Cedar Inn, and Kendall Tavern have created a new Progressive Dinner Package that involves stays and tours at all three historic properties,catered dinner by Azure Cafe, dessert by Jaquelines Tea Room, and live classical and jazz music by Steve Kercher. See flyer here.

Meanwhile, Captain Briggs House, the Royalsborough Inn, and the White Cedar Inn, have combined to offer the first ever Spirit Walk Package for this October which features, among other things, well known Maine spirit guide and clairvoyant Eddita Felt leading a group through the Royalsborough Inn, dinner at the Jameson Tavern, and more. Read press release here. These are both excellent examples of creative and cooperative marketing, in addition to being very enticing events. Success to all.

 Important dates to remember...

The students (and especially the parents of the students) at Colby, Bates and Bowdoin Colleges (think WCBB) are very fond of Freeport. A visit to Freeport is always a priority when they are here in Maine. With that in mind, here are some important dates...
Sept 28 - 30            Bates Parents Weekend
Oct 12 - 14             Bowdoin College Homecoming
Oct 19 - 21             Bates Homecoming
Oct 26 - 28             Bowdoin Parent's weekend
Mucho thanks to John Mathieu at Patagonia for the research and reminder! John also reminds us that October 6-8th is Columbus Weekend in Paraguay, too.

9 Times for this...

Another reminder that this Saturday is the 9th Annual Fall in the Village Art Festival. The weather is supposed to be excellent, there are lots of artists signed up, there'll be horse and carriage rides with Meadow Creek Farm, music and more.

The event is being strongly promoted on WHOM 94.9, Fox23 TV, WBACH radio, and in Switch Magazine, along with many other listings. Looks like it will be another great Freeport experience!

We might still need another few volunteers, so if you'd like to be part of the fun, contact Kim at the FMA office 865-1212.