Maine Day is basically the biggest holiday here at UMaine, and it happens every year on the Wednesday of the first week of May. UMaine students get the day off from classes (unless you have a lab or a once a week class) and usually spend the morning doing community service projects, and the afternoon, well…celebrating. Maine Day is a day notoriously known for dartying, and there have even been some riots in the past years. However you choose to celebrate, there is a lot going on this year for Maine Day, so here is a list of scheduled events.
Tuesday, May 2: Hoodie Allen and Sammy Adams concert
Where: CCA Parking Lot
When: 6 pm
How to go: Every UMaine student gets a free ticket! Head to the Union between 11 am and 3 pm on weekdays up until 5/2, and show your Mainecard to the student government table to get your ticket. Have a friend not from UMaine who wants to go? They can buy a ticket at http://www.waterfrontconcerts.com starting 4/27. Additionally, seniors who have purchased the senior week bracelet can get two free drinks inside of the CCA lobby prior to the concert from 4-6 pm.
Wednesday, May 3: Maine Day
Maine Day Parade: This is a school tradition that starts at 8:30 am at the Emera Astronomy Center and goes down Long Road, over to York and then up to the mall. Anyone who signs up with a float as student organization or group can be part of the parade, and this year there will be trophy prizes. Registration for the parade ends Monday May 1 at 5 pm.
Community service: If you haven’t already, you can sign up for a Bodwell service project on their website at http://umaine.edu/volunteer/maine-day/. Staff will also be tabling on the mall after the parade if you still want to register for a project.
Barbecue: At lunchtime, there will be a free barbecue in the Steamplant lot. After the barbecue, students particpate in oozeball, which is essentially volleyball played in the mud. There are usually tons of other fun events going on in the lot, including the St. Baldrick’s event by UMaine Circle K where people shave their heads for pediatric cancer awareness.
Finally, if you’re looking for another event, students will be dartying and day drinking all over Orono! Join in on the fun and don’t forget about Dollar Wells (21+) at the Bear Brew to end the night. Get excited for Maine Day 2017!