Everything kicks off on January 30th with the 8th annual Winterfest in Harbor Park and the Amphitheatre. The centerpiece of Winterfest activity remains the Community Ice Carving, where teams transform ordinary blocks of ice into sculptures using traditional ice-carving tools.

Also on the 30th, the Rockport Opera House plays host to the "Snow Ball"- a fun dance and social. Doors open at 6:30pm and the Awesome 80s Band will take the stage at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35.

If you enjoy cross-country skiing, Aldermere Farm (home of the famous 'oreo cookie' cows) on Russell Avenue in Rockport has a full moon ski & snowshoe tour on January 30th at 6;30pm.

If cultural and artistic events are more your speed, on Sunday, January 31 the Camden Opera House presents the International Film Festival of the Spirit's Warm Winter Sunday Afternoons at the Movies at 2pm; while the Camden Public Library hosts local high school musical all-stars The Cause on Thursday, February 4th at 7pm. Also, the a cappella group Improvox performs at 7:30pm on Sunday, January 31st at the Carver Hill Gallery Cider Barn in Rockport. For more info (& weather-related cancellations) call Jana at Carver Hill Gallery: 236-0745.

The Juice Conference connects leaders of the creative economy to
foster growth and prosperity. Weaving together the arts, technology,
and entrepreneurship, Juice inspires innovation by bringing talented
people together from widely different backgrounds to build on Maine’s
traditions. Juice is a forum where attendees can learn, exchange ideas,
share success stories and provide input to shape the development of
strategies for Maine’s future.

Thousands have been waiting for a year for the World's Largest Lobster Cooker to make its first public appearance at the Maine Lobster Festival, held annually in Rockland, about 10 minutes away. The festival started yesterday and continues through the weekend.

The weather is shaping up to be partly cloudy and a pleasant 70-75 range with a 30% chance of rain for the weekend. A high quality lobster roll might set you back $10, but you'll never forget it. More reasonably priced lobster dinners served with everything but the kitchen sink as well as plenty of seating are available under large tents lined with tables. Plenty of fair-type food, rides, vendor booths and of course everything lobster: from aprons to ice cream to the real deal.