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Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, Calais

On the interpretive trail at Saint Croix Island International
Historic Site in Calais. France’s broad and enduring presence
in North America began on a tiny speck of land in Maine’s St.
Croix River, in 1604. https://www.nps.gov/sacr/index.htm

Photo by Crystal Hitchings Photo by Robert Hiscock
courtesy of St. Croix Island Intl Historic Site
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site marks the beginning of French presence in North America, and includes sculpture-
laden walking trails.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is a monument to the beginning of the United States and Canada. In 1604, Pierre
Dugua, Sieur de Mons, accompanied by Samuel Champlain and 77 other men, established a settlement on St. Croix Island. Preceding
Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620), Pierre Dugua’s outpost was one of the earliest European settlements on the North Atlantic
coast of North America. More specifically, it was the first attempt by the French at year-round colonization in the territory they called
La Cadie or l’Acadie. The settlement was short-lived, however, and in the summer of 1605, the French moved to a more favorable lo-
cation where they established the Port Royal Habitation on the shores of the present-day Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia.

From St. Croix Island, Samuel Champlain explored and charted the coast of Norembegue (Norumbega), including the Bay of Fundy
and the Atlantic coast as far south as Cape Cod. The valuable insights gained from both the St. Croix settlement and further exploration
formed the foundation for a more successful settlement at Port Royal, and an enduring French presence in North America continuing to
the present day.

Photo courtesy of Calais Celtic Concerts

Calais Celtic Concerts
Photo courtesy of Dan Daley
Calais Celtic Concerts has musicians from Scotland, Ireland, Nova Scotia
“Music on the Green” 2019 summer-long concert series every and other parts of the world for some wonderfully upbeat, fun music. Check
Tuesday at 6:30 Downtown Calais. 12th summer running!
out Calais Celtic Concerts on FaceBook for concert information.
Scarecrow Fest Calais by Carole Heinlein
Scarecrow Fest is a celebration of all things scary and fun during the
entire month of October in Calais, with events happening on the last
Saturday of the month. This year it is Oct 26. During the entire month,
businesses, organizations and individuals compete in a hugely popular
downtown lamppost decorating competition. Scarecrows of all shapes
and sizes flaunt their stuff to the delight of pedestrians and drivers. Some-
times drivers stop because they think it is a real human that wants to cross
the street. You will also find sidewalk sales every Saturday throughout
the month.
On Oct. 26, events include cadaver throws, casket races, pumpkin
decorating, cookie decorating, face painting, mummy racing, monster
mash, a pizza eating contest, downtown trick or treating and even witches
strolling in and out of shops as they ready for that night’s Black Magic
Bash. It’s a hoot.
On the full moon, a gathering takes place at one of the Main Street
watering holes to help stimulate the spirit with spirits. More events are
Photo courtesy of CDRC being planned throughout the month. Scarecrow Fest is presented by
Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC). Follow events on
Facebook at Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition.
Photo courtesy of CDRC
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