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The nice weather has everyone smiling, and enjoying a variety of activities for perhaps the first time this year.
— Patron traffic was picking up at a steadier and steadier pace as the American Sky Brewing Company’s release party for its Dogfight brand unfolded on Saturday afternoon and into the evening, on May 18. The new brew is described as being much like a summer shandy, but with more of a bite. Three bands were on tap to play during the event, as Trandy Blue opened, followed by Love Songs For Angry Men. You may still be able to catch the third band, Old School, which plays until 10 p.m. at The Hangar taproom at 1510 Swasey St. The event is prompted by national craft brew week.
— The outdoor patios were overflowing around town as it seems summer, or at least spring, has finally arrived. It also was a great day for old car shows and motorcycle rallies around the area, and the nice weather shows no sign of letting up moving into the evening, so there still can be time to go out and enjoy. In particular, the open-air effect given by huge rolled up windows at the Smilin’ Moose was for one of the first times fully in force. Maybe that will be enough to bring back the guy who a couple of weekends ago, in what may have been an unusual twist on a bachelor party, was cutting up the rug while wearing a Blues-Brothers-like black suit and Bob Barker nametag. You just gotta see that.
— They must really want to get the word out. The marquee at Guv’s Place in Houlton is filled with a 20-word sentence conveying the message that a bean bag tournament is being held on Sunday, May 19, and that darts leagues are being offered Thursdays and Saturdays starting in the first week in June. Wow, 20 words. That would be a full 40 if you’re seeing double. Not to be outdone, the marquee outside The Nova had just as many words, in a humorous take on downing beers.

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