SHIPYARD LAUNCHING

Mark your calendars for August 1, 2009 when Bath Iron Works will christen the AEGIS destroyer Jason Dunham (DDG109) at 10:00. These ceremonies occur about twice each year and are a wonderful opportunity to see the inside of the shipyard. The military participates in full dress white uniforms and the participants often include the governor, senators and Defense Department Secretaries. It is a patriotic and moving cermony and attended by thousands. More information can be obtained online at biwchristening@gdbiw.com.

HERITAGE DAYS IN BATH

Heritage Days in Bath, Maine is a four day festival that occurs each year over the first weekend in July. The events are held throughout the city’s downtown area and include the following fun and exciting activities for the entire family:
• Rotary Barbecue - Held in the City Park with entertainment in the Gazebo
• Carnival with dozens of rides, games of skill and popular food vendors.
• Parade - Maine’s largest featuring over 100 entries in all catagories
• Boat Parade - Featuring dozens of yachts on the Kennebec
• Fireworks - Fantastic display of pyrotechnics on the waterfront
Crafts Show - A two day juried event with over 50 vendors
• Art in the Park - Over 30 Artists from all over New England
• Kid’s Day - Fun activities for the younger crowd including face painting and games
• Chili Chowder Fest - A local competion between some of the area’s finest restaurants
• Fireman’s Muster - This event pits teams from 5 states with antique fire pump rigs.
• Strongman Competition - Trolley pulling is among the many tasks for this event
• Fun Run - Not nearly as grueling as the triathlon
• Front Street Shuffle - Over 125 antique cars line the streets
• Outdoor Concerts - including local and nationally known acts held
on two stages

BATH IRON WORKS TOURS

A trolley tour of General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works is not to be missed. The one-hour guided tour begins at the Maine Maritime Museum, which this year increased the schedule to five times per week. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, a behind-the-scenes tour. Participants view the old launching ways and BIW's Land Level Transfer Facility (this is where large vessels are constructred and moved into the dry-dock for launching). You also view the cutting edge Ultra Hall (which facilitates "mega section" construction). The tour is combined with a discounted one-hour boat cruise to view BIW from the water.

The schedule for tours are Tuesdays 12:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. May 25-June 13; Monday-Wednesday, Friday 12:30, Saturdays 10 June 15-Oct. 12. Members $20, nonmembers $28, under 16 $15; two-day museum admission included. Last year most tours sold out so reservations strongly suggested. More information can be obtained at www.mainemaritimemuseum.org.