Sports celebrities, well-known musicians and fans of both are heading to the Boothbay region this weekend for an established event and a first-ever event.

The Boothbay Charities Classic, now in its 28th year, will once again raise money for Special Olympics Maine with its lobster bake, sports auctions and golf tournament. The event has raised thousands of dollars over the years to support SOM and the many events it holds for its athletes. The lobster bake will be held Friday at the Boothbay Railway Village starting at 4 p.m. and the golf tournament (once again the field is filled) is on Saturday.

The new Boothbay Food and Music Festival begins Thursday night with the Claw Down (now in its seventh year) at the Railway Village, followed by a Dinner Dance at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club Friday night, then a Family Fest and Music Fest, also at the Railway Village, will be held Saturday. This event is going to support several local non-profit organizations, three of which are focused on helping children and young adults from our region: Boothbay Region YMCA, Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund and the Boothbay Region Community Resources Council. The other beneficiaries are the Boothbay Railway Village and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Good luck to both groups running these events and thank you to those who will be attending the events in support of their causes.