During the 54th anniversary of Antique Auto Days on July 21 and 22, you'll see dozens of classic, vintage, antique, hot rods, muscle cars and much more all parked on the Village Green at the Boothbay Railway Village. This all makes and models show in partnership with the Maine Obsolete Auto League (MOALS) is a car lover’s dream.  This year’s festival is presented with support from Newagen Seaside Inn, Russell House Bed & Breakfast, Sheepscot Harbor Village Resort & Water’s Edge, Linekin Bay Resort and Pottle Real Estate.

Anyone who owns a classic, antique, hot rod, muscle car, rat rod or other cool vehicle is invited to show it off on the Village Green either one or both days. If you are not a member of MOALS there is just a small $10 entry fee upon arrival (includes admission to the Museum for two,) no pre-registration required. Car owners receive a commemorative dash plaque. A People’s Choice trophy will also be awarded, with the winner earning the right to lead Sunday’s parade.

The fifth annual Rails, Tails & Ales: Midcoast Craft Beer Festival is different from other beer fests in just about every way.  On Saturday, July 21 from noon to 4 p.m., the Boothbay Railway Village brings a craft beer festival to the Midcoast where the brewer’s tables, instead of being stuffed inside a tent, will be spread throughout the Museum’s exhibit buildings including the livery stable and 1847 Town Hall. The tasting ticket includes access to the car show and everyone is treated to a steam train ride. But the most important distinction is that Rails, Tails & Ales is family and dog-friendly. Proceeds benefit the not-for-profit Museum.

The twelve participating breweries are Bangor Beer Company, Threshers, Gruit, Boothbay Craft, Liberty, Island Dog, Two Gramps, Flight Deck, Hidden Cove, Sheepscot Valley, Rock Harbor and Bigelow.  More than 30 different beers will be on tap for this fun tasting event. Many of the breweries will have their master brewers on hand to answer burning questions from beer hobbyists and home brewers. There will be a people’s choice award for most creative Brewery display and additional merchandise like t-shirts, hats and glassware will be offered for sale by the breweries.

Representatives from Alna Hop Yard and Maine Malt House will be available to talk about the importance of local ingredients in the production of high quality Maine beer. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is bringing back games and prizes for those that promise to drive sober or use a designated driver. The folks who operate the Maine Brew Bus will also be on hand again to talk about their fun itineraries in Greater Portland and Southern Maine. With a long list of awards and accolades piling up these tours are an excellent way to explore Maine’s brewing scene. 

The food court will include wood fired pizzas from Crust, BBQ from Fahrenheit 225, Pinky D’s Poutine Truck and BP’s Shuck Shack mobile raw bar as well as Victory Lane Ice Cream.

On Saturday from noon to 4, enjoy The Scott Davis Blues Band, a versatile, hard charging band of five seasoned, professional musicians playing a mix of blues, rock, and swing tunes. 

Visitors are invited to build their own valve cover racer and bring it along to test it out on the track right in the middle of the car show field. MOALS members and others will also demonstrate their creations. Valve cover racing is a competitive event similar to the Pinewood derby, but vehicles are made from a valve cover from an internal combustion car engine, rather than of wood blocks. This hot new hobby for auto enthusiasts is fun for all ages.

The show also features an Auto Parts Flea Market and a handful of vendors with products directly related to either the car show or the beer fest. Those who wish to set up in the flea market need to register in advance. A form is available on the Museum’s website. The fee is just $10 for a 10-foot x 10-foot space.

A new feature will be an illustrated talk and complimentary continental breakfast on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. The program is included with your show registration or Museum admission. Our guest is Winn Rittall. He’ll talk about the 1968 Mercury Cougar he inherited from his brother.  It is one of only three built that year with this engine and transmission combination, and it was sold at Owls Head Transportation Museum’s New England Auto Auction for a record-breaking $229,000 in 2015.

The Sunday afternoon parade will depart the Museum grounds at noon.  The route will pass through St. Andrews Village, downtown Boothbay Harbor and then out to Ocean Point. Guests are encouraged to come see the show before that time as many of the cars head directly for home after the parade.

The Village and car show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with train departures between 11 and 4. Tickets for a wristband to enjoy 10 four-ounce beer tastings from noon to 4 p.m. is just $35 at the door (must be 21) and include Museum admission as well as a unique souvenir beer mug. Advance tasting tickets are on sale now on the Museum’s website with a $5 discount.  Admission to the Museum including the car show and train rides is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $7 for children. Standard admission also includes a second day of admission and train rides within 7 days.

Contact the Boothbay Railway Village for more information at 633-4727 or online at www.railwayvillage.org.  The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay, Maine.