News

Clams are Down, but Maine’s Ready to Party in Their Honor

Clams are Down, but Maine’s Ready to Party in Their Honor

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


YARMOUTH, Maine (AP) – Maine’s annual celebration of edible bivalves is in full swing, even as the state’s clam harvest struggles.

The Yarmouth Clam Festival got started on Friday this year and continues until Sunday. The event began in 1965 and is free to the public.

The clam festival includes fireworks, live music, road races and lots of clams. There’s also a carnival that runs through Sunday.

Despite the festive plans, Maine’s soft-shell clam harvest has been falling in recent years. Maine clammers harvested about 1.4 million pounds of clam meat in 2017, which was the lowest total in decades. Scientists have said the decline might have to do with an increase in predators such as clams and marine worms.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in National, Trending

Flight cancellations and delays worsen as government shutdown drags on

Fresh

The pain Americans are facing at airports across the country is expected to get worse this week if Congress is unable to reach a deal to reopen the federal government.

11 hours ago in Local

Maine’s King Among Senators to Break Shutdown Deadlock

The Senate voted 60-40 to move toward passing compromise legislation to fund the government

12 hours ago in Local

Mills Slams Trump Administration’s Move to Block SNAP Benefits

Mills made the statement Sunday after the Supreme Court late Friday temporarily blocked a lower court’s order for SNAP funding to be distributed.

16 hours ago in Local

Wells Police Investigate Rash of Overnight Vehicle Burglaries

Police are asking Wells residents and businesses in the area to review any available video footage.

17 hours ago in Local

Dixfield Sawmill Heavily Damaged by Fire

The Maine Fire Marshal's Office assisted with the investigation.