PORTLAND, Maine — If you missed summer camp sign ups, Allagash Brewing Company might have what you're looking for. On Sunday, it kicked off the start of Camp Allagash, a week of summer camp-themed events to keep you busy during your trip to the brewery.
The first day involved some very wild guests, like Lucy the Eastern Screech Owl. Lucy had no trouble capturing the attention of a crowd, but she was there with a purpose.
"What's fun for people visiting isn't always fun for the animals," Environmental Education Intern at the Center for Wildlife and handler Megan Quead said. Quead and others at the center are quick to make sure that's not the case for animals who are showcased, like Lucy.
"We want Lucy to be really happy while she's helping us educate people," said Quead. Lucy's happiness is important, because that education part is key and it's the main purpose behind their attendance.
"There are a lot of ways even just the common person can help our goal and our commitment to help these animals be safe." The Center for Wildlife uses these appearances to combine education with entertainment. Once Lucy's captured your attention, Quead shows you what you can do to help protect and preserve animals just like her.
This unique opportunity is one example of how visitors are getting more than what they may have expected at Allagash Brewing this week. "It's such a great tie-in for summer camp week to bring some animals in for people to enjoy," Emily Wallace, front of house manager at Allagash, said.
A Sunday filled with animals and axe throwing is the kick-off to the first ever Camp Allagash, a week of nature-themed events inspired by the Pine Tree State itself.
"We just kind of wanted to celebrate all there is to do here in Maine and bring a little piece of that here to the brewery," Wallace said. From animals to arts and crafts, to camp trivia, there is something for everyone.
"We've said it's for the young and the young at heart," Wallace said. By that, she means it doesn't matter how old you are or what you're coming for, sentiments others agree with. "They might be here for the beer, but they're going to get a little extra something special while they're here," Quead said.
Most of the events are free, but some of them require tickets. For a full list you can visit Allagash's website, here.