Maine Monday: Comics Arts Festival

Could there be a more beautiful location for a comic arts festival? I don't think so. The Ocean Gateway Terminal on the Portland waterfront will be the site of the Maine Comics Arts Festival this Sunday, May 19th from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Artists come from all over to show off their talents  and sell their works, all against a beautiful ocean backdrop. It's definitely a kid friendly event (kids are free, adults are $5) where authors set up tables around the scenic terminal ready to talk about and sign their books.

Portland resident Lincoln Peirce of Big Nate fame has been there the last few years and Big C&G is a huge fan of his. Last year he got one of his books autographed and asked Mr. Peirce some questions about being a cartoonist. Little C&G is a fan of cartoonist Dan Moynihan and we have several custom drawn monsters, made on the spot with a little input from Little C&G. The Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye books series is a favorite of Little C&G (and of the elementary school librarian) and author Colleen A.F. Venable has been there in years past to sign and talk about her books. The stories are very cute and perfect for the under 8 set. Of course there are some comics that aren't exactly PG13, but they're very good about keeping them separate from the youngsters.

When you're done with all the zombies, monsters, super heros, and adorably (and some not so adorably) drawn characters, step outside for a stroll along the waterfront. The great expanse of green lawn next to the terminal is the perfect space to let the kiddos run around. 

If your crew is getting hungry, Flatbread pizza is just a short walk into town. For an appropriately cartoonish end to your adventures, swing into Casco Bay Variety a few doors down from Flatbread on Commercial Street. Your kiddos can order up a few scoops of ice cream complete with edible googly eyes and giant smiles. Just be sure not to get any sprinkles on their new comic books!