Here’s a key thing to remember about summer in Maine — we’re all in this together.

Summer in Maine can be a little overwhelming, what with so little time to enjoy the nice weather and so many different ways to enjoy it.

Which fried fish place should you try this week? Where’s the best lobster roll? Which beach is best to nap on?

But if we all stick together, giving each other advice and sharing tips about where to go and what to do, we’ll get through it.

The place to start is our Reader’s Choice poll.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the poll, we’ve more than doubled its size, from 20 to 50 categories. We’ve also changed the name from the Audience Poll to the Reader’s Choice Awards, because it’s you, the readers, who create the list by participating.

We want to know your top choice for ice cream, brew pubs, live music, beaches and amusement parks. Where you go to get that perfect lobster dinner or hot dog. Your picks for best brunch, sports bar, bowling alley, drive-in movie theater, lighthouse, hair salon, book store and record store. And lots more.

You can tell us your choices by taking our survey online or with a printed ballot. By participating, you not only give props to your faves, you automatically make yourself eligible for prizes, chosen at random through a drawing.

When the poll results are published — on July 31 in the Audience section of the Maine Sunday Telegram — they will become a very authentic Maine summer fun guide. By Mainers, for Mainers.

When filling out your ballot (one per customer), remember that the results are a resource for your friends and neighbors. So to help them, be specific. List full names of places, with locations. This is especially important for businesses that have more than one location. And remember, this is a Maine poll, so we’re looking for local places and businesses.

Voting in the poll is also a way to give recognition to some of your favorite eateries, fun spots and natural attractions. So make sure to spell their name right.

You can vote online or by filling out and mailing in the ballot found in this issue. (We will rerun the ballot every Sunday for the duration of the poll.) To be counted, your ballot must be received at the newspaper by 5 p.m. July 18. Paper ballots need to come one per envelope and must be original copies — no photocopies.

Winners of the poll will receive official recognition by The Portland Press-Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram so they proudly display their win for all to see. And bragging rights, of course.

But it’s up to you to make it happen. So get out your pen or get on the computer, and show your support for the things in Maine that you love.

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:

rrouthier@pressherald.com

 

Copy the Story Link