Down Bay Folk Festival

Memorial Day Weekend May 29-30,2010
Family-oriented event celebrating the folk legacy 
And cultural heritage of Casco Bay Island’s Maine 
Memorial Day week end. 
Save the date for a wonderful weekend Of Folk Music and Art s

This is for a non profit Event to help Inter Island Causes, Long Island Fire and Rescue, The Community Center revitalization Project, Part of the proceeds from this event will also go directly to fund on going Community Center program operations.

http://www.cascobaylines.com/   Ferry Schedule. Click on Long Island.

Long Island, Maine is located in Casco Bay off the coast of Maine near the town of Portland. Due to discontent by the residents of Long Island caused by the high property taxes precipitated by high real estate prices being paid by out of state residents, the island of Long Island seceded from the City of Portland on July 1, 1993 and became its own entity – the Town of Long Island. 

Long Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans during the summer months. The first white settlers came to the island in the 1600's. The first house on the island was built by Col Ezekiel Cushing on or around 1732. When he died in 1765, he left the island to his nine surviving children. The descendents of these nine children and other settlers made a living on Long Island by farming, fishing and lobster fishing. 

After the end of World War II, tourism became an important industry. This led to the construction of several small stores, and a fire station. In 1953, a K-5 school was constructed. 

Long Island remains a popular summer destination for thousands of summer cottage homeowners, visitors, and tourists. This charming island is located just 45 minutes from Portland by ferry. On Long Island, you will find several interesting ocean beaches, a conservation area and unusually rocks located on the each side of the island. 

Casco Bay was a critical way station for the North Atlantic Fleet during the Second World War, due to its deep-water anchorage and defensible access. The Navy annexed a significant portion of Long Island and created a fuel depot, the remains of which still exist: the School, Community Center, Town Hall, and Fire Station are all former military buildings; underground fuel tanks, cleaned and monitored, remain in the conservation area.

In 1993, Long Island seceded from the City of Portland to form its own independent town, comprising Long Island itself and several smaller islands. The secession process was unprecedented in Maine history at the time. The Town of Long Island maintains a high level of municipal services and amenities. Its mil rate, at less than $5.50 per thousand, is the lowest in Cumberland County and one of the lowest in the state.