Friday, December 07, 2007 

The Christmas Prelude Hat Parade

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine has been successfully ushering in the holiday season for 26 years.

One of the more popular activities is a relatively new addition to the festivities. The Annual Hat Parade was a natural. Prelude faithfuls have been arriving year after year sporting increasingly creative head gear. The desire to show off this creativity and the opportunity to be recognized gave rise to The Hat Parade.

This photo was supplied by one of The Maine Stay Inn's guests. But, the real news is, our guests Barbara B., her daughter and two granddaughters were the 2007 winners of the Kennebunkport Hat Parade. Congratulations to Barbara and her family. If I know them, next year's hats will be even more creative than the award winning Dock Square Christmas Trees that they proudly displayed on their heads.

This weekend begins the finale of the Prelude celebration for 2007 and is filled with caroling, a tour of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport, craft shows, Christmas shopping, and much more.

At The Maine Stay Inn, we have the most creative guests and, "we have the nicest guests!"

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7:58 PM | |

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 

Kennebunkport's Historic Inns Acheive Record


The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport are pleased to announce record results from their fund raising effort on December 9, 2006. The Historic Inns Tour is an annual event held during the second weekend of the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude.

Participants are asked for a $5.00 donation and are able to visit each of the eight Historic Inns. Not only are visitors able to see the decor of these beautiful inns but, each inn sets out some refreshments. Visit my previous post for more information about the Tour.

At the Maine Stay Inn for example, we had nearly a dozen different types of homemade Christmas cookies and warm apple cider. Fortunately for me, the favorite of the guests were the Christmas Wreath cookies (we should have taken a picture and you would understand why they were the favorite ~ update, Janice found a picture. The wreaths are the green ones). My favorite however, were the Mexican Wedding Cake cookies. There were some left over but, by the end of the evening they were all gone. Surprise, surprise.

Back to the subject at hand. The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport along with the efforts of the Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, collected a grand total of $1,115.00, a new record and a nearly 40% increase over our 2005 results.

The monies are donated to the Church Community Outreach Services of Kennebunk. This group provides emergency food and services to those in need in the Greater Kennebunk area. Since their inception in November 1990, they have provided aid to over 15,000 people.

The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport wish to thank all those who took part in this year's event as well as our wonderful Chamber of Commerce for helping us in our efforts.

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10:01 AM | |

Friday, December 08, 2006 

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful...


...but the fire is so delightful.
As we begin the second weekend of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, the ground is dusted with a white coating of snow.

We have another great weekend ahead of us and there are lots of fantastic events. Visit the schedule of events and you will see that there is something for everyone.

Day or night, a little snow looks good on The Maine Stay Inn.

Winter is around the corner. Why not plan a weekend getaway to Kennebunkport's Maine Stay Inn.

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5:53 PM | |

Thursday, December 07, 2006 

Kennebunkport Historic Inns Tour

It's an annual event during Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, the tour of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport is held Saturday afternoon of the second weekend each year.

The eight Historic Inns open to the public to show their holiday adorned properties, welcome the visitors and offer holiday refreshments.

This event that is just as popular with the "locals" as it is with visitors. While all of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport enjoy a common theme of charm, elegance and hospitality, this tour offers participants the opportunity to get a sense of what makes each of these beautiful inns unique.

Tickets to this event are just $5.00 and are available at the Hospitality Center, the Chamber of Commerce or at any of the Historic Inns. All proceeds go to the benefit of the Community Food Pantry.

Don't miss this event, the money goes to a very worthy cause and, you will undoubtedly enjoy some wonderful holiday cookies.

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9:03 PM | |

Thursday, November 30, 2006 

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport Begins

This evening marks the start of Kennebunkport's 25th Annual Christmas Prelude celebration.

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport has come to be the most popular event of the year. Those hoping to attend and find accommodations typically reserve a room a year in advance. Many of the guests of The Maine Stay Inn have been attending Prelude for well over ten years. This year's celebration is expected to be the best yet.

The celebration began this evening with the Prelude Champagne Reception at The Nott House.

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6:33 PM | |

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 

President Bush Will Attend the 25th Annual Christmas Prelude

Kennebunkport's 25th annual Christmas Prelude is celebrating with a one of a kind event. Dorothy (Doro) Bush Koch, daughter of President and Barbara Bush, will be wrapping up her book tour in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Doro authored, My Father, My President, A Personal Account of the Life of George H.W. Bush, a collection of stories about the personal side of the former President. To accomplish this daunting task, Doro called upon the President's personal and professional correspondence, as well as interviews with former Presidents, world leaders, several friends and acquaintances.

Not only has Doro chosen Kennebunkport to complete her book tour but, President Bush will be arriving to support her. The President and Doro are inviting you to attend "A Conversation With President George H.W. Bush and Doro Bush Koch."

This amazing event is sponsored by H.B. Provisions and the Nonantum Resort. The two day event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, at the Nonantum Resort from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Sunday is already full and seating for Saturday is limited. Guests of The Maine Stay should call us if you are interested in attending, we'll reserve you a seat.

Books will be signed and personalized by Doro Bush Koch at the event. They are also available now at H.B. Provisions.

Another opportunity for a great Christmas Gift.

I also have heard that the President and Barbara will be attending the Christmas tree lighting in Dock Square on Friday evening.

The latest weather forecast is showing a possibility of snow flurries.

Kennebunkport sure knows how to throw a 25th anniversary celebration.

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9:54 PM | |

Monday, November 27, 2006 

XXX ~ Where is Winter? Kennebunkport is Warm

Oh, what a romantic and exciting life an innkeeper leads.

Today, I was raking the last of the leaves (yahoo!) and making the last of about a dozen trips to the dump landfill. I am just not sure...is this the romantic part, or the exciting part?

Next, on to hanging the Christmas decorations. Our Christmas Prelude guests begin arriving on Thursday so we are feverishly decorating and baking.

The strange thing is, it's just as warm outside as it was inside. Temperatures in Kennebunkport today were in the mid-50's.

Well, relax because the temps are due to dip down this weekend. The likelihood of snow is not looking very good but, at least we won't be breaking a sweat while walking to the village for the tree lighting.

One last thing. You might be wondering why the title of this article begins with XXX. I am testing to see if traffic to this site increases with the addition of XXX. If it does, you might expect future articles to be titled, "Brittany Spears, Happy New Year from Kennebunkport" or "Maine Stay Teddy wants a Playboy Playmate for Christmas"

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11:16 PM | |

Monday, November 20, 2006 

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport ~ Caroling


One of the more popular Christmas Prelude activities begins on Saturday evening, December 2, at 6:30, well after sunset.


Christmas revelers put on their warm winter garb and gather in the chill of a clear, or maybe snowy, December evening at the Franciscan Monastery. Located on Beach Street in Lower Village, the Monastery sits on grounds designed by Charles Olmsted, the designer of New York City's Central Park.


In addition to the holiday festivities, the carolers will enjoy chestnuts roasted on an open fire. This wonderful event is sponsored by The White Barn and Grissini Restaurant.


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4:06 PM | |

Sunday, November 12, 2006 

The First Annual Hat Parade Comes to Christmas Prelude

For the Christmas Prelude regulars, an annual hat parade is long overdue. Each year as one strolls through Dock Square the collection of wild, festive, unique and interesting head gear gets more and more fascinating.

This year the First Annual Hat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, and begins at 3:00 pm. Hat wearers of all ages are welcome and should plan on gathering in the parking lot behind Alissons Restaurant at 2:45.

Participants will march to Jackie's in Lower Village where prizes will be awarded. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served courtesy of Jackie's and Downeast Magazine.

Start designing and assembling those hats. The crazier the better.

If you don't have a place to stay yet, The Maine Stay Inn has one room left. The Artist's Studio at Crosstrees is an ultra luxurious three-room suite that is ideal for a romantic getaway for this first Prelude weekend.

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10:16 PM | |

 

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport ~ Activities

Photo of Kennebunk Book Port by Robert Dennis
Save some time on Saturday, December 2, for a very special and unique activity.

Plan to visit the Kennebunk Book Port between 12:00 and 2:00 or, if it is more convenient stop by H.B. Provisions that day between 3:00 and 5:00.

Both of these Dock Square businesses will welcome Dorothy (Doro) Bush Koch. The daughter of President Bush ('41) and Barbara Bush and youngest sister of President George W. Bush ('43) is signing copies of her book, My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H. W. Bush.

Doro offers a truly unique perspective of the life of the former President. Not only through her own experiences but she also assembled the recollections of other family members, friends and associates of her father.

This is one opportunity that you shouldn't miss. It certainly won't be repeated in the coming years.

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9:28 PM | |

Thursday, November 02, 2006 

Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude is Just a Month Away

With less than a month to go before one of the most celebrated events in Kennebunkport, those planning to attend this 25th annual Christmas Prelude should begin planning their agenda.

These weekends are chock full of wonderful holiday activities. While the saying goes, there is something for everyone, in this case there are many things for everyone.

A couple of ideas...

Consider arriving a day early. On Thursday, November 30, a Christmas Prelude Champagne Reception will be held at The Historic Nott House. The reception, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, is a festive gathering of Christmas Prelude devotees, both locals and those from away. All are welcome.

Christmas Prelude Historic Walking Tours are conducted during both Prelude weekends and are conducted by a docent, dressed in period costume. This is a wonderful time to learn about the history of this quaint village along with details you will not likely hear from anyone but your very knowledgeable guide, Barbara. Her family's roots trace back to the founding of Kennebunkport in 1653 but, Barbara insists she was not around back then.

One reminder, make your restaurant reservations early. We are looking forward to this 25th Prelude celebration being the best ever.

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9:44 PM | |

Thursday, September 07, 2006 

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport

I know what you are saying and the answer is, "no, we are not kidding." I know, Christmas is almost four months away but, Christmas Prelude is less than three months away. If you have never come to Kennebunkport for our Prelude celebration, then you don't know what you are missing.

Our quaint little village is adorned with Christmas decorations and reminds one of what a true Charles Dickens Christmas must be like.

There are several "must see" events that take place during this festive time. In fact, there are so many such events, it's likely you will not have time to see them all. That's why we have many guests that have returned for this magical event for 10 years and more.


The one event that everyone should attend (every year) is the tree lighting. Beginning at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 1, you can join in, or just listen to, the Kennebunk High School Chamber singers. This is an experience that will certainly get you into the real Christmas spirit. Let's hope for cold weather and maybe a few snowflakes. Don't worry, the spirit of the event will keep you warm (but, just in case, bring a warm coat, mittens, a scarf and hat anyway).

One other must see event (especially if you have children with you) is Santa arriving by lobster boat and, of course, he is escorted by lobster elves. How else would Santa get to Kennebunkport. After all, his reindeer only fly on Christmas eve.


We still have a couple of rooms open for the first weekend of Prelude. Give the Maine Stay Inn a call and we would be glad to describe these luxurious rooms to you.

You will reminisce about this memorable event for many years to come.

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11:05 AM | |

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