Winter: If you love the idea of attending the Mardi Gras celebration but, getting away is impossible you may consider joining one of the local celebrations right here in the State of Maine. With frosty parades, colorful costumes, beads and Cajun music you are sure to get into the spirit of celebrating this festive event. Hallowell will be celebrating the Mardi Gras tradition during the first week of February. Festivities include a colorful parade including the green, purple and gold beads, a mask making contest open to the whole community and of course a costume ball. The Mid-coast area will be celebrating at the Boothbay Opera House with their own masquerade ball, Cajun music and food. If you are in the northern half of the state, you may want to check out the Fort Kent Fiddler’s Jamboree. This is an annual event that draws quite a crowd and last year attracted 30 musicians who entertained the audience for hours. The Fiddler’s Jamboree is held on the campus of the University of Maine at Fort Kent. You don’t need to be in New Orleans to celebrate!