Orland River Day to celebrate Narramissic on Sept. 12

‘Patriotic Ducks,’ boat races, Moxie drinking contests, and more at this year’s Orland River Day

Sept. 1, 2026

By Staff

This year’s festival theme is Patriotic Ducks. Photo courtesy of Orland River Day.

ORLAND—Orland River Day, a 50-year-old tradition and community gathering, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12. The day celebrates the people of the town, as well as the “river that runs through it, every day,” in the words of E.B. White. The free and public festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The theme of this year’s Orland River Day is “Patriotic Ducks.” Parade floats are encouraged to follow a “yellow rubber duckie theme,” according to a press release. 

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m at the Orland Community Center. Kids and adults are encouraged to decorate their bikes and scooters and join in. Castine Kayak Adventures, per tradition, will lead the “Alewife Paddle”, which begins at 8 a.m. at the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. For more competitive individuals, the day will include the fourth annual canoe and kayak race starting at 11 a.m. The race is sponsored by the Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization.

A shuttle bus will take people from Narramissic Drive to and from the Orland Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where a car show and an art show sponsored by the Orland Historical Society will be held. The Historical Society museum will also be open for visitors, with a marine life touch tank area for kids.

After the parade, Narramissic Drive will be alive with food and craft vendors, community groups, and special musical performances by Blue Hill Brass and the rock band, Tidewalker. There will also be Moxie drinking and Whoopie Pie eating contests, raffles, a Duck Dash, and more until 2:30 p.m.

For more information, rules, and sign-ups, visit the festival’s webpage, Facebook page, or call the Orland Town office at 207-469-3186.