2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate

The Maine Lobster Frestival coronation is one of the first events of the festival every year, taking place on the opening Wednesday night, showcasing the spirit and passion of the youth in our community.

Originally Miss Maine Seafoods, then the Maine Sea Goddess, the festival expanded this program in 2023 by opening participation to any Maine resident ages 16 to 22 and rebranding the position as the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate. The main requirement is being passionate about being an advocate for Maine’s lobster industry.

The Maine Lobster Festival is proud to be adapting and growing this competition. Other changes brought to the Delegate event include a focus on education regarding the Maine lobster fishery, instruction and guidance on essential skills for the position such as public speaking, and a charitable donation to an organization of the applicant’s choice.

This year we are accepting 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Leading up to the coronation, contestants are expected to participate in events which will include: a basic orientation; volunteering and service events; informational sessions on topics such as public speaking, social media, and the lobster industry; volunteering at the festival; and riding in the Saturday “Big Parade.”

These events will provide valuable tools and experiences, while also giving contestants the opportunity to showcase their strengths in healthy competition. 

About The Application:

If you are a young Maine resident who is interested in being part of this tradition, representing our state and the state’s lobster industry at events, fairs and festivals, fill out the form and apply to be the next Maine Lobster Festival Delegate. Use the checklist to make sure your application is complete.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

The Maine Lobster Festival does not discriminate based on a person’s national origin, race, color, religion,disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, and familial status.

A maximum of 16 participants will be selected from completed applications, on a first-come, first-served basis

Applications must be received by Sunday, 16 June, 2024 (orientation 21 June)

Applicant:

• Must be a resident of Maine  

• Must attend required events

• Be at least 16 and no more than 22 years of age on 31 July, 2024.

• May only participate one year

• Have no past or pending civil or criminal charges other than moving violations

• Must submit application by deadline of 16 June, 2024

• Must submit a $100 application feeApplication fee must be paid via check, made payable directly to the charity of the applicants’ choice, and submitted to the Maine Lobster Festival. Checks will be submitted to said charity pending final approval from the Coronation Committee.

As an accepted applicant, you will:

• Volunteer a minimum of four hours for set up before the festival opens, and four hours during the festival

• Abide by the Maine State Laws pertaining to illicit drugs, alcohol or any illegal substance use

• Abide by social media guidelines (to be provided) related to the festival

• Wear professional or formal attire for the coronation event*

The Maine Lobster Festival is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified applicants, regardless of socio-economic status.  If you may have any difficulties meeting the financial obligations of the competition, please reach out to us so we may provide assistance as needed.

coronation@mainelobsterfestival.com

Awards:

Along with the duties outlined below, the Delegate, Second Delegate, and Most Congenial will be

awarded a cash price in the following denominations:

Maine Lobster Festival Delegate: $2,000

Second Delegate: $1,500

Most Congenial: $500

Note that a valid W9 must be filled out completely in order to receive an award.

Other Benefits:

What do you get from participating?  Aside from experience and camaraderie with peers, participants in the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate competition may:

• Meet new people, learn new skills, and gain important life experiences

• Receive mentoring from community leaders

• Have the opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering and service

• Learn about public speaking & community networking

• Experience working with social media through Dream Local

• Gain understanding about the lobstering and fishing industries in Maine

• Participate in advocacy opportunities and support our local community

• Get experience working with children at festival events

Schedule Requirements:

Selected applicants will attend a series of events leading up to the 77th Maine Lobster Festival. These events will allow judges to get to know the participants, facilitate relationships between the Delegate contestants, and teach participants about various aspects of the Maine fishing/lobster industry.

Participants should make every effort to attend all pre-festival events that are not listed as a required event. It is likely these will provide information for potential questions from judges in addition to offering unique knowledge and experiences, plus the opportunity to interact with other Delegate participants. 

Pre-Coronation events will be scheduled to start with a required orientation meeting to be held Friday evening, 21 June followed by an optional meet and greet 22 June at the Rockland Summer Solstice.

Additional REQUIRED confirmed dates:

26 July: Banquet at the Samoset Resort

30 July: Coronation Dress Rehearsal 

31 July: Coronation Event

In addition, we will ask that either the winner and/or runner-up be present on the festival grounds each day of the fair, 31 July-3 August. 

 A detailed calendar will be provided at a later date including all required and additional optional events.

Post-Coronation Optional Events for the Winners:

The Big E - Held in West Springfield, MA, this event is an annual fair held in September. It is the fifth largest state fair in the country and serves as an important venue to draw in visitors to the Maine Lobster Festival. The winning contestant will be asked to attend and represent the festival for part of this event. Dates to come.

 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate CHECKLIST

Please type or print all the information requested. Incomplete applications or those submitted after 16 June, 2024 may not be considered.

Please submit the following information via email to coronation@mainelobsterfestival.com:

First Name: __________________________________________

Last Name: __________________________________________

Preferred pronouns: ____________________________________

Email address: ________________________________________

Phone number: ________________________________________

Birthday: ______________________________________________

Mailing/Home Address: ___________________________________

• Two head shot photos (taken from the neck up with a clear view of the face) in a high-resolution .jpg or .pdf digital format. No filters or editing, please; photos will be used for promotional materials and media

•  A copy of your driver’s license or state-issued photo ID

• Signed Delegate Contest Consent Form

• Signed Photo Consent Form

• Signed Food Allergy Form

• PDF or document of a letter of recommendation from a non-relative. 

OPTIONAL: upload a video – maximum of 3 minutes – on the topic, “Why I want to be the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.”