Jon Whitney

September 17, 8 p.m. Roomful of Blues, an award-winning band, the Jason Spooner Trio will open the evening, prices vary, doors open at 7 p.m., The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com

September 18, 8 p.m. Friday Night Live featuring Cathaus, playing everything from the Beatles to Squeeze and Elvis Costello, $10/21+, The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com

September 19, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Acton Apple Festival, crafts, food, children's activities and more, food, fun and fresh air, rain or shine, Town Hall, Mary Grant Preserve, several orchards and Acton Congregational Church, 59 H Road, Acton. FMI: 207.636.3430, www.actonucc.org

September 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art in the Park, a juried art show featuring over 50 artists and fine crafters, Moulton Park, 344 York Street (Route 1A), York Harbor. FMI: 207.363.4049, www.gatewaytomaine.org

September 19-20, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Newfie Fun Days, dog-related demonstrations and lectures, potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, bring your family and your Newfoundland, Piscataqua Boat Basin and Park, Junkins Lane, Eliot. FMI: www.newfiefundays.com

September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open House, tours of newly renovated theater, plus refreshments and entertainment, Little Theatre, Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.5657, www.nassoncc.org

September 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet the Breeds Showcase, presented by the York County Kennel Club and Vacatonland Dog Club, free, Tractor Supply Company, 1 Southgate Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.396.5100, www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

September 19, 12:30-4 p.m. Woofminster Dog Show and Cover Dog Challenge, several contests for dogs, silent auction, prizes, music, animal communication and raffle, to benefit NEADS: Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, $12/adults, $5/ages 7-18 and dogs, free/under 7, Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 800.381.1516, www.planetdog.com

September 19, 5 p.m. Waterborough Historical Society's Chili, Chowder and Apple Dessert Contest, sample entries and help choose winners, $7/adults, $2/ages 5-12, Waterboro Central Fire Station, John Smith Road, Waterboro. FMI: 207.247.5926

September 19, 8 p.m. David Wax Museum, CD Release Show, Mexo-Americana quartet with guests Wooden Dinosaur, $6, Hog Farm Studios, 140 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: www.hogfarmstudios.com, www.davidwaxmuseum.com

September 20, 2 p.m. "All Shook Up," the new Broadway musical featuring Elvis hits and starring Sally Struthers, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.5511, www.ogunquitplayhouse.org

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $150k to $300k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $300K to $450k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $450k to $700k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region over $700k

September 17, 8 p.m. Roomful of Blues, an award-winning band, the Jason Spooner Trio will open the evening, prices vary, doors open at 7 p.m., The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com

September 18, 8 p.m. Friday Night Live featuring Cathaus, playing everything from the Beatles to Squeeze and Elvis Costello, $10/21+, The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com

September 19, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Acton Apple Festival, crafts, food, children's activities and more, food, fun and fresh air, rain or shine, Town Hall, Mary Grant Preserve, several orchards and Acton Congregational Church, 59 H Road, Acton. FMI: 207.636.3430, www.actonucc.org

September 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art in the Park, a juried art show featuring over 50 artists and fine crafters, Moulton Park, 344 York Street (Route 1A), York Harbor. FMI: 207.363.4049, www.gatewaytomaine.org

September 19-20, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Newfie Fun Days, dog-related demonstrations and lectures, potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, bring your family and your Newfoundland, Piscataqua Boat Basin and Park, Junkins Lane, Eliot. FMI: www.newfiefundays.com

September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open House, tours of newly renovated theater, plus refreshments and entertainment, Little Theatre, Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.5657, www.nassoncc.org

September 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet the Breeds Showcase, presented by the York County Kennel Club and Vacatonland Dog Club, free, Tractor Supply Company, 1 Southgate Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.396.5100, www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

September 19, 12:30-4 p.m. Woofminster Dog Show and Cover Dog Challenge, several contests for dogs, silent auction, prizes, music, animal communication and raffle, to benefit NEADS: Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, $12/adults, $5/ages 7-18 and dogs, free/under 7, Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 800.381.1516, www.planetdog.com

September 19, 5 p.m. Waterborough Historical Society's Chili, Chowder and Apple Dessert Contest, sample entries and help choose winners, $7/adults, $2/ages 5-12, Waterboro Central Fire Station, John Smith Road, Waterboro. FMI: 207.247.5926

September 19, 8 p.m. David Wax Museum, CD Release Show, Mexo-Americana quartet with guests Wooden Dinosaur, $6, Hog Farm Studios, 140 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: www.hogfarmstudios.com, www.davidwaxmuseum.com

September 20, 2 p.m. "All Shook Up," the new Broadway musical featuring Elvis hits and starring Sally Struthers, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.5511, www.ogunquitplayhouse.org

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $150k to $300k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $300K to $450k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region $450k to $700k

Search for lakefront properties in Sanford Lakes Region over $700k

September 17-19, 9 a.m.-closing, Oxford County Fair, livestock shows, animal pulling events, midway, crafts, exhibits and a new harness racing track, prices vary, Oxford County Fairgrounds, 68 Pottle Road, Oxford. FMI: 207.739.2013, www.oxfordcountyfair.com

September 17, 7:30 p.m. Studio Theater Sneak Peak, Improv Comedy Night, members of Acorn's Shakespeare Ensemble perform, audience may also participate, $5/suggested donation, Acorn Studios, Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge Street, Westbrook. FMI: 207.854.0065, www.acorn-productions.org

September 18, 5 & 6 p.m. seatings, Harvest Supper, corned beef, cabbage, beets, carrots, potatoes, turnip, bread, pie, coffee and lemonade, $8/adults, $4/children under 12, Lovell United Church of Christ, Route 5, Center Lovell.

September 18, 8 p.m. Dave Mallet, Maine's own singer, songwriter, $20/concert only, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dug Way Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com

September 19, 8-10 a.m check-in, Loon Echo Hike ‘n Bike Trek, 6-mile hike along Pleasnt Mountain's Ridge or 25/50/100 (Century) mile bike trek through the Upper Saco River area and into the White Mountain National Forest, all proceeds help Loon Echo Land Trust protect land in western Maine, Shawnee Peak Ski Area, 119 Mountain Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.4352, www.lelt.org

September 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Harvest Fest and Chowdah Cook-Off, showcasing the importance of the potato growing industry to the area economy, arts and crafts festival, farmers' market, mill tours, scenic bike tour and chowder cook-off, Bethel Common, Bethel, Maine. FMI: 207.824.2282, www.bethelmaine.com

September 19, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m. Guided Nature Hikes, walk amongst the fields and woods of the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, reservations required, $2-$5, free under 6, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester. FMI: 207.926.4597, www.shaker.lib.me.us

September 19, 1 p.m. Seed Saving Basics with Scott Vlaun and Kristen Perry, sponsored by McLaughlin Garden, hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to harvest seeds from grains, vegetables and flowers, free, Vlaun's Farm, 35 Moose Pond Road, Otisfield. FMI: 207.743.8820, www.mclaughlingarden.org

September 19, 3-7 p.m. Harvest Festival and Supper, sponsored by the Bridgton Historical Society, old-time games and family activities, tours of the historic Peabody-Fitch homestead and blacksmith's shop plus traditional music, supper begins at 5 with an emphasis on local foods: hand-raised turkeys, local vegetables, homemade pies including local fruits, admission includes activities and supper, $8/adult, $5/ages 7-11, free/under 7, Narramissic, Ingalls Road, South Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.3699, www.bridgtonhistory.org

September 19, 7:30 p.m. Randy Judkins, super clown who portrays a range of characters who juggle, ride a unicycle, and perform magic in quicksilver physical comedy, $10/adults, $5/children, Brick Church for Performing Arts, 502 Christian Hill Road, Lovell. FMI: 207.925.2792, www.lovellbrickchurch.org or www.randyjudkins.com

September 20, 9 a.m. First Annual Loose Boots Open Golf Scramble, benefit Mt. Abram Ski Club, $75/person, includes golf car and BBQ, Bethel Inn and Country Club, 21 Broad Street, Bethel. FMI: 207.875.5000, www.mtabram.com; 207.824.6276, www.bethelinn.com

September 20, 1 p.m. "Romeo and Juliet," performed by The Poland Players, free, McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main Street, South Paris. FMI: 207.743.8820, www.mclaughlingarden.org

September 20-21, 5 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Monday, Auditions for "A Christmas Story," lots of roles for kids, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, Schoolhouse Arts Center, Route 114, Sebago Lake Village. FMI: 207.642.3743 or 207.239.2391, www.schoolhousearts.org

Search for properties on Sebago Lakes Region $150k to $300k

Search for properties on Sebago Lakes Region $300k to $450k

Search for properties on Sebago Lakes Region $450k to $700k

Search for properties on Sebago Lakes Region over $700k

If you're a prospective buyer of Maine lakefront property and you have cash, you can focus entirely on the lakefront real estate market alone to determine when you think it's time to get into the market.

However, if you need to employ the use of some financing to purchase your lakefront vacation home, you not only have to watch the ups and downs of the real estate market, but of the mortgage interest market as well. Interest rates, as you know, go up and down just like the prices of lakefront property.

If you're borrowing to buy, be careful that you don't get caught waiting for the real estate market to settle while interest rates start to climb.

At the moment, interest rates are holding fairly steady and lakefront real estate prices seem to be flattening out. There's still a large inventory of lakefront properties for sale and the buyers are still in control. In fact, this may be the best opportunity for buyers of lakefront property in years.

I checked with a few lenders around and these three all came in at 5.25%, or a little less, for a 30 year fixed rate - The Lender's Network www.lendersnetwork.biz, Regency Mortgage Corp. www.regencymtg.com, and Highland Mortgage Company www.highlandmortgage.net. Those a pretty good rates.

If you can find a property you like at a fair price this may be your best opportunity to lock in a great rate, if you have to borrow.

If you're just starting your search for a Maine lakefront property, many of our customers like using our Lakefront Locator. One click and you can find your way to all the great lakefront properties in Maine.

Highland Lake, in the heart of western Maine's Sebago Lakes and Mountains Region, provides a unique backdrop for the quaint village of Bridgton, Maine.

Located 45 minutes from Portland and just 25 from North Conway, New Hampshire, Highland Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the region. It's approximately five miles long and stretches from downtown Bridgton to the edge of Sweden. The lake covers 1,334 acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet with a mean depth of 20 feet.

Residents and visitors alike set out on the lake for fun in the sun. This picturesque setting is perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, water skiing and more.

In the early morning you'll undoubtedly see several rowers. Members of the Maine Rowing Assoication keep their shells at Highland Lake. Each year they host a regatta-it's always the first Saturday in August.

With all of that activity, you'll be surprised how quiet it really is on the lake. Loons will greet you from any corner. Okay, so they aren't exactly quiet sometimes. But to hear them call to each other always stirs my heart. And occasionally you might see a moose.

The lake is best known for Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass and White Perch. Trailered boat access is available a the town owned ramp located near the outlet. A boat wash station, constructed by the Lakes Environmental Association, is located behind the bathrooms in the parking lot. The Maine DEP considers the water quality to be above average.

With numerous islands, shoals, a couple of coves and undeveloped shoreline, there are plenty of places to explore and picnic. From the eastern shore, I love to watch the sunset on the Presidential Mountain Range of New Hampshire. You can't beat the natural beauty and serene tranquility of this intown lake.

Beside the boat ramp is a free town beach and playground. Across from the beach, you can access the Stevens Brook Trail, which winds it's way beside Stevens Brook all the way to Long Lake, about a mile and a half away. Walk across a wooden bridge over Stevens Brook to Shorey Park, and you can shop or eat in Bridgton.

In other words, Highland Lake has it all.

FMI: Maine Rowing Association, www.rowmaine.org

Check out the current lakefront property for sale on Highland Lake by clicking below:

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