MAINE -The summer tourism season starts this weekend for the long Memorial Day holiday weekend, and traffic on the Maine Turnpike is expected to be very busy.

The Maine Turnpike Authority said Wednesday they expect traffic will be up by more than 2% compared to last year when 1,008,927 transactions were recorded over the four-day weekend.

As usual, Friday is expected to be the busiest day of the four-day weekend this year, especially headed north between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Traffic is also expected to be busy midday on Saturday in both directions and Monday afternoon and evening headed south.

All construction and maintenance activities on the turnpike will be suspended over the long weekend, though there are several construction areas that include narrowed lanes and reduced speed zones.

Turnpike officials are also sharing information with travelers about the new, dynamic part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system that is now operational for drivers on I-95 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery. This PTSU system is in place on approximately three miles of I-95 – between Exit 5 in New Hampshire and Exit 3 in Maine – including the Piscataqua River Bridge. Designed to reduce congestion and improve safety, the PTSU system will be used during peak travel periods from May through October, during unplanned incidents, and as traffic conditions warrant.

Based on real-time travel conditions, crews at the Maine Turnpike Authority’s Transportation Management and Communications Center in Portland will determine when to allow the right shoulder of the road southbound to be used as an open travel lane, while New Hampshire will manage the PTSU northbound. When the PTSU system is activated, drivers will see the system’s messaging components (beacons and lane-use signals) turn on to indicate when the shoulder is open for travel. There will also be warning signs with flashing beacons at the on-ramps approaching the system to alert merging traffic when the shoulder lane is open for travel and to use extra caution when merging into the highway.

Traffic operators from both states will close the shoulder to traffic when congestion eases, if there’s a motorist in the breakdown lane, or if any other emergency situation warrants the closure of the shoulder. Safety patrols will be increased when the PTSU system is in use.

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This sounds absolutely absurd. This is right up there with the moment we all decided that we were going to ban plastic straws and replace them with paper straws that disintegrate in your mouth before you can finish your drink. I’m not going to make this entire article political (rather it’s going to be more opinionated), but I have to get the logistics out of the way first.

According to WGME, voters approved a ban on plastic utensils, straws, and stir sticks this past Saturday. As you’d expect, it’s said to be about protecting the planet and our health, since micro plastics apparently threaten that.

Here we go. Look, I am all for saving the planet, keeping our community as healthy as we can, and saving the animals. But don’t we think this is a little too far? First we tried to do the paper straw thing, which took away at least 50% of my joy while drinking an iced coffee in the car. But now we’re going to do what, create paper forks? I think the concept is cute, and I’d like it better if it was a guaranteed solution. But the fact of the matter is it doesn’t feel like it is. Just because one town bans them doesn’t mean the rest of the world will follow suit, and then it’s just inconvenient for one town. However, as a disclaimer, this is just one opinion, and everybody is entitled to theirs.

Paper is anywhere from 4 to 5 more times expensive than plastic, so that translates into a lot of extra money in terms of the cost of doing business. The paper forks and knives, they don’t do really well but, we’ll figure it out. I’m not worried about it.

Let’s hear your opinions in the comments!

Ah, summer in Maine. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the time to enjoy the great outdoors is here. If you’re like me, one of the my favorite things to do in the summer in Maine is see some great live music…outdoors!

Whether you’re into rock, pop, folk, blues, or something else entirely, there’s probably a venue hosting a summer show that you will want to see. I came up with a little guide to some of the best spots to catch some great bands perform under the open sky this summer.

1. Thompson’s Point – Portland

Thompson’s Point in Portland is a prime spot for outdoor concerts. This summer, they’ve locked in big names like Counting Crows, Flaming Lips, Guster,  Primus/Coheed and Cambria, Lake Street Dive, Goose along with others. This venue has the perfect summer vibe along with beautiful views of the Fore River, which make it a must-visit for any music lover. Plus, it’s just a short distance from downtown Portland, so you can make a whole day of exploring the city before the show​. Oh, did I mention the sunsets there are priceless?  

2. Maine Savings Amphitheater – Bangor

Maine Savings Amphitheater is a gem in Bangor. Maine’s largest outdoor venue offers a solid lineup each summer that include all different genres from rock, pop, country and beyond. From big names like Hootie & The Blowfish and Smashing Pumpkins to Niall Horan and Kenny Chesney, this recently renovated venue is perfect for those looking to see major acts in an outdoor setting. The waterfront location also adds a nice touch. 

3. Snow Pond Center for the Arts – Sidney

I’ve seen a few shows at Snow Pond Center for the Arts and I absolutely love this venue. the place to be. Located on Lake Messalonskee, it offers all the summer vibes for enjoying live music. You can bring your chairs or blankets and set up towards the back or if you’re like me and want to get right into it, there is a general admission standing area near the stage. There’s no better venue to check out the legendary Beach Boys! They will be there this summer along with the Indigo Girls and others. 

4. Thomas Point Beach & Campground – Brunswick

For those who enjoy a festival atmosphere, Thomas Point Beach & Campground in Brunswick is perfect. They host events like the Point Reggae Arts & Music Festival and the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival. This venue is also perfect for those who love to camp out and enjoy multiple days of music. 

5. L.L. Bean Summer in the Park – Freeport

Freeport’s L.L. Bean Summer in the Park series offers free outdoor concerts right in Discovery Park.. yes, free. This is a great option for families or anyone looking to enjoy some live music without having to dig into the wallet. With a diverse lineup and a relaxed atmosphere, these concerts are the perfect way to spend a summer evening​. Don’t forget to bring your chairs. 

6. Wells Harbor Park – Wells

Wells Harbor Park is a great venue that hosts a summer concert series every Saturday evening. These concerts that take place in a gazebo might not be big national recording artists, but it won’t matter as your overlooking the harbor on a beautiful day while watching live music, it doesn’t get much more summer than that! Expect an intimate setting, great way to unwind after a day at the beach or a hike.