The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with the Boothbay Register to host the 24th Annual Early Bird Sale Festival the weekend of November 17-18.

The Early Bird festivities start in the wee hours of Saturday, Nov. 17, with eager shoppers dressed to shop … in their pajamas.

The earlier the bird, the better the discounts. Most shops open at 6 a.m. Last year over 60 businesses participated with huge discounts, door prizes and refreshments. Breakfast begins early at McSeagull's Restaurant at 7 a.m. with Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas accompanied by live music from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Every great festival needs a parade and the Boothbay Harbor PJ Parade is no exception. The Early Bird Pajama Parade begins Saturday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. from the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lawn. At 9:45 a.m., the Pajama Parade participants should be gathered at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lawn to vie for the title of 2012 Best Group, Best Pajamas, Best Hat, Best Slippers and Best Children’s PJs prizes.

New for 2012, decorated beds will join in the PJ Parade from the Whale Park rather than competing in a race. Prizes will be given for the best-decorated bed.

Beds should assemble at the Whale Park by 9:30 a.m. and be ready to be judged. The beds will then join the parade as it passes by the Whale Park and will continue onto the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor parking lot.

If you are putting a bed in the parade, register with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce by contacting 207-633-2353 or seamaine@boothbayharbor.com.

The shopping continues throughout the day or until inventory runs out, whichever comes first. To add to the weekend festivities, many downtown businesses participate in a holiday window decorating contest. The window-decorating winner will be chosen by judges from the Boothbay Register who will view the windows Friday, Nov. 16.

Businesses who are interested in participating need to sign up with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-633-2353 or seamaine@boothbayharbor.com. The winner will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks.

Festivities continue throughout the weekend with a free Frozen Turkey Hunt at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the hunt, different age groups search for apples, many of which win prizes to enhance the Thanksgiving feast, dozens of turkeys, as well as other foods and popping-corn cobs.

A Golden Apple hidden along with the other apples will be good for 150 gallons of fuel oil, donated by the presenting sponsor, Dead River Company. Live entertainment is on Saturday night with Jehovah A. Stover and the Holy Mackerels at McSeagull's Restaurant and the Sunday Reggae Brunch returns November 18 with Dave and Chris Gagne at McSeagull's Restaurant.

A variety of Early Bird lodging will be available throughout the Boothbay Harbor Region, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a weekend getaway. A list of businesses participating in this event will be posted the week of November 12 on www.boothbayharbor.com or call the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-633-2353.