HAPPY HOUR 5PM-7PM MONDAY-FRIDAY CONGRESS SQUARED RESTAURANT & BAR WWW.CONGRESSSQUARED.COM 157 HIGH ST. • PORTLAND, ME How can you entice diners off the street and into your restau- rant? A slice of light might work. Portland bars and restaurants are bringing back the retro appeal of neon signs with the help of artist David Johansen, also known as Neon Dave. Rose Foods, Sister’s Gourmet Deli, Hot Suppa, BGR Bar, and Blake Orchard (left) have all recently commissioned glowing artworks. “Neon has always waxed and waned through our cultural aesthetic,” says Johansen. “There were waves, sometimes lasting well over 10 years, roughly in the 1920s, 1950s, 1980s and, I would say, now. Social media is one thing playing a role in the current resurgence of neon’s popularity in the commercial and fine art worlds. Neon makes an impact both ‘in real life’ and on screen and is something regularly shared, posted, liked, and remembered.” Keep an eye out for his futuristic designs as you eat and drink your way around town. Think of it as a game of neon bingo. SEPTEMBER 7-10 Maine Garlic Festival Held every year in South- west Harbor, the Maine Garlic Festival features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, and the chance to mingle with experienced garlic grow- ers. It’s also an impor- tant fundraiser for local nonprofits, so get ready to trade in your fresh breath for a good cause. downeastacadia.com 21-23 Common Ground Country Fair Celebrate rural living and organic farming at the Common Ground Coun- W interg u ide 2 0 1 8 5 5 michael barriault - festival of nations; maddison andrews; dave johansen