WINTER HARBOR — Preparations are underway for the 27th annual Winter Harbor Lobster Festival to be held Aug. 10. The festival will feature lobster boat races, a crafts fair, marine trade show, lobster dinner and a special appearance by Maine humorist Tim Sample.

As a salute to Operation Desert Storm the theme for this year’s festival is “From the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Maine.”

Dana Rice, chairman for the boat races, expects a larger turnout of boats for this year’s races. For more information, contact Rice at 963-7600.

Craft fair chairman Roger Barto said that there are still some indoor spaces available for the fair. Barto can be reached at 963-5561.

According to parade chairman Bill Van Horn, the award categories have been increased this year to include best restored vehicle/antique and best emergency vehicle in addition to best in theme, most original, most humorous, best musical entry, and overall excellence. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade may contact Van Horn at 963-2956.

A special feature this year will be a performance by Tim Sample at 7 p.m. at Hammond Hall. Sample’s performance is being sponsored by the Winter Harbor Historical Society in cooperation with the Schoodic Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Navy. Tickets at the door will cost $9 for adults and $8 for children under 12 and may be purchased at Winter Harbor Video and Winter Harbor 5 & 10.