A Summer Night at Maine’s Only Water Ski Show

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind summer night in southern Maine, I’ve got a new favorite to add to your list. On one of the hottest days this summer, we headed up to Sanford to catch the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team, the only water ski show team in the entire state. 

They perform for free every Thursday in July at Number One Pond, and while we took the advice to get there early, so did everyone else. We just barely snagged a parking spot and a seat on the wall lining the pond. That seating area is probably the length of a football field, with a center platform for the announcer and show performers. At the far end is the main dock where the skiers launch, prep, and perform some of the larger dance routines.

We brought a blanket from home and picked up sandwiches from Ceres Bakery in Portsmouth to enjoy while we waited for the show to start. There was a nice breeze and the trees lining the pond helped block the sun, making it surprisingly comfortable. A food truck was parked near the main stage if you wanted to grab something on the spot.

The pre-show began 30 minutes before the main event and featured local talent of all ages. One highlight was a dad and his three year old daughter pulling off some impressive strength poses right there in the water.

Then the main show began and it truly transformed the pond into a stage. Skiers flipped, swiveled, and even “barefooted” across the water. There were pyramids of 12 people (yes, 12), including an all-female pyramid, and synchronized dance routines on two massive floating platforms.

The theme this summer? A tongue-in-cheek “Water Skiing with the Stars” competition, complete with Mario, McDreamy, Karen the Real Housewife, and a sparkly Taylor Swift all vying for the coveted buoy ball trophy. The costumes were colorful, glittery, and full of character.

It was funny, impressive, and so different from your typical Thursday night. If you’re local or visiting Maine in July, I highly recommend checking it out. Bring a blanket, a picnic, some bug spray, and your sense of adventure.