It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. I’ve been highlighting some of the seasonal openings in Old Orchard Beach, but it’s time to give another seaside community – Camp Ellis- some love.

There’s a lot of excitement going on in the Camp Ellis community of Saco. The Camp Ellis HarborFest, once an annual tradition, is returning this summer after several years. There is also a move to restore the Camp Ellis fire barn and bring it back as a community hub.

Camp Ellis General Store and Lobster Pound, opened a few weeks ago and will begin summer hours this weekend, opening 7 a.m. seven days a week, and closing at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and staying open later on the weekends. The market and convenience store has coffee and pastries to start the morning and grab-and-go sandwiches to take along for a day at the beach. Look for a more in-depth story on the Camp Ellis General Store and Lobster Pound in an upcoming issue of Saco Bay News.

Huot’s Seafood Restaurant, at 29 Eastern Ave., is a long-standing favorite eatery for seafood lovers, serving up items like clam cakes, fried fish dinners, and chowder. Huot’s is open this weekend from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Monday. This weekend marks the season opening of the Jetty Bar at Huot’s, with live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Chevy’s Kitchen and Food Stand will be entering its second season this summer at 5 Bay Ave., next to the Camp Ellis Pier. Opening day has not yet been finalized, but is expected to be in the upcoming weeks. Chevy’s serves farm to table smoked meats and will be expanding its menu this summer to include fish, clams and oysters served smoked or grilled, depending on the customer's preference.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.