The Yarmouth Clam Festival kicked on Friday evening with the annual parade. 

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Tens of thousands are expected to flood a coastal community for an annual celebration of the clam.

The annual Yarmouth Clam Festival is set to take place this weekend through Sunday.

The festivities include a clam-shucking contest, diaper derby and appearances by festival mascot Steamer the Clam.

In recent weeks, residents have taken to social media to complain that a new trend of tying ropes to reserve space is taking up entire sidewalks.

Yarmouth police say there aren’t any rules when it comes to roping off areas, but they are asking people not to do it.

The festival used to be a field day for firefighters.

Yarmouth uses the funds for community services like scholarships and athletic equipment.