Tourists hoping to explore the Bold Coast this month were met with a less than warm welcome in Machias, after a local militia group constructed a checkpoint on Route 1 by Napa Auto Parts.
The group, dubbed the “Downeast Area Defense Group” or DADG, was formed in 2021 according to its founder, Doug Mahar. As of Monday, September 18, DADG had turned away over 2,300 tourists from across the US.
“It’s simple,” says Mahar. “if I see another godd—n Patagonia vest, I’m gonna lose my s—t. Enough is enough.”
DADG members, dressed in a motley assortment of military surplus gear, leather jackets, and Pat’s Pizza uniforms, stop vehicles with out-of-state plates as they approach Machias.
“Turn that Benz around, sweetheart!” they jeer, gesturing towards Jonesboro, “there’s plenty o’ lobster thataways, you don’t need to come all the way down heeyah!”
One tourist, with bright orange New York plates, nearly collides with the checkpoint, a haphazard pile of pallets and bait buckets.
“We aren’t like the others!”, they plead from an open window, “We appreciate the rustic beauty of this charming locale!” The group breaks out in raucous laughter and sends the city folk packing.
We asked Mahar why the Sheriff’s office is allowing them to block the road. His reply: “You think they ain’t sick of these perfume pissahs just as much as we are?”
For now, it seems DADG has effectively sealed off Downeast from the “from aways”. Only time will tell how long they are able to hold the line.
