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In the town of Weld, Maine (population 370+), near Mt. Blue State Park, lies Mountain View Cemetery. Though it is a small burying ground in a small town, it becomes the focal point of Weld’s social scene every year. At the end of August, the cemetery’s prefect, Sean Minear, hosts a party at his home for the people who will one day “reside” in the cemetery he cares for. It’s a chance for plot owners to socialize with their future eternal neighbors while enjoying music, refreshments, and drinks. 

2025 will mark the thirty-first get-together for the undead, as Minear has been hosting these gatherings since 1994. People of all ages attend the celebrations, and the only requirement for entry is owning a plot in Mountain View. Some people purchase a plot ($300 for residents, $600 for out-of-towners) simply to attend the grave owners’ party, while others are drawn to the gentle slope of the land and the stunning mountain views. Still, others are attracted by the cemetery’s relaxed burial guidelines, for here you can be interred inside anything that you want. 

So, whether it’s for the natural beauty, the flexible burial policies, family history, or simply the desire to attend the annual party, people are eager to secure their spots in the cemetery. If you decide to buy a plot in Mountain View, you might just find yourself rubbing elbows with your future eternal neighbors—let’s just hope you get along with them!