Out in Jefferson on Saturday, several local legislative candidates tossed candy, shook hands, and waived from antique cars as they participated in the annual parade.

With fair season in full swing, and other community events planned before school starts, you can bet you'll see legislators and their opponents out and about.

With all 186 legislative seats up for grabs in November (a few are uncontested) it's an exciting year. Here's a short list of what are expected to be competitive races in central Maine:

Starting right here in Augusta, the contest for House Seat 56 between Anna Blodgett and Julie O'Brien should be close. Although Blodgett is a newcomer, Democrats will want to keep the seat they currently hold (Rep. Kim Silsby is not running for reelection.) But O'Brien is popular in Augusta and executive director of the state Republican party.

Up in the Oakland/Sidney area, former Rep. Robert Nutting, a Republican, is trying to reclaim his seat. He faces Sam Bromberg, a Democrat from Oakland. Again, Bromberg is a legislative newcomer, but the seat is currently held by a Democrat (Rep. Jill Conover, who is not running). Nutting is well-know and leads the Kennebec County Republicans.

Over in the Senate, Sharon Benoit, a Democrat from Monmouth, and former state legislator, is hoping to knock Sen. Earle McCormick, R-West Gardiner, out of his seat. McCormick has won some close elections in the last few years, and Benoit made it through a tough primary with the promise that she knows how to win elections.

Which brings me back to the Jefferson parade.

Former Rep. David Trahan, R-Waldoboro, shook hands like crazy along the parade route as part of his quest to beat Rep. Peter Rines, D-Wiscasset. Both are trying to fill the Senate seat left open by Sen. Dana Dow, R-Waldoboro.

What other central Maine races are hot?