If you’re a fan of the Maine Italian, head to Monument Square Thursday to get a bite of what is being billed as the World’s Largest Maine Italian Sandwich. At least eight local sandwich shops plan to meet there at 11 a.m. Each will construct 16 feet of its own signature Maine Italian. Together, they hope to construct a finished sandwich that is 144 feet long.

The event is designed to bring attention to the opening event of this year’s Harvest on the Harbor food festival. “Different Roads,” scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 18, will show how Maine food has been influenced by immigration over time. Botto’s Bakery has offered to supply the 12-inch rolls for the sandwiches, and the participants are providing their own traditional ingredients. The sandwich shops that have confirmed so far are A&C Grocery, Anania’s, Pat’s, DiPietro’s, Sister’s Gourmet Deli, Deb’s, Old Port Sandwich Shop, and the Otherside Delicatessen.