The Holidays have arrived in Downtown Bangor!

The City Tree is going up and Holiday Events are scheduled for this weekend.

Bangor, Maine – Downtown Bangor is getting dressed up for the holiday season.  Business owners are decorating their storefronts, decorations have been hung on the light poles and holiday lights are being placed in West Market Square.  One of the most anticipated decorations of all is the Holiday Tree, generously grown and donated by Sprague’s Nursery.  The Holiday Tree will be delivered to West Market Square on Wednesday December 4th at 9:00 am.

Saturday, December 7th will be bustling Downtown as the Downtown Bangor Partnership hosts Santa’s Workshop; Santa Claus returns to Downtown for the 6th year to kick off the holiday season.

Santa's Workshop 12 PM- 4:00 PM, 33 Central Street, Bagel Central.  Grownups are invited to bring their camera to capture their child’s visit with Santa at no cost. Professional photographer Soubanh of Memory Maker Photography  (memorymakerphotographyme.com) will be taking photos of the kids with Santa and making them available onsite for a discounted price.  Free cookie decorating will be available while supplies last.

Festival of Light's Parade, an annual event put on by the Rotary Club of Bangor will begin at 4:30 PM on Main Street. There will be marching bands, small and large floats, dancers and other performing groups representing traditional scenes celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, New Years, Solstice, Kwanzaa and other happenings. This dazzling event brightens the season for the thousands of spectators who will line the streets of Bangor. The parade route starts at Railroad Street; turns right onto Main Street; crosses Union Street and continues through downtown Bangor; turns right onto State Street; and a final right onto Exchange Street.

City Tree Lighting in West Market will immediately follow the parade.

Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of downtown Bangor which encourages retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district.  For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.

The Holidays have arrived Downtown Bangor!

The City Tree is going up and Holiday Events this weekend. 

Bangor, Maine – Downtown Bangor is getting dressed up for the holiday season.  Business owners are decorating their storefronts for the Downtown decoration contest, banners will be hung, decorations will be posted on the light poles and holiday lights are being placed in West Market Square.  One of the most anticipated decorations of all is the Holiday Tree, generously grown and donated by Sprague’s Nursery.  The Holiday Tree will be delivered to West Market Square on Tuesday November 27th at 9:00 am.  

Saturday December 1st will be bustling Downtown as the Downtown Bangor Partnership hosts Santa’s Workshop; Santa Claus returns to Downtown for the 5th year to kick off the holiday season. 

Santa's Workshop 12 PM- 4:30 PM, 33 Central Street, Bagel Central.  Grownups are invited to bring their camera to capture their child’s visit with Santa at no cost. Professional photographer Anne Schmidt (anneschmidtphotography.com) will be taking photos of the kids with Santa and making them available on her website.  Cookie decorating throughout the event (while supplies last).

ART FACTORY 11am - 4 pm. Free and open to the public. Bring the whole family to UMMA’s 5th annual holiday art-making event; drop by anytime between 11 am and 4 pm. Hands-on art stations will provide parents and children the opportunity to engage in various creative projects. Create your own card, ornament or gift. Supplies are FREE and instruction will be given throughout the day.  UMMA Art Factory is generously sponsored by WBRC Architects and Engineers.

PLAID FRIDAY and SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOPPING ALTERNATIVES IN DOWNTOWN BANGOR!

Friday, November 23rd And Saturday, November 24th

Bangor, Maine - This year, holiday shoppers can avoid the lines, stress, and the hunting for parking spots that come with the typical retail places on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Instead, sleep in and join us in Downtown Bangor for our Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping alternatives.  Shops will be opening at 10am and will close around 6 or 7pm.  

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.  Help us celebrate by wearing plaid while shopping in Downtown on Friday, November 23rd.

Many of the shops in Downtown will be offering sales and discounts ranging from 10 to 25% off; some businesses will be offering even steeper discounts.  Many of the shops Downtown also offer free gift-wrapping.

“This laid back shopping experience fits well with how distinctive Downtown Bangor is” says Jason Bird, Downtown Coordinator.  “The businesses in Downtown offer unique gifts and a relaxed atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.  Shopping elsewhere can be stressful.  Instead, come Downtown, do some shopping, have lunch and enjoy the day.  There won’t be any pushing or shoving. ”

On Friday, shoppers can show their receipt from any Downtown business at either Giacomo’s or Antique Marketplace Café and get a free coffee.

Most of the retail shops will be participating.  Some are: Valentine Footwear, Blue Heron, Mexicali Blues, Metropolitan Soul, The Rock and Art Shop, Epic Sports, Central Street Farm House, Briar Patch, Maine Jewelry and Art and more!

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 by American Express to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Last year, over 100 million people came out across the nation to shop at independently-owned small businesses on the day.

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district.  For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.

HOMEMADE MUSIC TAKES COOL SOUNDS STAGE: Half Moon Jug Band headline July 5th Cool Sounds Concert

BANGOR, ME- Downtown Bangor Partnership welcomes country, bluegrass style Half Moon Jug Band to the Cool Sounds Stage. This band is a four-man musical mob of desperadoes hijacking the plodding freight train of folk music, steaming it up the mountains of rock ‘n roll, through the vaudeville pass, and down across the valley of country music before wrecking it in the middle of a rubber chicken farm on the outskirts of town. Their weapons of choice: guitars, banjos, mandolins, hefty bass riffs and rotund sing-along choruses. This is honest, good-time music with great taste, see for yourself!


The show is in conjunction with the Outdoor Market which features over 45 vendors selling Maine-made fine arts, select crafts, specialty food items and produce. All items are handmade, prepared or raised by the vendor. Items available include; art, baked goods, cheese, clothing, food, handbags, jewelry, photography, and much more. The market, located along Broad Street and in West Market Square, will be held from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM. For a complete list of vendors visit www.downtownbangor.com. The Cool Sounds free concert runs from 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM.

These events take place from 5:00-8:00 PM rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather. In the event of heavy rain market participation is at the discretion of the vendor and concerts will be moved under Pickering Square garage.

Remaining 2012 Cool Sounds lineup includes:
July 12th - Rog & Ray (Tropical rock)
July 19th - Everett Dumas (Acoustic rock, pop)
July 26th - RetroRockerz (Good‐time music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's)
August 2nd - Stesha Cano
August 16th - The Veayo Twins (Modern, alternative)
August 23rd – Marshall Ford Swing Band (Western Swing), Partnership with the American Folk Festival
August 30th - The Time Pilots (Music of the 80’s)
This event is not possible without the generous support of local sponsors. Corporate Sponsor: Bangor Hydro Electric Company.
Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of downtown Bangor which encourages retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information visit www.downtownbangor.com.

History is Alive in Downtown Bangor!

History is Alive in Downtown Bangor!

Downtown Bangor Historic Photo Contest Winner Announced


BANGOR, ME – Downtown Bangor is well recognized for its history, from the lumber trade to the great fire and beyond, Downtown’s architecture is a highlight of its history. For this reason the Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) hosted a historic photo contest, in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Preservation Month. The photo contest began in late March and ran through April 30th.

DBP received nearly 100 photo submissions of downtown landmarks from over 50 area photography amateurs, professionals and hobbyists. The caliber of photographs submitted was extremely impressive and it was difficult for the panel of judges to narrow the submissions down to one winner.

The entries were judged on attention to detail, creativity, quality, historical relevance, originality, and unique, “eye-catching”, perspective. We are pleased to announce that Jeanne Caron, of Winterport, has been awarded top honors for her striking photo of the All Souls Church on Broadway. Caron captured a warm and welcoming photo that stood out from the rest, and amplified the unique and historical architectural beauty of Bangor. Her photo will be printed in an upcoming issue of Bangor Metro.

Submissions from three photographer’s stood out and the Judges have awarded them with an Honorable Mention; Bobbie Jo Mclain, Hampden, for her unique perspective of Columbia Street Church. Edner Mae Fago, Brewer, for her very texture oriented photo of a door on Main Street, and Greg Bennett, Hampden, for his detailed shot of the Bangor Public Library. All winning photos are available for viewing on the DBP website, www.downtownbangor.com, and on our facebook page www.facebook.com/downtownbangor.
All photographs submitted are eligible for use in future Downtown Bangor publications including brochures, website, social media and more. An online gallery will be set up so all photographs can be viewed in the coming weeks. Due to the high quality of work the committee is also considering ways to publicly display the photographs in the future.

Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of downtown Bangor which encourages retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information visit www.downtownbangor.com.

Bangor Announces Downtown Photo Contest

Bangor Announces Downtown Photo Contest
Editor: David Mills


BANGOR, ME - Downtown Bangor is well recognized for its beautiful architecture, which holds much history behind it. The Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) is doing a history promotion in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Month in May. In honor of history month, DBP is holding a photography competition, through the month of April, to highlight downtown Bangor's unique structures. The contest is open to all-- photography amateurs, professionals, and photo hobbyists!

Photos must be submitted by April 30th, 2012. DBP panel of judges will choose one winner the first week in May. The winning photo will be featured in Bangor Metro magazine and will be displayed on the DBP website, the Bangor Museum and Center for History website and shared through our social media channels that reach thousands!

Enter at
www.downtownbangor.com/photocontest

For questions email DBP intern, Selma Basic.
dtintern@bangormaine.gov

Downtown Bangor Cool Sounds Line Up Announced; Vendor Space Still Available!

Downtown Bangor Cool Sounds Line Up Announced; Vendor Space Still Available!
Editor: David Mills


BANGOR, ME - The Downtown Bangor Partnership announces the 7th annual Cool Sounds Concert Series and Outdoor Market now extended through August. The market, located along Broad Street and in West Market Square, will be held Thursdays June 21st-August 30th from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM; up to 50 vendors are expected. The market is held in conjunction with the Cool Sounds free concert series from 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM on the same dates.

2012 Cool Sounds line up:

6/21/12 Rockin’ Ron (Oldies, surf, country, doo-wop and rockabilly)
6/28/12 Mellow Endeavor (Rock, jam)
7/5/12 Half Moon Jug Band (Country, bluegrass)
7/12/12 Rog & Ray (Tropical rock)
7/19/12 Everett Dumas (Acoustic rock, pop)
7/26/12 RetroRockerz (Good‐time music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's)
8/2/12 Stesha Cano (“blue eyed soul”)
8/9/12 Kahbang Street Party (TBA)
8/16/12 The Veayo Twins (Modern, alternative)
8/23/12 American Folk Festival Preview: Marshall Ford Swing Band (Western Swing music)
8/30/12 The Time Pilots (Music of the 80’s)

Limited vendor space is still available; items sold must be handmade, prepared or raised by the vendor;
emphasis is placed on Maine-made, specialty food items and produce. Examples include artwork, baked
goods, produce, specialty foods, handbags, jewelry, photography and much more. Food vendors are also
welcome.

Vendors may sign up for 5 weeks, 10 weeks or a single day option. This year our vendors are eligible to
receive a special rate at the August 9th KahBang Kick-Off Street Party. Vendor information is available at
www.downtownbangor.com/market. Vendor fees increase May 1st.

In 2011 over 6,000 people attended the Outdoor Market and Cool Sounds Concerts. This year market
vendors will be able to reach more people than ever as our market will overlap Waterfront Concert
dates, the KahBang Festival and the American Folk Festival. Don’t miss out on your chance to reach this
market with your product!

Non-profit organizations wishing to set up an information table may be eligible for a fee waiver; please
contact them by phone prior to submitting an application.

Thank you to Bangor Hydro Electric Company for their corporate sponsorship and ongoing support of
this summer tradition in Downtown Bangor.

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity
of downtown Bangor which encourages retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural
life within the downtown district. For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit
www.downtownbangor.com. Questions can be addressed to Shirar Patterson at 207-992-4234 or
downtown@bangormaine.gov.