Once this storm clears out, we’ve got a burst of January energy this weekend with a brand-new outdoor street & theater festival hosted by The Strand Theatre, and two road trips to central Maine for a hilarious night of community and some good books and bread to warm you up.

The Big Rockland Chill

Saturday, January 21 — Rockland

The Strand Theatre is kicking up its heels for a new outdoor winter festival, “The Big Rockland Chill,” which is taking place outside in the Oak Street Alley in Rockland and in the theater. The event starts at 1 p.m. with outdoor activities ranging from giant snowflake-making, a s’mores station, appearances from Yeti and Teddy, artist Kim Bernard’s colorful ice-block building, and “froga,” (frozen yoga) hosted by Earth Flow + Fire starting at 1:30 p.m. Other outdoor activities will be hosted by RSU13 Youth Alliance, Café Miranda, and Maine Sport Outfitters. From 2-3 p.m., Restorative Justice Project Maine will host a community-building circle around the bonfire. At 3 p.m., a Pet Parade will take place. Following the parade at 3:15 p.m. will be a live steel pan performance by Planet Pan, with audience participation. The outdoor events will culminate in a Yeti Disco Party from 4 to5 p.m.

Indoors at The Strand, free screenings start at 1 p.m. with an encore presentation of Rockland: A Maritime Heritage. From 2-5 p.m., family-friendly winter-themed short films will be screened. Evening screenings will include a family-friendly movie at 6 p.m. (TBD) and a movie for adult audiences at 8 p.m. FMI: visit www.rocklandstrand.com  or call (207) 594-0070.

Killer Road Trip: Monty Python Sing-Along

Saturday, January 21 — Waterville

Killer Road Trip: Stone Broke Bread & Books Ribbon Cutting

Saturday, January 21 — Waterville

One of Gardiner's newest businesses, Stone Broke Bread & Books, which had a soft opening a month ago, is hosting its first ribbon-cutting ceremony for the public. Stone Broke Bread & Books will host the ceremony at 12 p.m. The public is invited to check out the diverse bookstore and bakery that is very in tune with the needs of the community. Stay tuned for our forthcoming Penobscot Bay Pilot story.  There will also be a seed swap from 5-7 p.m. the same day featuring a special speaker. FMI: Stone Broke Bread & Books

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com