Midcoast celebrates the holidays
Nights may be long this time of year in the Midcoast, but they twinkle with lights and festivities, bonfires, music and laughter as communities celebrate the holidays.
With calendars filling with events and stories, PenBayPilot.com will keep them all collected here, on our Midcoast Holiday page.
We wish you all good cheer through the season and into the new year!
Otto the Cat issues challenge for benefit of Camden Area Christian Food Pantry
CAMDEN — For the third time in two years, the mysterious Otto the Cat has come forward with a challenge to benefit Camden Area Christian Food Pantry (CACFP).
This very generous and anonymous benefactor will donate $2 for every $1 raised, up to a total of $10,000, between now and December 17. The Otto Challenge funds will be used to purchase Hannaford Gift Cards which in turn will be given to those in need.
“The holidays can be especially hard for those we serve as they… Read more
Rockport Garden Club dresses the town for 2021 holidays
ROCKPORT — The Rockport Garden Club has been diligently working on dressing up the town for the winter holidays, according to the Club, in a news release.
“Through fundraising activities and donations, the Garden Club is able to add many cheerful touches around town,” said the Club.
Doug Cole and Martha Bouchard hung wreaths on the bridge on Pascal Ave overlooking the harbor.
Martha Bouchard and Denise Munger added wreaths to the Rockport Opera House.
… Read more
Smiles aglow for Rockland Festival of Lights Parade 2021
ROCKLAND — Downtown Rockland lit up the night for its Festival of Lights, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.
On the heels of a morning snow dusting, hundreds of families decked in their winter garb for the 30-degree temperatures as they lined Main Street to watch parade participants transport their holiday lights from the ferry terminal to Harbor Park.
The parade started earlier start this year, at 5 p.m. At approximately 6 p.m., as is tradition, Santa assisted with the countdown to… Read more
Santa comes to Rockland town in 2021
ROCKLAND — Rockland’s annual Festival of Lights unofficially began this morning, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, with its annual Festival ribbon cutting at the intersection of Park and Main streets. Yet, one may say that the holiday is marked by Santa’s arrival, which occurred just past 8 a.m. this morning.
This evening, between 4:30 and 6 p.m., Main Street will be closed to traffic for the Rockland Festival of Lights Parade. The parade will begin at 5 p.m., at the Rockland Ferry Terminal,… Read more
Concerts, crafts to herald the season at First Congregational Church
CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden will host several festive events during “Christmas by the Sea” weekend in Camden, December 3 - 4, 2021.
Following CDC recommendations, all events taking place at the First Congregational Church require the wearing of KN95 masks, which will be provided to individuals at the door. The handbell concert on Saturday requires pre-registration; see details below.
On Friday, December 3, at 12 noon, the Church kicks off ‘Christmas by… Read more
Camden Garden Club wreaths light up the town
CAMDEN — On November 3 and 10, members of the Camden Garden Club gathered at the American Legion Hall to make bows and assemble the fresh balsam wreaths now lining Elm and Main Streets lampposts in Camden this holiday season.
Since the 1950s, the Club has provided holiday decorations for the town. The tradition of fresh balsam wreaths adorned with puffy red bows and lights began in 1971 and this year marks its 50th year.
The Club has purchased the fresh balsam fir wreaths… Read more
Rockport Garden Club begins annual winter holiday town beautification project
Members of the Rockport Garden Club have begun preparing for their annual winter holiday town beautification project. Wreaths and greens will adorn various locations throughout town.
Several members participated in handmaking bows for the wreaths. Those members are (L-R) Patti Peace, Susan Freeman, Kristin Mikkelson, Martha Bouchard and Helen Kuhl (not pictured).
Seasonal shows take 2021 stage at Camden Opera House
CAMDEN — The Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St., offers seasonal treats in upcoming weeks, just the ticket – if you get them now – to offer respite from the hustle and bustle. All shows are reduced capacity with some spacing, and masks are required in the building.
Camden’s annual Christmas-by-the-Sea is back the first weekend of December, and the opera house looks forward to hosting the annual “Nutcracker” by the local Atlantic Ballet Company. ABC handles… Read more
Camden Public Library collects donations for Hat and Mitten Tree
CAMDEN — From now through Monday, December 20, the Camden Public Library will again be collecting hats, mittens, scarves, and socks to be donated to the SOS Room at the First Congregational Church. Donations may be dropped off at the library during regular operating hours.
“This year has been challenging for so many of our neighbors, and donations of these items are needed now more than ever,” said the Library, in a news release.
The Hat and Mitten Tree, which will be… Read more
Waldo County Technical Center holds fourth 'Tis the Season fundraiser
WALDO — For the past three years, students at Waldo County Technical Center (WCTC) have left for their holiday vacation armed with warm clothes and a little extra food, thanks to the Tech Center’s annual ‘Tis the Season celebration. The fourth annual celebration will be held the week of December 14.
This event is organized by WCTC’s Food4Friends and Cool2BWarm committee, which is dedicated to ensuring that all students who attend the Tech Center have their basic needs met so they… Read more
Calendar of Events
Find a listing of holiday events on our calendar!
Holiday Photo Galleries
Joy and high spirits fill Camden with start of holiday season