Thanks

I recently mentioned all of the wonderful volunteers who make Bridgton so special, particularly the McHatton family, who host a free annual Thanksgiving dinner at St. Joseph’s Church (and of course you are invited, it’s a day-long affair with more food than you can imagine).

Thanks to all of you who let me know that you too appreciate the many kind-hearted friends and neighbors we have in town. It is so nice to know that you are not only reading my column but taking the time to tell me. Between all of the kind words and positive feedback, I was reminded again of why I love Bridgton and the people who live here.

During this season of celebration and bounty, please take time to reach out to one another with a simple word of gratitude or love. Small gestures make a big difference, so here’s to a Happy Thanksgiving and a cheerful holiday season!

Go, girls

If you notice roving packs of fashionistas up and down Main Street on Saturday, don’t panic, join them. The 2nd annual Ladies Day Out is happening all over town, and there are dozens of shops, galleries and studios participating.

Along with great discounts on gifts, clothes and art, you can get free mini-facials, chocolates and chair massages. Many businesses will have raffles and free refreshments, so get a start on your holiday shopping. This event is also a great chance to support our many diverse locally owned businesses and meet the dedicated owners who keep our money in town and make Bridgton unique.

Ladies Day Out runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. For more information, call Firefly Boutique owner Jessica Jones at 647-3672.

Go green

While you are shopping ‘til you drop at Ladies Day Out, stop by the Bridgton Winter Farmer’s Market in the Community Center. Our local farmers and artisans celebrated their best summer season ever and are moving the market indoors until Christmas.

The Bridgton Farmer’s Market has organic fall veggies, free-range beef and lamb, goat cheese, locally roasted fair-trade coffee, maple syrup, farm-fresh eggs, Maine-made gifts and gift baskets.

The market runs from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday; the Community Center is located just behind the Magic Lantern on Depot Street. They are also accepting vendors, so please call Heather Silvia at 956-8257.

Festival of lights

Bridgton’s Christmas season begins with the holiday parade and visit from Santa, and a new tradition has become a special part of the celebration.

The Festival of Lights precedes the parade at sunset on Saturday, Dec. 4, and everyone is invited to meet in Pondicherry Square at 4:45 to get a candle and join the luminous processional. This is a very special night and a perfect way for families to celebrate this lovely holiday tradition together.

For more information on the candlelight stroll or to enter a float in the parade, contact Development Director Alan Manoian at 647-8786.

Sidewalks and signs

The years-long vision of a renewed and vibrant downtown is becoming a reality, as the infrastructure of connecting sidewalks along Main and Depot Street are being laid this week. As someone who walks daily through town, I think this project will not only make it safer and easier for pedestrians to take to the streets, but also reconnect Depot Street as a scenic and viable commercial route.

The new “Welcome to Bridgton” sign is also a fantastic addition to downtown, adding a cheerfully retro splash of color at the heavily traveled Main Street intersection. With the news of Rob Prindall’s pending BrewPub in the historic Masonic/Big Kahuna building, our vital gateway into town is finally getting the facelift it deserves. Thanks to the volunteers led by Mody Botros and Ken Murphy, and graphic designer Julitta Dennison for creating such a cool new landmark.

Bridgton book

Bridgton’s past is full of fascinating characters and events, and local author Ned Allen knows all about it. A former president of the Bridgton Historical Society, Allen’s book “Images of America: Bridgton” has been reprinted and will be available on Nov. 25, in time to give one to your favorite history buff for Christmas.

Allen relied on the archives of the historical society for much of the information, and there are also over 200 pictures from various eras. The book is $22 and can be purchased through the society, which will benefit from royalties on each sale.

Casting call

If you’ve dreamed of channeling your inner Jack Nicholson, here’s your chance. Lake Region Community Theater is holding auditions for its production of Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

There will be an open casting call on Monday, Nov. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school. Director Rob Juergens is looking for men and women 18 and older, and asks that you bring a two-minute dramatic monologue and expect a cold reading as well.

For more information, check out the theater’s website at www.lrctme.org or call 655-7317.