Street Sounds

If you were in town last week for the first annual Village Folk Festival and Garden Party, you know why people think Bridgton is such a special town. Downtown was filled with revelers celebrating all that makes our town so unique, from our talented artists and musicians to the dedicated farmers and chefs who grow and cook our food.

Hundreds of friends and families took to Depot Street for the two-day festivities, and I heard some awesome comments like, “this is like a little Key West”, “This reminds me of Exchange Street,” and, “I wish they did this every weekend.”

I was so happy for all of the organizers who worked so hard to make both of these events so successful, and look forward to both of them growing exponentially every year.

The estimated tally for the Folk Fest was 450 attendees, and the Garden Party volunteers served locally grown organic veggies and free range meats to 150 guests. Thanks to you all for all of your hard work. Bridgton is lucky to have you.

Saturday Sounds

Is there anything finer than a summer evening of live music in a historic B&B overlooking the shores of Highland Lake? Having attended the first “Saturday Sounds” show with the charismatic Dan Weber in June, I can say that’s what Maine is all about.

Noble House Innkeeper Cindy Hooper continues this great tradition with local singer/songwriter Heather Pierson. Pierson is a darling of the Maine musician scene, and the recent winner of the New England Songwriters Contest. Her repertoire ranges from New Orleans jazz and Delta Blues to instrumental piano pieces and pop balladry. She will perform at the Inn on Saturday, Aug. 31, starting at 4:30 p.m., and everyone is invited. The Noble House is located at 81 Highland Road and suggested donation is $10-15.

Senior College

It’s never too late to learn something new, and Bridgton’s Senior College can help keep your intellectual chops sharpened into your golden years. This is the 12th year for this popular series, and the course offerings this semester are a diverse mix of literature, science and history.

The six-week sessions run from Sept. 12 through Oct. 25 at the Bridgton Community Center, and due to the popularity of the program prior registration is required. The college kicks off the fall semester with a special appearance from acclaimed Newberry-award winning author Lois Lowry. A complimentary copy of Lowry’s book, “The Giver,” will be given to all participants, and can be picked up at Bridgton Books. This event will be held at Highland Lake Resort from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, but all other classes will be taught at the BCC.

Other classes include Ken Gibbs’ course on Melville’s classic “Moby Dick,” a Speaker Series sponsored by Bridgton Hospital on health and aging, a course on Political and Economic doctrines and a journey through the English Civil War of the 17th century. Truly a syllabus as diverse as our populace here, with something for everyone. For more information and to register, check out www.seniorcollegeatbridgton.org or call 647-5593.

Strike a Pose

Let local yogi Marissa Caminiti help you add grace to your fall with this five-week, 10-class series designed for all levels of experience, including those brand new to yoga. Monday classes will introduce the foundations of an aspect of this ancient art, and Thursday classes will deepen and explore that same aspect.

“Kripalu” means “Compassion” in Sanskrit. Kripalu Yoga nurtures self-compassion of one’s own body, mind and spirit. It is based on the understanding that every body is different, and so each body will have different needs. Students learn to honor the body, and are encouraged to make modifications when necessary. Yoga embodies a holistic perspective rather than “wrong” versus “right.” Likewise, it teaches that we are never in the “wrong” place in life; We are always exactly where we need to be. Stepping onto the mat is like a sanctuary from the world. Yoga improves breathing capacity, ability to handle stress, body awareness, concentration, strength, flexibility and an overall sense of well-being.

Students are welcome to pre-register for the full experience of all 10 classes, or may opt for five classes – either Monday’s introductions or Thursday’s explorations. Cost is $45 for five classes (pre-register) and $90 for 10 classes (pre-register), or you can simply pay $12 to “drop in” to any class you wish. Contact Marissa at [email protected] for more info or to register.

Healthy Harvest

Bridgton’s local growers are really reaping with they sewed this spring, and the fresh veggies are rolling in to the Farmer’s Market. Late August is prime time to load up on organic produce, and our market is filled with all the fruits of the Maine harvest. Along with the usual suspects you’ll find artisanal goat cheese, handmade soaps and salves, locally loomed yarns, free-range organic meats and live entertainment. And while it certainly isn’t fall yet, its not too soon to find some cool gourds and squashes there as well. Thanks for buying local and supporting our hardworking farmers.

The Bridgton Farmer’s Market gathers every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Commons behind the Magic Lantern on Depot Street.

The Village Folk Festival and Garden Party took over Depot Street in downtown Bridgton last weekend.