BIDDEFORD — Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center is looking for nominations for the 2022 Biddeford Hall of Fame, an annual BCHC program, now in its fifth year. The program recognizes and celebrates the citizens of Biddeford or non-residents who have contributed to the history, heritage and culture of the city or the world at large in a significant way.

“We are very excited to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of those connected with the community. It’s important to remember where we came from and how far we can go,” said Diane Cyr, BCHC board president. “It’s great to be able to share some of the stories, the people and events that make Biddeford what it is today — a better place to live and work — with the community and relatives of those being honored. BCHC is proud to host this event and hopes to make this a special celebration for everyone involved.”

Honorees will be inducted at a ceremony tentatively set for noon Saturday, Sept.10, at Biddeford City Hall Council Chambers.

Nominations should be sent in on the official forms available on the BCHC website, although any application will be considered. Nomination forms will also be available at the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, McArthur Library, Biddeford City Hall and at the Heart of Biddeford. Deadline for submissions is July 28.

Nominations submitted in past years, but not selected, will also be considered along with this year’s nominations, organizers say. Voting, which is conducted by the Hall of Fame Committee, composed of members of the BCHC and the Biddeford Historical Society, the mayor, and members of the public, will take into consideration the significance of a nominee’s ethnic background, said Cyr. People may nominate themselves.

Denis Litalien, chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, said the last three years’ selection processes were difficult.

“With 400-plus years of history, this city has produced many excellent nominees,” Litalien said. “More than 60 people were nominated, and 24 have, thus far, been recognized as a result of their work ethic, talents, perseverance and accomplishments.”

The 24 inductees, he said, are featured in a display at the Biddeford City Hall, open to the public for viewing during business hours. They were also featured on banners hung from the streetlights on Main Street in Biddeford.

Mayor Alan Casavant spoke at the 2021 event.

“This award is a perfect way to put a spotlight on people who have made deep contributions to our community,” Casavant said. “It could be the talented workers who came here from Turkey or Albania and used their ingenuity to create cloth known all over the world for its quality. It could be the Native Americans who were here in the beginning and helped so many Europeans flourish. It could be the women who were the matriarchs of their families and helped inspire a new generation in Biddeford.”

Following the induction ceremony, family and friends of those honored will be treated to some of downtown Biddeford’s local restaurants while banners with the inductees’ likenesses will be hung on the City Hall area streetlights. Representatives of BCHC will be available for those interested in learning more about the organization and its other programs, and becoming involved.

To nominate someone for the Biddeford Hall of Fame, the committee asks people to submit up to two pages of text along with the nomination form to: BCHC, c/o Diane Cyr, PO Box 896, Biddeford, ME 04005-0896 or email documents to bchc04005@gmail.com. Documents may also be submitted at www.BiddefordCulturalandHeritageCenter.org or submitted to any BCHC Board member or HOF Committee Member. For more information, contact Cyr at 283-3993

Comments are not available on this story.