This weekend in Ellsworth, ME

Organized by BARN, Wellspring, Together Place, Bangor Public Health and Community Services, ME-RAP, and Penquis SAY, this free, community-wide celebration at the Bangor Waterfront honors National Recovery Month and is regarded as the largest recovery gathering in Maine. All are welcome, including individuals in recovery, family and friends, professionals in the field, and anyone who believes in recovery. The day features live music and entertainment, uplifting speakers sharing recovery journeys, family-friendly activities, a variety of community resource booths, a cornhole tournament, and complimentary burgers and hot dogs. The focus is on celebrating recovery, reducing stigma, and helping people connect with the support and services that make recovery possible.

A community celebration highlights Bangor’s new Community Mural by acclaimed Maine artist Rachel Gloria Adams, created in collaboration with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. This large-scale piece transforms a prominent downtown wall into a colorful tribute to the city’s people, places, history, and culture. Patterns contributed by five Bangor-area artists are woven into the design, bringing multiple perspectives together in one vibrant work of public art. The gathering offers a chance to meet the artists, enjoy a beverage and a snack, see the completed mural up close, and snap photos. Drinks are donated by Orono Brewing Company. There is a suggested $5 contribution for entry, and drinks are available for a suggested $5 each, with proceeds supporting Bangor Beautiful and future community projects. Visitors can also learn about Bangor Beautiful, hear the story behind the mural, and discover ways to get involved in creating more public art and beautiful community spaces across Bangor. Appreciation goes out to the many donors, volunteers, artists, businesses, and community partners who made the project possible, with special thanks to sponsors The Rock & Art Shop, Edwards, Faust & Smith, CPAs, Bangor International Airport, and Scott Edwards at the Standpipe level, High Tide Capital, Fairmount Dental, Penobscot Financial Advisors, Verrill Law, Varney Agency, Maine Savings, and Greater Bangor Association of Realtors at the Paul Bunyan level, and Birchbrook and Largay Law Offices at the Penobscot level.