A Special Advertising Section by The Bangor Daily News | July 29, 2022 DISCOVERBELFASTBELFASTCOMMUNITYTHEATERGROUPPREPARESFORAHORRIBLYFUNSHOWCELEBRATINGBELFAST’S VIBRANT AND HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
During all this growth for Belfast and its downtown, community focus groups and the city council kept an eye to the future. “One of the most important outcomes was that everybody wanted the working waterfront to be retained, not become seasonal condos,” Mortier said.
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The community continued to grow stronger and more colorful when Waterfall Arts took up residency in Belfast’s iconic, 80-year-old Governor Anderson School, which today is
PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
As you stroll along the streets, you are treated to a variety of establishments totaling some 140 (based on a recent study), including Colburn Shoe Store — the oldest shoe store in America. Standing in the business’ 1905 building and working in the family business since he was a young boy, Brian Horne said of Belfast’s downtown, “It’s all about the community.”Megan Pinette, of the Belfast Historical Society & Museum, recognized many businesses downtown are locally owned but it wasn’t always specialty shops. “Belfast was once described as a blue-collar town living in a white-collar era. That’s been one of the hardest parts of the history, realizing the old manufacturing way of life has disappeared,” she said. “There have been highs and lows economically; the closing of the chicken processors in the 1980s hit hard. Then the sardine industry left, the shoe industry vanished, followed by the railroad.”
When visiting businesses, whether a specialty shop, eclectic boutique or practical store, employees not only greet you with a big smile and warm welcome, but also offer a history lesson. For example, the family owned Home Supply Center is now into its third generation. The downtown business, now a hardware and housewares store sporting wooden floors and a tin ceiling, was originally the A&P grocery store.
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“Our downtown is vibrant because a lot of people have worked for the last 30 years to make it so.”
CELEBRATING BELFAST’S VIBRANT AND HISTORIC DOWNTOWN said. Then the sardine industry left, the shoe place,” buildings Colburn Shoe Store, the oldest shoe store in America, in its 1905 building.
“Old eyesores were demolished and fabulous restoration has taken place,” Mortier added. “The renovations to the historic 1800s buildings in the downtown have kept the historic feel. If it wasn’t for a passionate community, none of this would have happened.”
When MBNA, a major credit card company, moved into the city in 1993, the work force exploded almost overnight and Belfast was transformed. “MBNA was a very generous corporation that purchased old factory buildings in the downtown and demolished them at a great cost. In addition, the company gave the land to the city creating The Commons, a waterside park. MBNA also purchased the boat house for its own purposes but later gave it to the city, making it our community center,” said Mortier.
Because of the former MBNA waterfront property, the city is able to host numerous festivals, arts events and even weddings. MBNA left an even greater legacy in its wake according to Mortier. “One of the best is they trained a lot of employees at the time — the young people who are now managers and upper employees of many local companies.”
BY ANNE GABBIANELLI Belfast’s downtown is more than bricks, mortar, painted crosswalks and a variety of businesses. It’s a community. “Our downtown is vibrant because a lot of people have worked for the last 30 years to make it so,” said Mary Mortier, city councilor and a leader in the community organization called Our Town Belfast. The word ‘vibrant’ is used often when people speak of the beautifully maintained, historic bayside reflection of this passionate community.
Recognizing the demise of many downtowns in the 70s because of the influx of malls, Mortier said, “Our downtown did not become as sad as other places because we hired an economic development director, funds were provided for the Chamber of Commerce for Belfast and areas beyond, and city leaders engaged with the Main Street America organization that helped bring economic vitality back downtown, while celebrating its historic character and bringing the community together.”
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Parents Jessica and Eric said it’s the farmers’ market that is the draw for them, while the kids rattled off their pleasures including enjoying the toy room at the market, the “old fashioned” shop and collecting sea glass on the beach. There is something for everyone in Belfast’s vibrant downtown. For Lynn Flagg of Hampden, “It’s my favorite place to go for not only the shops and awesome people but for the river walk. It’s just so beautiful here.”
PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI Shoppers stroll in downtown Belfast.
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The day I walked along Belfast’s Main Street, it was a perfect summer morning, and I witnessed families strolling along, capturing photos of their children like the Thompsons of Carmel.
Belfast merchant, John Haraden, built his two-story brick building in 1850. Located at the corner of Main and Church Streets, it served both John and his son, Daniel, as a store for many years. The Belfast Savings Bank moved into the first floor in 1874. That date is set in granite on the upper story. The original steel and iron safe is still in its original spot.
PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI known as Waldo County’s yearround community arts center with a global appeal. This organization has created arts exhibits, music and dance concerts, education and much more, not only satisfying the locals’ palate but drawing participants from away. As for the city’s future, Economic Development Director Thomas Kittredge said, “Belfast will continue to be a desirable place to live, attracting new visitors and residents.”
The Belfast Maskers will present The Little Shop of Horrors July 28-30 and August 4-6 for evening shows starting at 7 p.m. For an afternoon show, mark your calendars for July 31 and August 7 at 2 p.m.
The cast and crew of the Belfast Maskers production of Little Shop of Horrors is a stellar group of talented, energized, local folks who hope to help you set your worries aside and enjoy some art for an evening.
The Belfast Maskers rehearse for Little Shop of Horrors. MASKERS
COURTESY OF THE BELFAST
Murphy says that the show will take about two months to put together by the time of its opening night, and that by the end, it’s all hands-on deck as volunteers work together to create props and costumes, support each other, and work as a team.
“It's a classic — the music draws you in and the weird sci-fi twist is also hilarious. It's a fun show that is sure to entertain a variety of audience members,” said director KimLittleMurphy.Shopof Horrors will mark the first production that Murphy has directed for the Belfast theater group, although her work is well-known locally as she has been directing at the Camden Regional High School for 25 years.
When you think of summer in Maine, you probably think of hiking trails, lobster dinners and camping. But one bright spot missing from that excellent line-up of summery experiences is a trip to Belfast to watch a production by the incredible community theater group, The Belfast Maskers. And this summer, you're in for a special treat as they are putting on the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors is a musical horror comedy that follows the story of a nerdy florist named Seymour Krelborn. Seymour accidentally discovers that during a total eclipse, one of his plants has developed a rather darkly unique need — human flesh. He uses this fastgrowing plant with a thirst for blood to murder the boyfriend of his co-worker, for whom he pines, creating a hilarious problem when his plant begins demanding more bodies. This musical has unrequited love, comedy, murder and absolute mayhem. Plus the goofy and terrifying maneating plant, which is arguably the star of the entire story.
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If you'd like to volunteer on the Belfast Maskers stage crew or audition for an upcoming show, you can visit their website belfastmaskers.com. Just be careful — the theater bug might bite you!
One heartfelt aspect of The Maskers is that each show takes on a new life of its own, thanks to the ongoing encouragement of folks like Meg Nickerson, who currently serves as the Producing Artistic Director and who has been a Masker since 1991. Nickerson says that for her, helping newbies on the stage flourish, learn and fall in love with acting is part of the magic.
BELFAST COMMUNITY THEATER GROUP PREPARES FOR A HORRIBLY FUN SHOW
“Musical theater is captivating because the music takes you to another level. I love hearing new voices on stage, and I also love seeing how people develop their characters,” Murphy says. “There is an interaction between the actors that you can’t read in a book. It’s musical synergy!”
BY SARAH COTTRELL
“This is our 35th year, and we have always tried to include as many people as possible in our shows,” Nickerson says. “I love to see a new person who’s never been on stage before or in a theater crew blossom throughout the experience. They are usually amazed at how much they learn in a relatively short period of time.”
BY CRYSTAL SANDS
In beautiful Belfast, if you are looking for fresh, local produce, cut flowers, freshly-baked breads or Maine-made arts and crafts, you do not have to look far. With a local population of just around 7,000 people, Belfast is a community that boasts two farmers’ markets—the Belfast Farmers’ Market and the United Farmers’ Market of Maine.
Patrons at BookStacks in downtown Bucksport. PHOTO
The Belfast Farmers’ Market is a year-round market that is outdoors from April through October, located at Waterfall Arts on High Street in Belfast. From November to March, the market moves to the Aubuchon Greenhouse on Northport Avenue. This market is open every Friday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features dozens of local vendors. Offering everything from maple syrup to organic blueberries to handmade baskets, this farmers’ market is one not to miss.
Some of the vendors featured in the Belfast Farmers’ Market include Hubbard Brook Farm and Baskets, who sell fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and handwoven baskets. Freyenhagen Farm offers maple syrup and maple products. Gardiner’s Honey and Pollination features Maine honey, honey soap, as well as beeswax candles. And, if you are looking for local meats, Maine-ly Poultry offers fresh chicken and eggs, and Meadowsweet Farm offers grass-fed beef and lamb. If you miss the Belfast Farmers’ Market on Friday, there is always the United Farmers’ Market on Saturday. The United Farmers’ Market in Belfast is open every Saturday, yearround, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. This indoor market is located at 18 Spring Street, and its indoor location makes it a special farmers’ market with access to restrooms and an ATM. From the vendors at United Farmers’ Market, you can purchase a wide variety of locally-grown and Maine-made products from artisan chocolate to meat and eggs.
Some of the vendors at United include Farmhouse Coffee Roasters, a micro coffee roaster located in Winterport, Beehive Bakery, who harvest ingredients from their very own garden and orchard, as well as Springdale Farms from Waldo, who offer milk and other dairy products.
Nason and his colleagues believe that Belfast, though a small community, is able to support two substantial farmers’ markets because there is a strong emphasis on buying local and supporting people you know. There is a strong desire to buy things from people you know, people who are your neighbors. At both markets, there is also an effort to ensure food access in the community. Currently, the Belfast Famers Market supports both WIC and SNAP/EBT programs. The Belfast Farmers’ Market also offers a “2 for 1” program. For every two dollars spent at the market using an EBT/ SNAP card, an extra dollar in “Maine Harvest Bucks,” which can also be spent at the market, is earned. Nason says the United Farmers’ Market is currently taking steps to also support EBT/SNAP programs and that they have completed the first phase of the process.
Jack Naron, from the United Farmers’ Market, said their market features about 60 local vendors and serves around 50,000 people per year. “There is such community at the market,” he says. Naron says the United market also features a large, nearly 3,000-square-foot dining room space overlooking the harbor. “There’s a sign that says, ‘No cell phones if you can help it,’ because we want to emphasize people connecting to each other,” Naron explains.
If you are visiting Belfast, both of these farmers’ markets should be on your list of things to do, and if you are just looking to experience some beautiful local markets and support Maine farmers, Belfast is a wonderful place to make this happen.
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ONE SMALL TOWN, TWO FARMERS’ MARKETS
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While you are at the market, you can purchase pre-made food from one of the local vendors and then spend some time in the dining room, making connections.
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Grab a lawn chair or your favorite picnic blanket and enjoy weekly outdoor live music now through Sept. 1 at Steamboat Landing Park. The Belfast Summer Nights music series will have you dancing the night away every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free for all ages.
For over 110 years, The Colonial Theatre has been screening Hollywood, independent and foreign movies in the heart of downtown Belfast. This historic art deco movie theatre is easy to spot with its brightly painted facade, neon marquee and elephant sculpture trumpeting above High Street.
Each year, the city hosts one of the biggest parties of the summer — The Belfast Summer Street Party. Hap pening this year on August 1 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., High Street in downtown Belfast will shut down to make way for this free event, featuring live music, food vendors and kid-friendly games.
Calling all dog lovers! Hosted by PAWS Animal Adoption Center, Maine Wienerfest is a celebration of dachshunds, affectionately called “weiner dogs.” This year the event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Steamboat Landing and in clude activities such as the Grand Parade of Dachshunds, Canine Costume Contest, and Doxie Distance Dash.
BY KATE BIELINSKI
Learn About the Area’s History
Take in Local Art
If you fancy yourself a history buff, make sure to stop by the Belfast Historical Society and Museum on Market Street downtown, where you can dive into vintage photographs, maps, postcard collections, and interpretive displays of life in Belfast over the years. Historical tours are also available on Friday mornings at 10 a.m., departing from the Chamber of Commerce at 14 Main Street.
UPCOMINGCATCHEVENTS
Belfast Summer Nights
The art community in Belfast is as vivid as the color spectrum itself. Stroll through the Local Color Gal lery to browse an eclectic collection of work by local artists or visit The Lupine Cottage, a co-op showcasing over 50 Maine artists. The newest addition to the area, Mainely Gallery and Studio, will blow you away with the unique and intricate glass-blown art on display. Stop by on the weekends for live glass demonstrations.
Along the waterfront, you’ll find the Harbor Walk, stretching a half-mile from the Armistice Footbridge to Steamboat Landing, home to many events and festivities. Stroll through the working Front Street ship yard, take in views of the river, or for a change of scenery, connect to the Rail Trail, a 2.3-mile handicapaccessible wooded trail following the Passagassawakeag River.
Watch a Movie at a Century-Old Theatre
BUSY IN BELFAST THESE “CAN’T MISS” ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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Eat Your Heart Out Foodies beware. Perhaps one of the most difficult things you’ll have to do when visiting Belfast is deciding where to grab a bite. From classic Italian dishes at Delvinos to a laid-back spot to catch the game at Rollie's Bar and Grill, there are many restaurants to choose from. New to the area is Rio’s Spiked Cafe, specializing in eclectic European-style tapas made from locally sourced ingredients.
A small city on the shores of Penobscot Bay in Waldo County, Belfast has become known for its beautiful water views, vibrant downtown, growing art and food scene, and unique events. While many choose to visit in the summer months, there is plenty to do in this coastal community all year round.
Stroll Down the Belfast Harbor Walk
ENJOY
Annual Street Party
The fun doesn’t stop on land and the options are plenty. Rent a kayak or book a rowing excursion with DoryWoman Rowing, where you’ll get a tour of the area via rowboat by a licensed Maine guide. If you don’t feel like lifting a paddle, take a loop around the bay on The Back and Forth, a classic wooden lobster boat that stops at Young's Lobster Pound where you can snag a legendary lobster roll.
Explore the Open Water
Belfast Harbor Fest Put on by the Belfast Rotary Club, Belfast Harbor Fest celebrates the area’s boating traditions with a long week end of food, fun, music, and more. Plan your visit for August 19-21 to join in on the festivities. Highlights in clude the National Boat Building Challenge on Saturday where teams of two build a boat in four hours and launch it in a relay race, as well as Sunday’s Cardboard Boat Race and Lobster Fundraiser.
Maine Weinerfest
CAN’T MISS ACTIVITIES
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