Spring is an exciting season in Bridgton, with flowers and trees blooming daily, the Farmer’s Market opening and our summer residents returning to set up camp and spend their money. If you are feeling sad about the soggy and swampy start to spring just remember that all this rain is great for the gardens and grass. It might seem hard to believe right now, but sunny days are coming. It’s going to be a great summer!

Flower Power

If you need cheering up, check out the gorgeous landscaping framing our new “Welcome to Bridgton” sign at the downtown stoplight. Our local Ladies Garden Club, Perennial Point of View and the Public Works Department maintain the plantings throughout Bridgton, and every year they look beautiful. Not only do they add focal points of color, but they make an important statement to visitors and passers-by that we take pride in our town and appreciate its beauty.

Historic Walkabout

Bridgton is a fabulous town for walking, with the Stevens Brook Trail winding through town and Pondicherry Park’s urban oasis now open for all. Add the popular new “Downtown Bridgton Historic Walking Tour” Series to the mix and you have even more reasons to get out and about this month.

Our Economic Development Director Alan Manoian will lead the first tour of the season to Farragut Memorial Park, the historic 1852 Town Hall and the 1913 Civil War Monument. Timed to kick off Memorial Day celebrations, the tour is called “The Glory of Historic Bridgton,” and it will take you through the fascinating wartime heritage of the town’s past.

This walk is on Thursday, May 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. It meets at the Town Hall on North High Street. Everyone is welcome, including children; it will be a slow, easy stroll but you are encouraged to wear walking shoes and bring water. Contact Alan with any questions at 647-8786 or ecodevdir@bridgtonmaine.org.

Horrifyingly cool

When he’s not busy leading walking tours, upgrading our sidewalks and bringing new businesses to town, Alan Manoian is also working on another project: A Bridgton-centric literary festival celebrating Maine writing legend Stephen King.

Anyone who has lived in the area surely has their own stories to tell about King sightings, as he spends much of his time here in the summer and has based several of his most popular novels and short stories in Bridgton. He enjoys world-wide renown, and the festival would bring many of his devoted fans to town.

There will be an open-to-the-public meeting on Wednesday, June 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Bridgton Municipal building on Chase Street to get feedback for the concept. Manoian envisions a two-day “literary heritage” festival, possibly scheduled for fall, and encourages anyone interested to get involved. Call him at 647-8786.

Ladies’ day out

If you see roving mobs of ladies running loose on Main Street Saturday, fear not. It’s only the semi-annual “Ladies Day Out”, when dozens of local businesses pamper you with massage, mini-facials, sales and giveaways.

What Jessica Jones of Firefly Boutique envisioned to be a way to spotlight hers and others’ locally-owned shops in Bridgton has become a town-wide event, with hundreds of women attending. Just about every store, gallery and restaurant in town is doing something special, so grab your girlfriends and hit the town! “Ladies Day Out” goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.

Homemade Pies

What lovely two words those are. The First Congregational Church is holding their popular pie sale on Saturday, May 28, which is both a fundraiser for church projects and a great excuse for you to not spend your holiday weekend in the kitchen.

The sale starts at 9 a.m. at Oberg’s Insurance on Main Street (right across from the Magic Lantern) and you should get there early because they always sell out. The selection usually includes apple, blueberry, strawberry and custard pies, and prices range from $10 to $15. For more info, call 647-3936 or check out www.bridgtonucc.com.

Tennis Anyone?

I dearly miss my tennis partner, Coco Davis, since she moved to Nashville; we had so much fun playing on Monday mornings at the Bridgton Highlands Summer Tennis Clinic. I’m looking forward to seeing all the other regulars but it won’t be the same without her…

Highlands club pro Bob Kimnach has announced this summer’s clinic schedule, and there is something for every level of skill. Classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and are open to the public for a small fee. They are friendly classes and drills, with drop-in round robins and doubles games throughout the week. Call Bob at 603-986-6708 for clinic schedules and fees, and see you on the court!

Bake and BRAG

The final fundraising push for the BRAG Recreational fields continues with a yard and bake sale at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at Stevens Brook School.

After a decade of planning and a major grant, the ball fields are finally close to being reality. Whether you want to buy or sell, there will be something for everyone. Clothes, housewares, Nascar items, camping and sporting equipment, with all proceeds going to BRAG. Tables are available for rent for only $10. Please drop off donated items to MacDonald Motors or call 627-7380 if you need items picked up.

Batter Up!

Bridgton’s first Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run competition on May 7 was a great success, and Rec director Tom Tash has announced the local young athletes who will advance to the sectional event being held at The Ball Park at Old Orchard Beach on May 22.

Congratulations to Aden Richardson, Robert Stuart, Colby Chaine, Cody Allen, Mark Mayo, Tyler Walker, Kyle Desouza, Samantha Desouza, Haley Fernald and Madison Rock.