Right in time ?for the holidays

This week I have been very distracted while walking in town. It seems that every time I am headed to a particular destination, I suddenly lose track of where I am going, because there are so many pretty window displays and some great new shops and restaurants opening up!

Crabapple Barn, formerly located in Harrison, opened its doors in downtown Bridgton last Saturday, alongside another eclectic new shop that is due to open soon. Harry Barkers Emporium II on Main Hill, has reopened its doors as William Perry House Antiques, with new and old vendors and lots of new items.

On Depot Street, Vivo Country Italian Kitchen is coming along beautifully, as is the new commercial building next to Running with Scissors on Main Street. With all the great businesses in Bridgton, new and old, I’d say we’ve got just about everything we need, right here in town.

Fairs everywhere

Last weekend officially kicked off the holiday fair season, and now it is on in full force. This Saturday, Nov. 14, make the rounds at all three of the fairs taking place in Bridgton. The Congo Church at 33 South High St. will host its annual Christmas Crafts Fair and Cookie Walk from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will also be served. Continue down South High and stop at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for the Holiday Bake & White Elephant Sale from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. A 50/50 raffle will be offered as well. Afterward, take a short drive over to Stevens Brook Elementary School, where the Bridgton PTA will be presenting a Bridgton Holiday Bazaar, with a wide variety of arts and crafts, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

If you aren’t available to bazaar hop this weekend, have no fear; the Bridgton United Methodist Church on Main Street will host their Sleigh Bell Bazaar Christmas Fair next weekend, Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. They will also have free coffee and donuts and a soup and cracker luncheon.

Ladies weekend

In past years, the annual Ladies Day Out took place during one day only. This year, they are making a whole weekend out of it. On Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., come out and support the local businesses in Bridgton. They will reward you with discounts, door prizes, sales and give-a-ways. Plus, some shops are donating a portion of proceeds to charity. Grab your reusable shopping bags and a group of your favorite ladies for a fun weekend out on the town.

Awards dinner

The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is inviting the business community to attend their annual Dinner and Chamber Recognition Awards on Friday, Nov. 20, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Shawnee Peak. The $40 ticket will buy you a seat to hear keynote speaker David Abel, of WMTW Channel 8, while you enjoy a four-course meal (includes tax and gratuity). There will also be music and a cash bar. Tickets are limited. For more information, call 647-3472 or email info@mainelakeschamber.com.

Library news

On Saturday, Nov. 28, there will be a teen matinee from 1-3 p.m. The movie will be “Tomorrowland.” Popcorn will be served. Ongoing programs include Mother Goose Baby Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Read to Misty Dog on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m., and Lego Club on Fridays at 3:30 p.m.

And now for the most exciting library news of all…there will be a holiday tea party for adults (finally, a tea party I can go to!) on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 3-5 p.m. Reservations and payment of $20 are required in advance, due to the limited amount of seating. All proceeds benefit the library. The cost includes a three-course Afternoon Tea, complete with your choice of tea, a scone, savory and sweets course, plus a special gift for each participant. Fancy attire is encouraged. Stop in to reserve your spot today!

Pet photos with ?The Big Guy

Take your best friend to Paris Farmers Union on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to get a photo with Santa! If your best friend is human, skip this event and see above for the other stuff that’s going on around town, such as Ladies Weekend Out.

Christmas magic

The Bridgton and Harrison Rec Departments are co-sponsoring a pretty exciting day out in the city. On Saturday, Dec. 19, there will be a bus trip for adults (ha ha, kiddies!) to see “The Magic of Christmas” at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. The bus will leave the Municipal Building at 9:30 a.m. There will be a tour of the Victoria Mansion, lunch on your own, then the concert at 2 p.m. The bus will return at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 for Bridgton and Harrison residents, $85 for non-residents and $5,345 for people from away. The deadline is Nov. 25, so reserve your spot today by calling Gary Colello at 647-8786.

It’s a fun time of year for kicking around in the deep leaves out in the woods. Just be sure to wear bright orange for safety!