Shop Local, Buy Local
The Community Economic Development Committee of Gray has launched its  Shop Local and Buy Local campaign, and urges residents to think about Gray businesses first for their needs. If each of Gray’s 3,000 households spent $10 a week in town, it would pump $30,000 a week or more than a $1.5 million dollars a year into the local economy, the committee says.

The CEDC continues to updating its businesses directory in the town’s Welcome Booklet, which can be viewed on the town’s website under About/Welcome to Gray. If you have questions, suggestions or ideas about Shop Local, Buy Local, contact rdery@graymaine.org.

Local filmmaker featured

The 7th Maine Mayhem Film Festival is an annual film festival produced in coordination with senior students in Southern Maine Community College’s Communications and New Media Department. This year’s program features six films, ranging from a documentary to a neo noir sci-fi western.

One of the films “Wizard Wars,”  a fantasy about two wizards who battle to the death for different reasons, is directed, written and produced by Gray resident  Nicholas Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh’s film and the other five entries can be viewed on Wednesday, May 10, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at Nickelodeon Cinemas, 1 Temple Street, Portland. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the Nickelodeon website: www.patriotcinemas.com.

Bike Rodeo

The First Annual Bike Rodeo, to be held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Fiddlehead Art and Science Center, is designed to teach kids up to middle school age how to ride safely. The event includes a free bike safety check, obstacle course, giveaways. bike raffle and refreshments.

This is a joint project of the Gray Parks and Recreation, Fiddlehead Art and Science Center, the Gray Bike-Ped Committee, Gray Physical Therapy and Jerry’s Bike Barn.

RSVPs are encouraged but not required; call 657-2244. For more information,  call 657-2323. Residents of other towns are welcome.

Fiddlehead is located at 25 Shaker Road.

Kentucky Derby Fest

On Saturday, May 6, at 5 p.m., you’re invited to the Fiddlehead Kentucky Derby Fest at the Fiddlehead Art and Science Center, 25 Shaker Road. Join in to view “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” and in addition to streaming the derby they will have a hat and bow-tie competition, raffle, snacks and beverages and a Live and Silent Auction. This a age 21-plus only event. Tickets are $40 per couple and $25 per single and includes two drink tickets per person.

To register, call 657-2244 or go to www.fiddleheadcenter.org.

Bike to School Day

In celebration of National Bike to School Day Wednesday, May 10, students from Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences, Russell School, GNG Middle School and GNG High School, along with their families, teachers and all interested community members, will meet behind Pennell Town Hall with their bicycles for the ride to school. Walkers are also welcome.

There will be a prize drawing, and deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office will be present to help ensure the safety of cyclists and walkers. Recommended arrival times at Pennell are 6:30-6:45 a.m. for GNG High School and Middle School students and 7:15-7:30 am for Fiddlehead and Russell School students. Remember to bring your helmet. Contact Susan at susanchsiu@gmail.com for more information.

Summer Rec Camp

Registration is now open for Summer Rec Camp, which will run for eight weeks starting Monday, June 26, for grades K-7. 

Days will be filled with ice cream walks, obstacle courses, dance contests and Minute-to-Win-It competitions, water balloon fights, chalk art, shaving cream wiffle ball games, penny carnivals, field trips to the beach and Funtown and much more.

For more information and programs go to www.grayrec.com or call 657-2323 ext. 117.

Participate at Summer Festival

Gray’s 2017 Annual Summer Festival is looking for local businesses, artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs to participate in this annual community-wide event. Interactive, educational demonstrations and exhibits, sponsorship opportunities and Business Expo/Maker’s Market booth spaces are all available. Volunteers are also sought.

New this year will be a Friday night kick-off from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 11. The festival will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

For more information, contact Lacy Antonson, at 714-0143 (evenings) or at Lantonson@graymaine.org.

Monsters and mysteries

Free movies showing soon at the Gray Public Library’s theater are: “Monster Trucks” (PG), Saturday, May 6, at 10:30 am.; “Godzilla vs. King Giddorah” (1991), Saturday, May 6, at 1 p.m.; and “Godzilla vs. Mothra” (1964), Saturday, May 13, at 1 p.m.

On Thursday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m., three Maine authors will discuss the art of writing mysteries. This panel offers writers from all over the spectrum, from Lea Wait’s cozy Maine mysteries to Richard Cass’s Boston noir, while Kate Flora, with her strong women and tough cops, has a foot in each camp. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Gray Public Library is located at 5 Hancock St. For more information, call 657-4110 or go to www.gray.lib.me.us.

Church celebrates 20

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 151 West Gray Road, invites the public to its 20th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, May 7. There will be a liturgy from a 1945 UMC Book of Worship with communion service at 10 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch and good conversation till 3 p.m.

Night Creatures and Shooting Sports

The Maine Wildlife Park will feature “Creatures of the Night” on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. Learn the differences between a truly nocturnal vs. crepuscular existence; and why certain critters have adopted a dawn, dusk or completely night-time lifestyle. In addition, there will be a special display about Maine bats.

On the following Saturday, May 13, the park will feature Archery And Laser With Bryant Pond 4-H Shooting Sports. Archery will be available from 10 a.m. to noon with laser rifle from 12:30-2:30 p.m.  Instructors will have equipment and targets to try out. to try your hand at these great family sports.

For more information,go to www.mainewildlifepark.com or call 657-4977, ext. 0.

Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 29, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the Gray community and American Legion Post 86 will remember those who died serving our country. The parade steps off at 10:59 a.m. from Russell Street School and ends at Post 86. There will be a memorial service, guest speakers, bands, hot dogs and hamburgers.

If you are interested in joining the parade, please contact Jason T. Hall at 522-5471.

Auxiliary public supper

Join American Legion Post 86 Gray as the Auxiliary surprises everyone with their culinary delights from 5-6 p.m. Saturday, May 6. The cost of the supper, which will be held at the post, 15 Lewiston Road, is $8 per person, $4 per person under age 12.

“Wizard Wars,” directed by Nicholas Cavanaugh of Gray, will be shown at the 7th Maine Mayhem Film Festival Wednesday, May 10, in Portland. The festival is held annually in coordination with senior students in Southern Maine Community College’s Communications and New Media department.