BOWDOINHAM — Dressed in a billowing Victorian-style dress, Nancy Call spent the weekend ringing a bell at the corner of Main and School streets, inviting visitors inside Bowdoinham’s Nazarene Church. Instead of a sermon or gathering of faith, visitors found a Victorian-era celebration of the holiday season, Bowdoinham’s Holiday Festival.
“It makes you think what is the season really all about,” Call said. “We’re so used to going to box stores. A community event like this where we come together really makes you think.”
Marilyn Davis and Call volunteered to share their church and decorations Call’s bell-ringing and Davis’ knowledge of the town and church blended together to add a new wrinkle to the holiday festival.
“We’ve made it into a Victorian celebration,” said Davis. “We made it as a gift to the town of Bowdoinham so the people can come in and enjoy it.”
“It just has to do with how can we be there for the community,” said Pastor Christina Couch. “What unique thing can we bring to the community that’s something that you’re not going to find perhaps elsewhere? Given the age of the building, the Victorian Christmas seemed like the thing to do.”
The church building is approaching its 129th anniversary, opening on Jan. 29, 1890. Davis joked that she felt like a tour guide this weekend, outlining the history for attendees, connecting that long history with Bowdoinham’s present. Her father was instrumental in the beginnings of the Nazarene Church 70 years ago. More than 80 guests came out to hear her story, enjoy some refreshments, and learn about a more simple time on Saturday.
As the church opened for the third day of the festival Sunday, Couch and her volunteers had already welcomed more than 100 visitors. Twenty-nine volunteers helped prepare the decorations or prepare a snack for gusts.
“I think today people are hesitant to go into a church, and I understand that,” said Call. “But, this is about sharing this place with our community.”
A short walk up School Street, just out of ear-shot of Call’s bells, the holiday celebration continued. Festive music filled the town hall for the Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans Show and Sale. Jewelry, scarfs, mittens and other crafts were on display. A steady lineup of local musicians filled the hall with music.
Joanie Mitchell has been bringing her creations, Merrymeeting Mittens, to the artisans show for the past five years.
“Every year we seem to have a few new people so new product makes it interesting for the people that come out,” said Mitchell. “It’s fun you see a lot of your friends and local people.”
While those in the art show spent most of their time in the town hall, Mitchell enjoyed the festive atmosphere the event brought to town over the weekend.
Phot0 Gallery: Bowdoinham Holiday Festival [maxgallery id=”233278″]
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