Business is booming

Bridgton’s downtown is thriving this summer, with local businesses reporting strong sales and many happy visitors. The stunning new Bob Dunning Bridge behind the Magic Lantern welcomes people into the sanctuary of Pondicherry Park. Live music and plays are being held weekly on the Library’s new Courtyard and we have enjoyed fabulous weather for the Saturday Farmer’s Market on Depot Street. If only summer could last forever…

Community charrette

The classic New England downtown is an enviable antidote to the faceless sprawl of many other places, and Bridgton is fortunate to have such a picturesque town center.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee is working on a new “Form-based Code” guideline to streamline future residential and commercial projects in town, making both more inviting to developers and homeowners. This is an exciting effort and is open to all residents of Bridgton. We hold planning meetings every Monday night at 6:30 the Town Office/Municipal Building, and welcome public attendance and input.

We are also holding a public design session on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 at the Town Office. This “charrette” is an interactive meeting of local home and business owners, town planners and architects, where we discuss ways to build a better Bridgton through simple, common-sense development. Please join us for this exciting new discussion about the future of the town we all love.

Holy cow

The first annual Western Maine BBQ Festival was a raging success, and even though it fell during the oppressive heat wave of 2011, over 12,000 people attended, raising thousands of dollars for charity.

Denmark Lion Sonya Allen said the inaugural event will help fund Lions Club projects across Maine as well as individual town projects and scholarships. The heated competition between local smokers Bob McHatton and Team Black Horse was won by a chicken wing by McHatton’s crew, and Nick Klimek and Eric Heath have vowed revenge next year. Congratulations to all the winners and the Lions for creating a fun new summertime tradition!

Rooftops and racehorses

There is much excitement in the Rufus Porter world this summer, as the Museum recently announced plans to relocate to a prime spot on Main Street just beside the Bridgton Library.

They received a generous grant to help with renovations of the historic house, and the moving of the two existing mural-filled structures at the current 67 N. High St. site. Until then, though, there is a lovely ongoing exhibit at the museum this summer.

The museum is honoring Eula Shorey in appreciation for her life’s work in preserving the history of Bridgton, and for highlighting the value of weathervanes many years ago. Shorey has loaned a weathervane, “Mountain Boy,” a famous racehorse from the 1880s, which formerly sat atop the Perry House on Main Hill in Bridgton. The exhibit will be open until Oct. 1, from 12-4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Check out wwwrufusportermuseum.org for more info.

Fiddle festival

It’s short notice but I have to remind you about this exciting event and I hope you can make it. The historic Narramissic Farm in South Bridgton has been around for over 100 years, but it hasn’t hosted a major concert until now. On Saturday, Aug. 13, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection will hit the stage at 7 pm.

Hosted by the Bridgton Historical Society and starting at 4 p.m., there will also be open bluegrass jam sessions and other bands to be announced. Dinner will be catered by Chipotle’s Restaurant, and the cost for the show is only $12 for adults, and $2 for children under 12. For more information and to buy tickets call Narramissic at 647-3699 or email info@bridgtonhistory.org.

St. Joe’s bazaar

Maine is famous for its Yankee thrift, and there’s no better example of it than a yard sale. I am endlessly amazed at the trash and treasures that spill from attics around here; you never know what you’ll find.

The St. Joseph’s Women’s Guild is holding its Summer Bazaar Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14 at the Parish Hall, 225 S. High St. Whether you need a plant, a pie, a pot holder or a pendant, you are guaranteed to leave with something interesting. New this year is a toy section and an “on-the-spot” raffle to ramp up the excitement. A kayak and canoe will also raffled off at noon on Sunday.

Bazaar hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. on Saturday; 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

Slightly outside Bridgton…

Harrison’s historic Deertrees Theater has a diverse performance roster this summer, including plays, comedy and music. I have to mention a big show this week, because a local hero is in town and gearing up for a big CD release party on the 21st at Stone Mountain. Jonathan Sarty and the White Mountain Boys bring their raucous mix of country and rockabilly to town on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Tickets are $18 and available at Deertrees Box Office, 583-6747.