Loon Triathlon, State Fair & Newport Market

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Meet Jaxxson and Petunia, find fresh markets, local events and a cool blueberry dessert.

Sandy Smith

Aug 4, 2026

Tuesday, August 4, 2026|Issue #45|Penobscot Valley, Maine

Answer at the end of the Newsletter

The Bangor State Fair traces its roots back to what year?

The Bangor State Fair gives us a strong start to this week, but there’s plenty happening well beyond Bangor too. We’ll be taking you through events, community news, meetings, and local stories from across the Penobscot Valley.

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Woof LLC in Glenburn, where local dogs are cared for through daycare, boarding, and grooming services. I appreciate Peter Richmond and the Woof team for supporting the Penobscot Valley Voice and helping us keep this newsletter free for readers.

The fair continues through Saturday, August 8, at Bass Park, so there’s still time for the rides, food, exhibits, and live entertainment.

Scout has already made it clear that she believes a dog-friendly sponsor deserves extra recognition. I suspect she may be slightly biased.

Thanks for being here. Let’s see what’s happening around the Valley this week.

Weather: August 4–10

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high near 84 and a low around 57.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and clouds. High near 88, with an overnight low around 61.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy and hot. High near 91, with a low around 67.

Friday: Very warm and humid, with clouds and sunshine and a chance of afternoon showers. High near 89. Low around 66.

Saturday: Clouds and sunshine, with a high near 88 and a low around 64.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High near 89, with a low around 66.

Monday: Mostly sunny and still very warm. High near 87, with a low around 65.

Source: Timeanddate extended forecast for Bangor, Maine. Forecast checked August 3, 2026.

Video Courtesy of WABI TV5

Harvey Gamage Sails the Penobscot for America 250

The schooner Harvey Gamage recently sailed the Penobscot River as part of Maine’s preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary. This WABI report gives readers a timely look at the vessel, the people aboard, and the role Maine’s maritime history will play in the larger America 250 commemoration.

Loon Triathlon — Lincoln

Maine Endurance Sports Alliance brings the Loon Triathlon to Prince Thomas Park in Lincoln on Sunday, August 9, beginning at 7:30 AM. The event includes Sprint and Olympic triathlons, along with Sprint and Olympic duathlon options. The swim begins at Prince Thomas Park Beach on Lake Mattanawcook, with the bike and run transitions located in the park. All abilities are welcome, and organizers say they’ll wait for every participant to cross the finish line.

Center Theatre Celebrates 20 Years

The Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft marks its 20th anniversary Saturday, August 8, at 7 PM with a free community celebration. This is more than a birthday party for a building. The Center has spent two decades bringing movies, live performances, children’s theater, and community programs to the Moosehead–Piscataquis region. Admission is free.

See the Northern Lights Without Leaving Orono

The Versant Power Astronomy Center presents Áróra: Tales of the Northern Lights Wednesday, August 5, from 2–3 PM. The full-dome presentation combines the science behind auroras with stories inspired by the people who have watched them for centuries. The astronomy center is at 167 Rangeley Road in Orono.

A Closer Look at Maine Agriculture

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension hosts its annual Sustainable Agriculture Research Tour Wednesday, August 5, from 2–5:45 PM at Rogers Farm, 914 Bennoch Road in Old Town. Visitors can see current agricultural research and hear directly from the people doing the work. The tour is free.

Children’s Summer Drama Camp — East Sangerville

Center Theatre’s second Dover-area summer drama camp continues through Friday, August 7, at the East Sangerville Grange. Children spend the week preparing a theatrical production, with the program offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Best of Bangor Walking Tour

Take a closer look at downtown Bangor Tuesday, August 4, from 6–7:30 PM. The guided walk shares local stories and details that are easy to miss when you’re simply driving through.

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Bangor’s monthly Art Walk returns Friday, August 7. Local artists and participating downtown businesses open their doors for an evening built around original artwork and conversation.

Tech Tutoring — Bangor Public Library

Need help with a phone, tablet, computer, or online service? Bangor Public Library offers free Tech Tutoring Friday, August 7, from 10 AM–noon at 145 Harlow Street.

Karaoke at Penobscot Pour House

Thursday-night karaoke runs from 8 PM–midnight on August 6 at 14 Larkin Street in Bangor. There’s no need to be a professional singer. That has never been the point of karaoke

Orono Town Council

The Orono Town Council meets Monday, August 10, from 5–7 PM in the Council Chamber at 59 Main Street. The town is also inviting residents to provide input on its Main Street traffic demonstration project, giving this meeting added local interest.

Bangor City Council

The Bangor City Council meets Monday, August 10, at 7 PM at City Hall. A council workshop is scheduled beforehand at 5:15 PM.

FUSION: FIRST — Friends & Family Night

FUSION:Bangor heads to the Maine Discovery Museum on Thursday, August 6 for a networking night that includes the whole family. Bring the children, meet other people who live and work in the region, and spend some time exploring the museum together. The event is presented through the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Bunyan BNI

Tuesday at 7:00 AM
Permanent online Zoom meeting

Visitors may request the meeting link through the chapter’s Visit This Chapter option.

Queen City BNI

Thursday at 8:30 AM
The Sports Arena
1640 Hammond Street, Hermon
207-848-5850

Black Bear BNI

Thursday at 8:30 AM

Black Bear BNI follows a hybrid schedule. The chapter meets in person on the first Thursday of the month and online during the remaining weeks.

Because August 6 is the first Thursday of the month, this week’s meeting will be held in person at:

Eastern Area Agency on Aging
240 State Street, Brewer

Bangor Breakfast BNI

Friday at 7:00 AM
Elks Lodge
108 Odlin Road, Bangor

Bangor Savings Bank Prepares for a Leadership Change

Bangor Savings Bank is preparing for a major transition. Longtime President and CEO Bob Montgomery-Rice will retire, and Yolanda “Lannie” Moffatt will become the bank’s 13th president and CEO. A leadership change at Maine’s largest locally based bank matters well beyond Bangor because its decisions affect businesses, homeowners, nonprofits, and communities throughout the region.

Bright Beginnings Opens in Bangor

Penquis has begun opening its new Bright Beginnings Child Development Center at 31 Hillside Avenue. The 16-classroom center is designed to serve infants through preschool-age children and eventually provide care for nearly 200 children. More dependable child care gives parents a better chance to remain in the workforce, which makes this an important business story as well as a family story.

Riverside Grill Opens in Dover-Foxcroft

Riverside Grill recently celebrated its grand opening at 1016 South Street in Dover-Foxcroft. A new locally owned restaurant adds another dining choice for residents and gives people traveling through the region another reason to stop. It also puts another active business into a property along one of Dover-Foxcroft’s main commercial routes.

A New Kind of Fitness Business in Dover-Foxcroft

Farm Faith Fitness has brought together a working farm with indoor and outdoor exercise space in Dover-Foxcroft. The business reflects the kind of small, owner-built operation that often works especially well in rural Maine—one that grows from the interests and experience of the people behind it rather than copying a national model.

Camden National Bank Updates Its Digital Services

Camden National Bank has launched a refreshed online experience designed to make it easier for customers to find banking information, explore financial services, and manage everyday accounts. Digital changes may not come with a ribbon cutting, but they matter to customers across the Valley who increasingly handle their banking without walking into a branch

August is when the market tables really start filling up. You’ll find fresh vegetables, berries, eggs, meats, baked goods, flowers, and plenty of chances to buy directly from the people who grew or made them.

Newport Community Market by Tipped Trailer

Newport Community Market at Tipped Trailer

Friday, 4:00–7:30 PM
409 Moosehead Trail, Newport

My wife and I made the trip to Newport last Friday night, and this market is much more than a few tables set up for the evening. It’s an extravaganza of local vendors, food trucks, and pop-up shops, and it is well worth the drive.

We enjoyed meeting Rachael and spending time with the vendors. We found fresh lettuce from a grower who once farmed in Alaska, along with jewelry, fruits, vegetables, prepared food, and plenty of other local products.

The variety was impressive, but what stood out most was how welcoming everyone was. Put this one on your Friday evening list.

Brewer Farmers Market

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Brewer Auditorium
318 Wilson Street, Brewer

The Saturday market may remain open later.

Orono Farmers’ Market

Saturday, 8:00 AM–noon
Steam Plant parking lot on College Avenue, Orono

The Orono market brings together local farms and food producers every Saturday through the growing season.

European Farmers’ Market

Saturday, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Sunnyside Greenhouse
117 Buck Street, Bangor

This year-round market includes local produce, meats, eggs, breads, pastries, cheeses, seafood, and prepared foods.

Bangor Farmers’ Market

Sunday, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Abbot Square, across from Bangor Public Library

The Sunday market offers seasonal produce, meats, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, flowers, plants, coffee, and other Maine-made foods.

Don’t Let August Heat Ruin Your Lawn

A lawn can look fine in the morning and show real stress by late afternoon during a hot, dry stretch. Water early in the day so the moisture reaches the roots before the sun gets strong, and avoid cutting the grass too short. Leaving it a little taller helps shade the soil and hold moisture longer.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty

With several hot days ahead, drink water regularly before thirst catches up with you. Schedule outdoor work or exercise for earlier or later in the day, slow the pace, and move to a cool place if you begin feeling weak or faint.

Paws on the Green Supports Bangor Humane Society

Bangor Humane Society’s fourth annual Paws on the Green Golf Tournament takes place Sunday, August 9, at Hermon Meadow Golf Club. The day includes golf, lunch, games, and a silent auction, with proceeds supporting the nearly 2,000 animals the shelter serves each year. Golfers, sponsors, and donors can all take part.

Bangor Humane Society is located at 693 Mount Hope Avenue in Bangor and is open Monday through Saturday from 1–6 PM.

The Animal Orphanage Needs Supplies and Volunteers

The Animal Orphanage in Old Town relies on donated supplies to keep animals fed, comfortable, and cared for while they wait for homes. Its wish list includes everyday essentials such as wet food and blankets, and donations can be shipped directly to the shelter.

The shelter is also looking for volunteers to help with dog walking, animal enrichment, cleaning kennels, and organizing donated supplies. The Animal Orphanage is at 71 Airport Road in Old Town.

Meet Jaxxson!

Jaxxson, a lively terrier mix at the Bangor Humane Society, has stolen the spotlight with his big personality and loving heart.

This nine-month-old pup fills every corner with excitement, greeting visitors and volunteers alike with a joyful wag and playful energy.

Whether sprinting after tennis balls or soaking up affection from new friends, Jaxxson’s spirit makes every day brighter.

Having lived alongside both dogs and cats, he understands the value of sharing space, though a gentle transition period will help him thrive in his next home.

Quick to learn tricks and eager for adventure, Jaxxson is the perfect match for families who love exploring Bangor’s scenic parks and bustling community events.

With commitment, patience, and lots of play, Jaxxson promises the loyal companionship local families cherish most.

Visit the Bangor Humane Society to meet this unforgettable companion and discover if Jaxxson belongs with your family.

Maine Blueberry Lemon Icebox Pie

With several hot days ahead, this is the kind of dessert that earns its place in the refrigerator. It’s cool, simple, and uses Maine blueberries without heating up the kitchen for long.

You’ll need:

1 prepared graham cracker crust
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1½ cups fresh Maine blueberries
Whipped cream for serving

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then mix until everything is well combined. Fold in one cup of the blueberries and spread the filling into the crust.

Scatter the remaining blueberries over the top and refrigerate for at least four hours. Serve cold with whipped cream.

This is an easy one to make Thursday night and have ready for the weekend.

Summer Concerts on the Orono Village Green

Orono’s free summer concert series continues Tuesday evenings from 6:00–7:00 PM on the Village Green at 39 Pine Street. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an hour of live music.

Songwriters’ Open Mic at 2 Feet Brewing

Local songwriters take the microphone every Tuesday from 5:00–8:00 PM at 2 Feet Brewing in downtown Bangor. Each performer gets time to share original music in a relaxed, supportive room.

Tuesday Irish Session and Open Mic

Paddy Murphy’s hosts its weekly live Irish session Tuesday from 6:00–8:00 PM, followed by open mic from 9:00 PM until closing.

PanStorm Summer Concert Series

PanStorm brings live steel-drum music to downtown Bangor Thursday, August 6, from 6:30–8:00 PM. The weekly summer series continues through August.

Geezers in Sneakers Getting Coffee

This welcoming Orono Public Library group meets Monday, August 10, from 9:30–11:00 AM in the Dana and Mary Ann Devoe Community Room. It’s an easy way to meet people, share conversation, and start the week with company

Send Us What’s Happening

Do you have an event, community announcement, fundraiser, business opening, or local story that belongs in the Penobscot Valley Voice?

Send us the details, including the date, time, location, cost, and the best link for verification. The earlier we receive it, the better chance we have to include it in the right edition.

We’re always looking for news from across the full Valley—not only Bangor, but Brewer, Hermon, Glenburn, Orono, Old Town, Lincoln, Newport, Bucksport, Dover-Foxcroft, and the communities in between.

Woof LLC — Glenburn

This edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is sponsored by Woof LLC, located at 2957 Broadway in Glenburn.

Woof provides dog daycare, boarding, and grooming for families across the Bangor region. Peter Richmond and his team have built a place where dogs can play, stay, and be cared for by people who understand how much they mean to the families who bring them through the door.

Woof LLC
2957 Broadway, Glenburn
207-331-WOOF

Thank you to Woof for supporting the Penobscot Valley Voice and helping us continue sharing the people, events, and stories that connect our communities.

Help Us Grow the Penobscot Valley Voice

The best way to help this newsletter grow is simple: share it with someone who cares about what’s happening across the Penobscot Valley.

Forward this edition to a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member and invite them to subscribe. Every new reader helps us reach more communities, feature more local businesses, and tell more of the stories that deserve attention.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping the Voice grow.

Best of the Penobscot Valley — Newport Community Market

My wife and I visited the Newport Community Market at Tipped Trailer last Friday night, and it was impressive from the moment we pulled in. There were food trucks, pop-up tents, fresh produce, local makers, and—something every event planner should appreciate—plenty of good parking.

The whole market was clean, festive, fun, and easy to enjoy. We met interesting people, learned a few things, found fresh produce, and had several food trucks to choose from.

This is the kind of local event that brings people together and gives small vendors a chance to be seen. It is well worth the trip to Newport. It is the kind of market that would compliment any Maine community. My hat is off to Rachael and all of the vendors who participate in this community event.

Last Friday night reminded me why we keep looking beyond the obvious places.

My wife and I drove to Newport expecting to spend a little time at the community market. Instead, we found food trucks, pop-up tents, fresh produce, local makers, good parking, and a crowd that seemed genuinely glad to be there.

We met Rachael, talked with vendors, and bought lettuce from a grower who once farmed in Alaska. That is not the kind of story you find by staying home or driving past.

The Newport Community Market was clean, festive, easy to enjoy, and full of people worth meeting. It proved something I already believe: some of the best local experiences are happening in places that do not always get the most attention.

Take the drive once in a while. You may come home with fresh vegetables, a good meal, and a story you did not expect.

Answer: The fair dates back to 1849, making it one of Maine’s longest-running agricultural fairs.