Your weekly guide to what’s happening in Bangor and Penobscot Valley.

What year was the Penobscot Narrows Bridge opened to the public?

A) 2004
B) 2006
C) 2008
D) 2010

Good morning, Penobscot Valley —

This past week gave us a little bit of everything—sunshine, rain, and even snow right into yesterday. And not just any snow… those flakes were cotton candy size! It’s safe to say Mother Nature is still trying to make up her mind.

Last weekend, we leaned into spring the Maine way. The Kenduskeag Canoe Race brought its usual energy and tradition, while the Furniture Galleries Food Truck Extravaganza kicked off what feels like a great new local tradition. Hopefully you had a chance to get out and enjoy one (or both).

Looking ahead, this weekend is shaping up nicely. With better weather in the forecast, it’s a perfect time to get out and take in the Anah Shrine Circus, happening Friday through Sunday.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening around the Valley this week.

What a Weekend on the Kenduskeag!

Last Saturday, the 59th Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race brought classic Penobscot Valley energy to the river.

A total of 881 paddlers in 461 boats and crafts tackled the challenging 16.5-mile course from Kenduskeag Village down through the rapids into downtown Bangor — keeping its title as the largest paddling event in New England.

Crowds lined the banks and bridges at favorite vantage points, cheering on serious racers and creative, costumed boats alike (the return of favorites like the Gumbie Boat was a crowd-pleaser). Trevor MacLean claimed his 20th victory with a strong time of 2:11.49!

WABI-TV was on the scene with live coverage from Six Mile Falls, capturing the flips, fast water, laughs, and community spirit for about three hours of broadcast action. (There’s way more footage than we can fit here — search for the full replay on WABI’s YouTube or website if you missed it.)

This nearly six-decade-old tradition just keeps getting better. Huge thanks to all the paddlers, volunteers, and spectators who made it another memorable spring day on the water.

Who was out cheering or paddling this year? Share your favorite moment(s) with us!

Video Courtesy of WABI-TV, Channel 5, Bangor

WEATHER THIS WEEK | April 21–27 (Bangor Region)

Tuesday (4/21)
Mostly sunny and chilly
High: 46° | Low: 27°

Wednesday (4/22)
Cloudy with a chance of a morning shower
High: 45° | Low: 36°

Thursday (4/23)
Cloudy with periods of rain
High: 47° | Low: 33°

Friday (4/24)
Breezy with a mix of sun and clouds
High: 55° | Low: 31°

Saturday (4/25)
Partly sunny and milder
High: 59° | Low: 36°

Sunday (4/26)
Mostly cloudy
High: 59° | Low: 39°

Monday (4/27)
Cloudy and mild
High: 56° | Low: 38°

 WEEKLY OUTLOOK

 A cool and unsettled start to the week transitions into milder temperatures and improving conditions by the weekend — with the best opportunities to get outside arriving Friday through Sunday.

FEATURED EVENTS THIS WEEK

🤡 Anah Shrine Circus

 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
 Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26

The Anah Shrine Circus returns to Bangor this weekend with a full lineup of family-friendly entertainment including acrobats, clowns, and high-energy motorcycle stunts. With multiple shows each day and improved weather in the forecast, this is one of the top outings in the Valley this weekend.
🕒 Showtimes:
Fri 3pm & 7pm | Sat 10am, 2pm & 7pm | Sun 11am, 3pm & 9pm
👉 Tickets: Ticketmaster or Cross Insurance Center

🍽️ Dennis Food Show 2026

 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
 Tuesday, April 21 | Starts at 8:30 AM
A major regional foodservice trade show featuring tastings, new products, and industry vendors. Great opportunity for local restaurant owners, food enthusiasts, and business professionals to explore trends and connect with suppliers.
👉 More info via Dennis Paper & Food Service

🧪 Meet a Scientist – Earth Day Event

 Binette Park (Old Town area)
 Saturday, April 25
Hosted in partnership with Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, this interactive Earth Day event gives families the chance to meet a scientist, learn about local ecosystems, and engage with hands-on environmental education.
👉 Family-friendly & educational

Looking for more ways to get out and enjoy the week? Here are additional events, activities, and local happenings across the Bangor area. Click here

Rico is a lively two-year-old mixed breed dog seeking a forever home in Bangor, Maine.

Weighing in at 42 pounds, he offers a heartwarming blend of playfulness and affection.

Rico’s boundless energy makes him a perfect fit for active owners or families who love outdoor adventure.

He thrives on routine and benefits from repeated visits, helping him form a lasting connection with potential adopters.

While Rico may enjoy the company of another dog, careful introductions are essential to ensure a smooth transition.

Bringing Rico home means adding a loyal, joyful companion to your life—and offering him the loving, stable environment he deserves.

If interested, reach out to your local Bangor animal shelter to learn more about adopting Rico and giving this deserving pup a place to thrive.

Scooby is a lively 1-year-old dog bursting with playful energy, ready to bring excitement to an active home.

He adores human attention and thrives as the center of his family’s world, preferring to be the only pet so he can soak up every bit of love and fun.

Enthusiastic and eager to learn, Scooby shines with experienced owners who can provide consistent training and lots of activity.

Whether he’s racing across the yard or seeking affection, he embraces every moment with zest.

If you’re searching for a devoted, energetic companion, Scooby could be your perfect match.

Connect with the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine, to discover how this affectionate pup can become part of your family.

Experience the rewards of adoption and welcome unbridled joy into your home.

Here’s what’s happening across the Bangor area business landscape this week:

 Marden’s Opens New Bangor Location

Marden’s has officially opened its new store at 229 Springer Drive in Bangor, relocating from its longtime Brewer location. The move—following a busy liquidation sale—has generated significant buzz as shoppers and employees shift across the river to the larger space.

 Downtown Bangor Partnership Relocates

The Downtown Bangor Partnership has recently moved to a new location on State Street, continuing its work supporting downtown businesses and events from its updated headquarters.

 Lucky Duck Ice Cream Truck Returns for 2026

A sure sign of the season—Lucky Duck Ice Cream Truck is back on the road, now serving neighborhoods across Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Hermon, Old Town, and Orono. Summer might not be fully here yet, but it’s getting close.

Vintage Vixen Opens Downtown

Vintage Vixen has recently opened (or soft-opened) in downtown Bangor, adding another unique retail option and continuing the momentum of small business activity in the area.

🔄 Local Business Transitions

• The former Marden’s in Brewer has officially closed following the relocation
•  
• A downtown restaurant on Main Street has moved to larger quarters outside the immediate downtown area
• Bett’s Bookstore has closed under previous ownership but has been sold, with interest in keeping a bookstore presence downtown
•  

🏗️ Bangor Mall Redevelopment in Progress

Plans for the Bangor Mall redevelopment continue to move forward. A local group has the property under contract, with a vision that includes housing and a mixed-use community space. While still in early stages, this could represent a major long-term transformation for the area.

WHAT THIS MEANS

 Continued movement in retail, downtown investment, and redevelopment signals a region that’s evolving—with both new opportunities and changes shaping the local business landscape.

Neighbors helping neighbors — that’s what makes the Penobscot Valley special. Here are some meaningful ways you can lend a hand this week (April 21–27):

Blood Donations The need for blood is always steady, especially as the Red Cross phases out many mobile drives in northern Maine later this year. The most reliable local option right now is the Bangor Red Cross Blood Donation Center at 900B Hammond Street.

• Hours this week: Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (closed Sunday, Monday, and Friday).

Make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Every pint helps patients right here in our hospitals and community. If you’re eligible, consider giving this week!

Food Donations & Pantries Local pantries continue to serve families in need and welcome donations of non-perishables (especially proteins, canned goods, and personal care items).

• Samaritan, Inc. operates eight food pantries across Bangor, Garland, Glenburn, Hampden, Hermon, and Levant. They distribute food from local stores — check samaritaninc.org for current pantry schedules and most-needed items.
•  
• Bangor Region YMCA Food Pantry (sponsored by Hannaford) offers free food in the lobby: – Tuesdays 6:00–8:00 AM – Thursdays 6:00–7:30 PM – Saturdays 12:00–2:30 PM Donations are always appreciated.
•  
• The Salvation Army Bangor Corps also runs a food pantry and organizes it every Friday — volunteers are welcome to help pack and sort.

If you have extra shelf-stable food or a couple of hours to volunteer sorting/distributing, these organizations make it easy to help.

Bottle Drive for Affordable Housing Design Wall Housing is holding their April Bottle Drive Fundraiser this weekend — Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 at Damon’s Beverage and Redemption in Bangor. Bring your returnable cans and bottles (or organize a small collection from home/neighbors) and drop them off during the event. Every bottle processed goes directly toward creating safe, affordable housing units in our area. They also need volunteers to help run the machines — it’s described as fast-paced and fun! Look for 50/50 tickets and instant prizes for donors. Details at dwhousing.org or their Facebook page.

Other Ways to Help This Week

• National Volunteer Week runs through April 26 — a great time to check VolunteerME or local nonprofits for short opportunities like pantry support, community clean-ups, or other drives.
•  
• Ongoing needs include sorting food at Good Shepherd Food Bank partner sites or helping at meal distributions.

Even small actions — a blood donation, a bag of groceries, or a trunk full of bottles — add up quickly and make a real difference for families right here in the valley.

Know of another drive, pantry need, or volunteer opportunity happening April 21–27? Share it in the comments or email us — we’ll help spread the word in the next edition!

Nothing captures the spirit of Maine like a classic Whoopie Pie, the state's official treat since 2011.  

Traditionally, authentic Maine recipes use shortening for their signature fluffy, bakery-style cakes, and the filling is rich with Marshmallow Fluff for that essential creamy sweetness.  

Home bakers rely on sour milk or buttermilk in the batter for extra tenderness, while the iconic chocolate cakes remain soft yet sturdy.  

The simple filling combines Marshmallow Fluff, powdered sugar, shortening, and vanilla, whipped until light and airy. Mainers insist on wrapping each whoopie pie in plastic to lock in moisture and help flavors develop.  

Using a cookie scoop guarantees even cakes for those perfect, nostalgia-filled sandwiches.  

With roots in local kitchens and family gatherings statewide, these sweet treats are a beloved New England staple and a must-try for anyone craving a true taste of Maine.

Thanks for being part of the Penobscot Valley Voice community.

Each week, this newsletter is built to keep you connected—to local events, businesses, and the people who make this region such a great place to live.

 If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend
 And invite others to subscribe so they don’t miss next week’s edition

Subscribe Here

We’ll see you next week.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

• Computer Doctor
• Gavin’s Lawn Care
• Woof LLC
• North Star
• Maine Thrive
• Smith Digital Solutions
• Maine Endurance Sports Alliance

B) 2006

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge opened in 2006 and features one of the tallest public bridge observatories in the world.