Bangor's most famous landmark statue stands at the corner of Main Street and Union Street — but how tall is the Paul Bunyan statue, including its base?

They Showed Up. Rain and All.

Sunday morning came in gray and wet. The kind of June morning that makes you wonder if you packed the right gear. But by 7:00 AM, runners were lined up at the corner of Main Street and Dutton Street — and when the horn went off, Bangor showed up right alongside them.

The Great Bangor Marathon Running Festival returned for its third year on June 7, and Maine Endurance Sports Alliance — MESA — delivered another race that proved this event has genuinely taken root in the Queen City. Marathon. Half marathon. 10K. 5K. Every distance, every fitness level, no time limit. That's the whole point.

The course took runners through downtown Bangor, out Valley Avenue to Broadway, through the town of Kenduskeag, and back to the finish at Bangor Waterfront Park just south of Geaghan's. The rain that fell all morning didn't thin the crowds on the sidelines. Cowbells, family members, and local wellness vendors lined the route. The finish line had the kind of energy that only happens when a community actually cares about what it built.

Men's marathon top finisher Stephen Bourget crossed in 2:24 — and even he noticed what makes this race different. Coming in from Boston, he said getting to see the beauty of the area was a highlight. That's what a well-run community race does. It makes people want to come back.

MESA is also growing the experience beyond a single race day. Complete both the Bangor and Lincoln Marathons and you earn the Run the Highlands medal. Finish three of MESA's four 2026 races and you're a Vacationland Triple Crown finisher. These aren't just races — they're reasons to keep running in Maine.

The next one is the Augusta Marathon on July 12. Registration is open at runsignup

Wow, what a weekend!

I was out there Sunday morning at the Bangor Waterfront — cowbells in hand — and I can tell you firsthand, those runners earned every single cheer. Rain-soaked, determined, and finishing strong at the waterfront. This is what community looks like.

A big thank you this week to our newsletter sponsor, Maine Endurance Sports Alliance. MESA is the nonprofit behind the Bangor Marathon and a growing calendar of races right here in Central Maine — and their tagline says it all: "We'll see you at the Starting Line". If you've been thinking about lacing up, there's no better community to do it with.

This week's issue is packed — great events coming up, exciting local business news, and a well-deserved spotlight on a Bangor business that just earned some serious recognition. Stick around for that one.

Scout approved this edition from the couch, as usual.

— Sandy

After Sunday's cloudy & misty marathon morning, the valley is getting a proper reward this week.

Tuesday, June 9 — Sunny and warm. High near 86. A great day to be outside.

Wednesday, June 10 — Still beautiful. High around 85, mostly sunny skies holding through the afternoon.

Thursday, June 11 — Slight chance of afternoon showers creeping in, high near 83. Keep an eye on the sky if you've got outdoor plans.

Friday, June 12 — Partly sunny, high around 78. Chance of evening showers developing.

Saturday, June 13 — Showers likely, high near 78. Looks like the unsettled stretch arrives for the weekend.

Sunday, June 14 — Monday, June 15 — Showers possible continuing into the early part of next week. 

As always — look out the window before you make plans. If you don't like the weather in Maine, wait five minutes.

Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service — Caribou.

In acase you missed the action at the Bangor Waterfront on Sunday — or you just want to relive it — here's what race day looks like when the Queen City puts on a marathon. WABI TV5 captured the energy of the Great Bangor Marathon and Half, and it's worth two minutes of your Tuesday.

Here's the link  Courtesy of WABI-TV, Bangor

Maine Discovery Museum Inaugural Mini Golf Tournament

WHAT: MDM's first-ever Mini Golf Tournament — windmills, obstacles, and friendly competition to benefit the Maine Discovery Museum. Sessions available for business groups and families.

WHERE: Traditions, Holden, ME

WHEN: Friday, June 12

COST: Check mainediscoverymuseum.org for ticket pricing and session times

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes — family sessions available

WALK-IN: No — register in advance at mainediscoverymuseum.org

Live Harness Racing at Bass Park

WHAT: Race 14 of the 2026 Bangor Harness Racing season at Hollywood Casino Raceway. Wagers on races 3–10 earn points toward the Crown of the Queen City promotion.

WHERE: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park, Bangor

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10 — Post time 3:00 PM. Also Friday, June 12 — Post time 12:10 PM

COST: Free to attend — wagering optional

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes for general attendance

WALK-IN: Yes — arrive early to pick your favorites

Community Cleanup Day — Bangor

WHAT: Neighbors coming together to clean up Coe Park and the surrounding area. Organized by Together Place, BARN, Brick Church, Savida, and community partners.

WHERE: Meet at Together Place, 2 Second Street, Bangor — group walks to Coe Park together

WHEN: Monday, June 15 — 11:00 AM

COST: Free

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes

WALK-IN: Yes — just show up at Together Place at 11:00 AM

There's plenty happening across the valley this week. Here's what else is worth your time.

Bangor Public Library — Tech Tutoring Digital Media Librarian Hannah Cyrus is available for 60-minute one-on-one appointments to help with computer questions — organizing email, navigating devices, getting comfortable online. Available in person, by phone, or over Zoom. Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St, Bangor. Ongoing — call 207-947-8336 to schedule. Free.

Bangor Public Library — Read to a Dog Kids can read aloud to a certified therapy dog from the Northern Light volunteer program in a relaxed, judgment-free setting. Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St, Bangor. Ongoing — register for a 15-minute slot through the BPL website. Free.

Maine Fiddle Camp — June Week One of Maine's most beloved summer traditions runs June 14–19 at its lakeside camp in Central Maine. Multi-generational, all instruments, all levels — from first-timers to seasoned players. If you've ever been curious, this is the week to go. Registration and details at mainefiddlecamp.org.

Zillman Art Museum — Summer Exhibitions Now Open ZAM at the University of Maine is open now with its 2026 summer exhibitions — five shows currently on view including works by Gerri Rachins, Sam Cady, Thuan Vu, and Alexander Nolan. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 40 Harlow Street, Bangor. Free admission.

Maine Primary Election Day — TODAY - Tuesday, June 9

Every voter across the Penobscot Valley has somewhere to be on Tuesday. Maine's primary election is this week — and it covers every town from Bangor to Old Town to Orono to Dover-Foxcroft and everywhere in between.

Polls open between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM depending on your municipality and all polls close at 8:00 PM statewide. Registered party members and unenrolled voters may both participate — unenrolled voters may choose one party primary. Races on the ballot include Governor, U.S. Senate, Congressional seats, and dozens of state legislative and county races.

Not sure where your polling place is? Check with your town office or visit maine.gov/sos. Same-day voter registration is available at your polling location with valid proof of Maine residency.

In Bangor, all voting is at the Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main Street. Community Connector buses run fare-free all day.

BNI Queen City Chapter — Weekly Meeting Bangor's Queen City BNI chapter meets every Thursday morning at The Sports Arena in Hermon. If you're a business owner looking to grow through structured referrals and real relationships, this is worth your time. Visitors are welcome. The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St, Hermon. Thursday, June 12, 8:30 AM. Contact a member to register as a visitor.

BNI Black Bear Chapter — Weekly Meeting The Black Bear chapter meets Thursday mornings at the Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Brewer. Week one is in-person; weeks two through five are online. Check the schedule for this week's format. Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 240 State St, Brewer. Thursday, June 12, 8:30 AM.

BNI Bangor Breakfast Chapter — Weekly Meeting The Bangor Breakfast chapter meets Friday mornings at the Elks Lodge on Odlin Road. In-person every week. Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor. Friday, June 13, 7:00 AM.

BNI Paul Bunyan Chapter — Weekly Meeting The Paul Bunyan chapter meets Tuesday mornings permanently online via Zoom. Tuesday, June 9, 7:00 AM. Contact a member for the Zoom link.

Coming Up — Chamber Business After Hours The Bangor Region Chamber's June Business After Hours is heading outside to Fields Pond Audubon Center. A great summer networking opportunity — watch for registration details at bangorregion.com. Wednesday, June 18.

Woof LLC just earned something worth celebrating. The local dog daycare and boarding facility has been named the 2026 Top Dog Daycare in the Greater Bangor area — a recognition that reflects years of genuine care for the animals and families they serve. This kind of award doesn't come from a marketing campaign. It comes from showing up every single day and doing right by the community. Bangor is lucky to have them. Full spotlight on Woof later in this issue.

Bangor Sandwich Company moved into its new home at 1 Central Street in early June — double the size of its previous Hammond Street location, with a significantly expanded kitchen and nine new menu items including focaccia sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Owners Joe and Jen Ramos have been quietly building something special downtown since 2022. More space means more options for a lunch spot that already has a loyal following.

Boot Barn is coming to Bangor — Maine's third location for the western-style outfitter that sells boots and apparel for adults and children. The retailer has been expanding aggressively nationwide while other clothing chains have pulled back. It's the kind of destination retail that gives people another reason to shop local rather than online.

Rasa Indian Cuisine opened at 175 Exchange Street in downtown Bangor in late March, bringing a lunch buffet, seated dinners, and takeout to a downtown that has been adding dining variety steadily this year. The team behind Portland's Taj restaurant made the move north specifically because Bangor didn't have it yet. They were right.

Construction continues on the new Bangor YMCA on Main Street — the 82,000-square-foot facility will be twice the size of the existing Second Street location, adding two pools, a full-court gym, indoor track, cafe, community kitchen, and food pantry. This project will reshape what's possible for families across the valley for generations.

Summer in Bangor means one thing beyond warm evenings and boat traffic on the Penobscot — it means the Maine Savings Amphitheater is back in business. Waterfront concert season is fully underway, and the 2026 lineup is one of the strongest the Queen City has seen in years.

The next show up is Mumford and Sons on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 PM, followed by Jelly Roll on Saturday, June 20, and Lord Huron on Tuesday, June 23. Lil Wayne closes out June on the 30th. July brings Godsmack on the 3rd, the Pussycat Dolls on the 10th, Jason Aldean on the 16th, Weird Al Yankovic on the 19th, Five Finger Death Punch on the 22nd, Motley Crue on the 25th, and more almost every week through August and into September. Brad Paisley, Zach Top, Pitbull, ZZ Top, and Parker McCollum round out the late-summer calendar.

Tickets and the full schedule are at waterfrontconcerts.com.

The Maine Savings Amphitheater is on the Bangor Waterfront — parking is available at Pickering Square Garage and surrounding downtown lots. Box office opens at 3:00 PM on show days.

This is the summer to be on the waterfront.

This week's local expert tip comes from the technology desk — and it's something every small business owner in the valley needs to hear right now.

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful free tools you have. But if you set it up once and walked away, it's probably working against you. Google rewards profiles that are active — updated photos, current hours, recent posts, and responses to reviews all tell Google that your business is open, engaged, and worth showing to people searching nearby.

The single easiest thing you can do this week: log into your Google Business Profile, check that your hours are correct for summer, and post one update. It doesn't have to be fancy. A photo of your storefront on a sunny June morning. A note about a new product or service. A thank-you to your customers. One post, five minutes, and your profile starts working harder for you.

If you're not sure where to start or what your profile currently looks like to searchers, search your own business name on Google and see what comes up. What you see is what your customers see. If it's incomplete, outdated, or missing photos — that's the first thing to fix.

Local visibility starts with showing up where people are already looking.

June is a good time to think about your eyes — specifically how much screen time has crept into your days now that work, news, and entertainment all live on the same device.

Eye care professionals call it digital eye strain, and the symptoms are more common than most people realize — tired eyes, headaches, blurred vision after long stretches at a screen, and trouble focusing when you look away. The good news is the fix is simple. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eye muscles a genuine rest and makes a real difference over the course of a day.

If you haven't had an eye exam in more than a year, summer is a practical time to schedule one. Most vision changes happen gradually and go unnoticed until they're significant. A quick annual exam catches issues early and keeps you seeing the valley clearly.

The Community Cleanup Day on Monday, June 15 is one of the most straightforward ways to give back to Bangor this week. Together Place, BARN, Brick Church, Savida, and community partners are gathering at 2 Second Street at 11:00 AM and walking together to Coe Park to clean up the area. No registration needed — just show up ready to help. This is what a neighborhood looks like when people care about it.

The Bangor Humane Society serves over 200 communities across northern and eastern Maine and cares for approximately 5,000 animals each year. They currently have a waiting list for new volunteers, but there are still meaningful ways to get involved. The Dog's Day Out program lets community members borrow a shelter dog for a day — a hike, a visit, an afternoon nap on the couch. No training required. If you'd rather help from home, monthly donations are always open at bangorhumane.org. Every dollar goes directly toward food, medical care, and keeping the shelter running year round.

The Maine Discovery Museum runs entirely on community support and does not receive government funding outside of competitive grants. Their inaugural Mini Golf Tournament on June 12 at Traditions in Holden is a direct fundraiser for the museum — a fun way to invest in one of the Penobscot Valley's most important educational resources for kids and families. Details and registration at mainediscoverymuseum.org.

At the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine, friendly adoptable dogs like Cookie are searching for their perfect families.

Cookie, a 5-year-old with a big heart and playful spirit, starts off a bit reserved but quickly reveals her affectionate and silly side.

She enjoys car rides, walks well on a leash, and knows basic commands.

Continued training will help boost Cookie’s growing confidence, and her enthusiasm makes her easy to work with.

With patient introductions, Cookie could join a home with other pets and thrive with older children who understand her need for space as she settles in.

The no-kill Animal Orphanage, dedicated to caring for stray and abandoned pets, is located at 71 Airport Road and welcomes visitors weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Enjoy the rewards of adoption—visit to meet Cookie or other loving dogs ready for a second chance.

Karen is a lovable 4-year-old mixed breed looking for her forever home at the Bangor Humane Society.

This playful 60-pound large breed thrives on human companionship and shows remarkable loyalty and spirit.

Karen is best suited as the only pet, making her the perfect match for someone ready to receive all her affection.

Her ideal home welcomes older children and offers space for her boundless energy.

Located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, the Bangor Humane Society has fostered thousands of successful adoptions for Maine families since 1869.

Open Monday through Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm, the shelter connects people to pets like Karen every week.

Adoption, priced at $175, includes wellness care, vaccinations, and more — a value of over $1,300.

Find a lifelong companion and support humane care for animals by choosing adoption today.

Summer market season is in full swing across the Penobscot Valley. Here's where to find fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more this week.

The Bangor Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Abbott Square, 140 Harlow Street, across from the Bangor Public Library. This is the same spot farmers have been bringing their goods into the city for over a century. Cash, SNAP/EBT, and credit cards all accepted. Season runs June through November.

The Bangor European Market is open year-round every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at 117 Buck Street, across from the Bangor Auditorium parking lot. Prepared foods, goat's milk and cheese, fresh meats and poultry, vegetables, eggs, breads, European pastries, baked goods, and seafood. Come early — this one moves fast.

The Brewer Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Brewer Parks and Recreation, 318 Wilson Street. Starting in July, Tuesday and Thursday hours are added from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Fresh fruits, berries, herbs, and vegetables in season.

The Hampden Farmers Market runs Fridays from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM at St. Matthew's Church, 70 Western Avenue, Hampden. Fresh and cured meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, specialty oils and vinegars, prepared foods, and flowers.

The Orono Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the University Steam Plant on College Avenue in Orono. Season runs May through November.

This one comes together in about ten minutes and tastes like a Maine June afternoon. It's the kind of salad that actually gets eaten — not pushed to the side of the plate.

Start with a good handful of fresh baby spinach per person. Slice a cup of fresh strawberries and scatter them over the top. Add a handful of candied pecans or walnuts, a few thin slices of red onion if you like a little bite, and some crumbled feta or goat cheese. The goat cheese from the Bangor Farmers Market is worth seeking out if you haven't tried it yet.

For the dressing, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of poppy seeds, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of dry mustard. Taste it and adjust — some people want it a little sweeter, some want more tang. Pour it over the salad just before you serve it.

That's it. Pick up your strawberries this Sunday at Abbott Square and you've got lunch or a side dish that's ready before the market bag hits the counter.

This edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is brought to you by our newsletter sponsor, Maine Endurance Sports Alliance — the nonprofit behind the Bangor Marathon and a growing calendar of races across Central Maine. We'll see you at the Starting Line.

The Tech Expert column this week is sponsored by Smith Digital Solutions, LLC — Bangor's AI visibility consultants helping local businesses get found online. Learn more at smithdigitalsolutions.com.

The Wellness column this week is sponsored by 207 Wellness, LLC in Veazie — Amber Willey and Erin MacKenzie's holistic wellness practice offering longevity medicine, hormone optimization, IV hydration, and personalized care designed for long-term health. 1017 School Street, Veazie. Call 207-949-6589.

The Community Support section this week is sponsored by North Star Property Solutions — Bangor's trusted handyman service, specializing in premium home repairs, maintenance, and getting properties show-ready. Quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, no surprises. Learn more at northstarpropertysolutionsinc.com.

The Furry Friends section this week is sponsored by Woof LLC — Greater Bangor's 2026 Top Dog Daycare award winner. More on Woof later in this issue.

The Recipe section this week is sponsored by Dreamer Food — authentic Lebanese and Armenian flavors, street food, catering, and events right here in Bangor. Find them at 97 Allen Street or at dreamer-food.com.

If you got value out of this week's issue, the best thing you can do is share it with a neighbor. Forward this email to someone who loves this valley as much as you do. The Penobscot Valley Voice grows one reader at a time — and every person you share it with is one more neighbor who stays connected to what's happening around them.

And don't miss the Weekend Edition — hitting your inbox Friday morning with everything worth doing across the Penobscot Valley this weekend. See you Friday.

Every now and then a local business earns recognition that the whole valley should know about. This week that business is Woof LLC — and if you've ever dropped your dog off there, you already know why.

Woof LLC has been named the 2026 Top Dog Daycare in the Greater Bangor area. It's the kind of award that means something because it isn't handed out — it's earned through the daily work of people who genuinely care about the animals in their charge and the families who trust them. Anyone who has watched their dog practically drag them through the front door on daycare morning understands what that trust looks like in practice.

Bangor is a better community because businesses like Woof exist — places that treat what matters most to you with the same care you would. Congratulations to the entire Woof team on a well-deserved honor.

Sunday was one of those days that reminds you exactly why this valley is worth writing about every week.

I was out at the Bangor Waterfront with my cowbells from early morning, and I didn't leave until the last finishers were heading to the finish line. Every distance, every pace, every story. I shook hands, cheered until I was hoarse, and met runners from all over New England who had never set foot in Bangor before — and every single one of them left impressed.

That matters. When someone drives up from Massachusetts or flies in from out of state and spends a weekend in this city, they go home and tell people about it. That's how a community builds a reputation worth having.

And the weather — after all the rain we'd been dealing with — Sunday delivered. Cool enough to run hard, clear enough to see the countryside and the Penobscot River. It was the kind of morning Maine saves for special occasions.

None of it happens without the volunteers, the sponsors, the vendors, and the MESA team who put this thing together. It was a long day for everyone involved. But watching a runner cross that finish line after 26.2 miles through the streets of Bangor — there's nothing quite like it.

This event is growing every year.

I hope you'll be out there next June. Bring a cowbell.

— Sandy

The Paul Bunyan statue at the corner of Main Street and Union Street in Bangor stands 31 feet tall. It was erected in 1959 to celebrate Bangor's 125th anniversary and remains one of the largest Paul Bunyan statues in the country.