The Bangor State Fair traces its beginnings to an exhibition held in 1849. Which organization put on that first event?

A. Maine State Agricultural Society
B. Bangor Horticultural Society
C. Eastern Maine Farmers Association
D. Penobscot County Fair Board

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Bangor State Fair Is Back

The Bangor State Fair returns to Bass Park Thursday, July 30, and runs through Saturday, August 8. For many families around Greater Bangor, it’s one of those summer traditions that doesn’t need much explanation. You know the sounds, the midway lights, the food, and the crowds before you even reach the gate.

There’s more here than rides. Agriculture returns inside the Cross Insurance Center, along with live entertainment, competitions, local food vendors, pulling events, antique cars, and the Paul Bunyan Classic Demolition Derby. The fair opens at 4:00 PM Thursday and Friday, then at noon Saturday. Sunday’s hours are noon to 8:00 PM, and it reopens at 4:00 PM Monday.

The Bangor State Fair dates back to 1849. That longevity matters. Generations of Penobscot Valley families have walked these grounds, watched the animals, tried their luck on the midway, and gone home carrying something they probably didn’t need but were glad they won.

This year’s fair runs ten days, which gives families more room to choose a day that works instead of trying to squeeze everything into one weekend. Children younger than five are admitted free. General admission pricing had not yet been announced when this edition was built, and rides are purchased separately.

Scout and I want to give a well-earned shout-out this week to the staff and volunteers at the Bangor Humane Society.

Most people see the happy ending when an animal finds a home. They don’t always see everything that happens first—the medical care, behavior work, cleaning, feeding, training, fundraising, and the patience it sometimes takes to help a frightened animal feel safe again.

That work happens every day because people keep showing up. The staff carries an enormous responsibility, and the volunteers give their time because they believe every animal deserves a real chance. Scout and I are grateful for all of them.

The Bangor Humane Society is also our Newsletter Sponsor for Edition #44. That feels especially fitting this week as we feature my Maine Thrive Voices conversation with Executive Director Suzan Prendergast. She helped me understand that shelter work isn’t only about helping animals. Very often, it means helping the people who love them, too.

Thank you to Suzan, her staff, the volunteers, the donors, and everyone who supports the Bangor Humane Society. Scout gives the whole team four paws up—and I’m right there with her.

Tuesday, July 28: Some sun early, then increasing clouds. High near 82. Low around 60.

Wednesday, July 29: Clouds with occasional breaks of sun. High near 76. Low around 60.

Thursday, July 30: Cloudy with a couple of showers possible. High near 73. Low around 61.

Friday, July 31: Mostly cloudy with a passing shower or two. High near 77. Low around 60.

Saturday, August 1: Partly sunny, with a chance of showers later in the day. High near 81. Low around 62.

Sunday, August 2: A few morning showers, then humid with more clouds than sun. High near 82. Low around 63.

Monday, August 3: Humid, with a possible morning thunderstorm and additional afternoon showers. High near 78. Low around 61.

Video courtesy of Hot Radio Maine

The midway is going up, vendors are getting ready, and the Bangor State Fair opens Thursday. In this preview, Jonathan Howorth explains what families can expect this year, including the fair schedule, entertainment, agricultural activities, and changes visitors should know before heading to Bass Park.on

Summer Concert Series — Orono

Orono’s Summer Concert Series continues Tuesday evening on the Village Green. This gives us a second outdoor music option and a welcome Orono entry.

Where: Orono Village Green
When: Tuesday, July 28, 6:00–7:00 PM
Cost: Free

Youth Garden Club — Orono

Families and children of all ages can meet at the community gardens beside the Orono Thrift Store for the weekly Youth Garden Club. No registration is required; participants should bring water and sun protection.

Where: Community gardens adjacent to the Orono Thrift Store
When: Tuesday, July 28, 3:30–4:30 PM
Cost: Free

The Power of Connection — Brewer

Brewer Public Library hosts a virtual conversation with author and human-connection researcher Dr. Marisa Franco. The program looks at friendship, attachment styles, and how people build lasting relationships. Advance registration is required.

Where: Online through Brewer Public Library
When: Tuesday, July 28, 2:00–3:00 PM
Cost: Free with registration

The Odyssey — Dover-Foxcroft

Center Theatre is showing The Odyssey Tuesday through Thursday, with afternoon and evening screenings each day. Tuesday admission is only $3; regular matinee and evening pricing applies Wednesday and Thursday.

Where: Center Theatre, 20 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft
When: July 28–30 at 12:30 and 6:30 PM
Cost: Tuesday $3; other shows $6–$7 for general admission, with reduced student, senior, veteran and member prices

Summer Theatre Workshop Performances — Dover-Foxcroft

Center Theatre’s free summer theatre workshop concludes with public performances Saturday. The program gives local performers a chance to present work developed during the summer session.

Where: Center Theatre, 20 East Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft
When: Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM
Cost: The source confirms the workshop is free but does not state whether performance admission is free

Tiny Tots Storytime — Bangor

Children ages two through four and a participating adult can enjoy stories, songs, games, and finger plays Wednesday morning at Bangor Public Library.

Where: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street
When: Wednesday, July 29, 11:00–11:30 AM
Cost: Free

Summer Exhibitions at the Zillman Art Museum — Bangor

Five summer exhibitions are open at the Zillman Art Museum, giving readers an indoor option during the week. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where: Zillman Art Museum, 40 Harlow Street, Bangor
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Cost: Free admission

Bangor Advisory Committee on Homelessness

The committee meets Tuesday evening to discuss local homelessness needs, services, and policy recommendations.

Where: Bangor City Hall, Council Chambers, 73 Harlow Street
When: Tuesday, July 28 at 5:15 PM

Bangor Board of Ethics

Bangor’s Board of Ethics meets Tuesday in the Paul Bunyan Meeting Room at City Hall.

Where: Bangor City Hall, Paul Bunyan Meeting Room, 73 Harlow Street
When: Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 PM

Brewer City Council Special Meeting

The Brewer City Council holds a special meeting Tuesday afternoon in the Arthur C. Verow Council Chambers.

Where: Brewer City Hall, 80 North Main Street
When: Tuesday, July 28 at 3:30 PM

Queen City BNI — Hermon

Queen City BNI meets Thursday morning at The Sports Arena in Hermon. Local business owners and professionals are welcome to visit, meet the chapter, and learn how its referral network works.

Where: The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon
When: Thursday, July 30 at 8:30 AM

Black Bear BNI — Brewer

Black Bear BNI holds its weekly hybrid meeting Thursday morning in Brewer. Visitors can attend in person and connect with business professionals from both sides of the Penobscot.

Where: 240 State Street, Brewer
When: Thursday, July 30 at 8:30 AM

Bangor Breakfast BNI — Bangor

Bangor Breakfast BNI meets Friday morning at the Bangor Elks Lodge. This is an early start, but it puts business owners around the table before most of the workday begins.

Where: Bangor Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor
When: Friday, July 31 at 7:00 AM

Tropical Cheese Industries Acquires Pineland Farms Dairy Company

Pineland Farms Dairy Company in Bangor has been acquired by New Jersey-based Tropical Cheese Industries. The Bangor operation is Maine’s largest cheese producer, and the buyer says it intends to make the facility its second major cheese-manufacturing location.

That matters because this isn’t simply a change of ownership on paper. The Bangor plant is a significant regional food manufacturer, and continued investment there helps protect skilled jobs while strengthening Maine’s agricultural and food-processing economy.

• No Bones Grill Opens in Old Town: After three years operating as a food truck around Penobscot County, Daniel and Christine Terrill have opened a permanent No Bones Grill restaurant on Main Street in Old Town. The food truck will continue serving regional events while the restaurant builds its regular schedule. It brings another locally owned dining option downtown and turns a mobile business into a year-round Old Town presence.
•  
• Orono Brewing Company Prepares to Expand: Orono Brewing Company is working on another expansion as it pursues a larger long-term growth goal. A successful expansion would add capacity to one of the region’s recognizable homegrown brands and support more local production and employment.
•  
• New Rehabilitation Hospital Moves Toward an October Opening: Bangor native Troy Trejo has been named CEO of the 50-bed Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Bangor, which is scheduled to open in October. The new hospital will give regional patients another inpatient option for recovering from serious injuries, surgeries, and complex medical conditions closer to home.
•  
• Housing Growth Is Stronger in Hermon and Old Town: Newly released state data shows that Hermon approved permits for 43 housing units in 2025 and Old Town approved 38, compared with 32 in Bangor. Permits do not guarantee construction, but the numbers show that smaller regional communities are playing an important role in adding homes for the people who live and work here.

Late July is when the market tables start filling up with more of what Maine grows best—berries, greens, summer squash, cucumbers, flowers, fresh bread, eggs, meats, and locally made goods. Several markets are open during this edition, so readers have options across the region.

Brewer Farmers’ Market

The Brewer market is open three days during this edition and is one of the easiest stops for readers who want a weekday option.

Where: Brewer Auditorium, 318 Wilson Street, Brewer
When: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM or later depending on vendors
What you’ll find: Seasonal produce, farm products, baked goods, and locally made items.

Orono Farmers’ Market

The Orono market offers both a Tuesday-afternoon market and its larger Saturday-morning market at the University of Maine Steam Plant parking lot.

Where: Steam Plant parking lot, College Avenue, Orono
When: Tuesday, 2:00–5:30 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM–noon
What you’ll find: Produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, flowers, and other Maine-grown and Maine-made products.

Newport Community Market

The Newport Community Market brings together local growers, makers, and artisans on Friday evenings. It’s a good excuse to head west and make the market part of the start of your weekend.

Where: 409 Moosehead Trail, Newport
When: Friday, 4:00–7:30 PM
What you’ll find: Local farm products, handmade goods, and artisan vendors.

Bangor Farmers’ Market

Bangor’s Sunday market takes place across from the Bangor Public Library and brings together farms and kitchens from around the region.

Where: Corner of Franklin and Harlow streets, Bangor
When: Sunday, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
What you’ll find: Vegetables, berries, mushrooms, meats, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, coffee, flowers, plants, and preserved foods.

Back Up Your Phone Before You Need To

Photos, contacts, and important messages can disappear with one damaged or lost phone. Take a few minutes this week to confirm that your phone is backing up automatically—and that you know the password needed to restore it.

A backup only helps when it’s current and you can actually access it.

Wellness Tip — Mental Health

Give Yourself Ten Quiet Minutes

A packed summer week can leave your mind running long after the day is over. Set aside ten quiet minutes without your phone, television, or another task waiting in front of you.

You don’t have to solve anything. Just give your brain a chance to slow down.

Help Pack Bundle Boxes for Maine Babies

Heart of Maine United Way is looking for volunteers Tuesday afternoon to pack Bundle Boxes for babies from birth through 12 months. The boxes include age-appropriate books, toys, and other early-development items distributed through participating primary-care offices.

Where: Heart of Maine United Way
When: Tuesday, July 28, 1:00–3:00 PM
Volunteer openings: Nine spaces were still listed when this edition was built.

Penquis Needs Volunteer Drivers

Penquis is seeking volunteer drivers throughout Penobscot County. Drivers help older adults and other neighbors reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and essential services when transportation is otherwise difficult to arrange.

This is one of those volunteer jobs where a few hours and a dependable vehicle can make a direct difference in somebody’s week. Penquis lists 207-974-2404 as the contact number for prospective drivers.

Bangor Humane Society’s Current Need: Enrichment Toys

The Bangor Humane Society is always caring for animals who need more than food and a clean kennel. Toys and puzzle feeders help keep dogs and cats active, reduce stress, and give them something constructive to do while they wait for homes.

Charlie's & Molly's Story

Charlie

Molly

Their Story 

Charlie, an 8-year-old puggle, and Molly, a 5-year-old beagle mix, are a bonded pair looking for a cozy home together. They are both super sweet little snugglebugs who love outdoor adventures and car rides. Charlie's gentle nature makes him a delightful companion, eager to spread joy and warmth to those around him. Molly thrives on friendship and love and has formed an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Charlie, so she does get a little anxious without him by her side. They dream of a loving home where they can snuggle up and share their affection. They have a positive history of living with children and dog savvy cats, but they're not big fans of other dogs. Please come visit them at the shelter and see if they could be the perfect addition to your family! 

Charlie & Molly are available at the Bangor Humane Society. They must go home together.  Call the Bangor Humane Society (207) 942-8902

Suzan Prendergast: Helping Animals Means Helping People

Suzan Prendergast has led the Bangor Humane Society for eighteen years, and her goal isn’t to build a bigger shelter. She’d rather reach the day when fewer animals and families need one.

In Episode 10 of Maine Thrive Voices, Suzan explains what happens between the day an animal arrives and the day it leaves. That work includes medical care, behavior assessments, training, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and sometimes giving a frightened animal the time it needs to feel safe again.

She also talks about the pressure the shelter has faced since COVID, the local donors and volunteers who keep the doors open, and programs that help unhoused neighbors and people escaping domestic violence stay connected to their pets. Her point is clear: helping an animal usually means helping a person, too.

This is an honest conversation with someone who has spent most of her career helping Greater Bangor’s people and pets.

Listen to Episode 10: Suzan Prendergast of the Bangor Humane Society — Spotify
Read the companion Maine Thrive Insight

This is the kind of summer dessert that works because you don’t have to turn on the oven.

 Fresh Maine blueberries, lemon, whipped cream, and graham crackers do the work, then the refrigerator brings it all together.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 box graham crackers
• 3 cups fresh blueberries
• Extra blueberries and lemon zest for the top
•  

How to Make It

Whip the cream with the powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until soft peaks form.

Spread a thin layer of the whipped cream in the bottom of an 8-by-8-inch dish. Add a layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit. Cover with more whipped cream and a layer of blueberries.

Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours, though overnight is even better. The graham crackers soften into cake-like layers while the blueberries and lemon keep everything bright and fresh.

Top with more blueberries and a little lemon zest before serving.

Sandy’s note: This is a good one to make the night before. Put it in the refrigerator, forget about it, and dessert is ready when everybody shows up.

Bangor Band Summer Concerts

The Bangor Band performs free outdoor concerts Tuesday evenings during the summer. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an hour of live music at the waterfront.

Where: Bangor Waterfront
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
Cost: Free

Orono Summer Concert Series

Orono’s Tuesday-night concerts bring local musicians to the Village Green throughout the summer. It’s an easy weeknight outing, and admission is free.

Where: Orono Village Green
When: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:00 PM
Cost: Free

Bangor State Fair

The fair opens during this edition and continues daily through Saturday, August 8. Hours vary by day, with midway rides, agriculture, food, entertainment, and competitions at Bass Park.

Where: Bass Park and Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main Street, Bangor
When: July 30–August 8
Cost: Varies by day and ticket package

Weekly BNI Meetings

Queen City BNI in Hermon, Black Bear BNI in Brewer, and Bangor Breakfast BNI meet every week. Visitors may attend to learn about each chapter and meet local business owners, subject to the chapter’s visitor requirements.

Help Us Keep the Penobscot Valley Connected

Know about an upcoming event, community fundraiser, business opening, volunteer need, or local story that deserves attention?

Send it our way. Please include the event name, date, time, location, cost, a short description, and a direct link to the official source so we can verify the details before publication.

The earlier we receive it, the better chance we have of including it in the right edition.

Newsletter Sponsor — Bangor Humane Society

The Bangor Humane Society has served Greater Bangor’s people and animals for generations. Its staff and volunteers provide shelter, medical care, behavior support, enrichment, and adoption services while helping families keep the connection they share with their pets.

This week’s edition also features Executive Director Suzan Prendergast in Episode 10 of Maine Thrive Voices. Her message is a good one: when you help an animal, you’re often helping a person at the same time.

Learn more, adopt, volunteer, or support their work through the Bangor Humane Society.

Help Us Grow the Penobscot Valley Voice

Know someone who would enjoy this edition?

Please forward it to a neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member who wants to know what’s happening across the Penobscot Valley. Every new reader helps us share more local events, community stories, business news, and good work happening throughout the region.

Share the Voice and help keep the Valley connected.

Scout has a pretty good life. She has a warm bed, plenty of food, regular walks, and more attention than she probably needs.

Not every animal starts there.

That’s why the work happening every day at the Bangor Humane Society matters so much. The staff and volunteers care for animals when they’re scared, sick, confused, or simply waiting for someone to choose them. Some stay a few days. Others need more time. Every one of them needs patience.

My conversation with Suzan Prendergast reminded me that shelter work is rarely just about the animal in front of you. It’s also about the family facing a hard decision, the person trying to escape an unsafe home, or the neighbor who needs a little help keeping a beloved pet.

Scout and I are proud to give the Bangor Humane Society some extra attention this week. The people there do difficult work with a lot of heart, and our community is better because they keep showing up.

B. Bangor Horticultural Society

The Bangor Horticultural Society organized the first exhibition in September 1849. Other agricultural groups later joined together, and the event eventually became the Bangor State Fair we know today.