NOVEMBER News from Heart of EllsworthThe Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival 🍎+🧀 is coming to Ellsworth Nov. 8-10! Join us for this and other great events in November.
The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival is Almost Here
Join us Nov. 8-10
The 7th annual Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival returns to Ellsworth on Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 10. The festival offers a variety of events for all ages, honoring the rich tradition of Maine’s historic apple and celebrating two traditional foods — hard cider and cheese.
The weekend's events will include:
Cider making demonstration
Apple Talk + Reception
Cheese making demonstration
Apple preservation workshop
And more!
This year’s signature event will be the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival Bazaar on November 9 at Crossfit Acadia at 249 Bucksport Road. The vibrant bazaar is an ADA accessible market where attendees can sample and purchase local craft cheese, hard and soft ciders, and specialty food products such as juice, crackers, sausage and more. There will be food trucks, an apple identification table, a raffle-style auction – activities for all.
VIP or General Admission tickets are available for the bazaar and can be purchased here.
Tickets are still available to join Heart of Ellsworth and Fogtown Brewing Co. for a cider-making demonstration! We'll select, mill & press apples gathered from local orchards and foraged from the Maine Coast. We'll taste fresh heritage cider apples, discuss their complex characteristics, and learn so much more about the cider-making process.
After, you can head to the bar, where Fogtown will open some bottles from their cellar so you can purchase their new releases by the glass! And enjoy their cider-apple wood-fired pizza special.
For $60 you can take home 500ml of freshly-pressed cider in a swivel-top bottle to drink fresh or ferment at home! Plus, you'll get two general admission tickets to the Cider & Cheese Bazaar on Saturday, November 9th.
We are looking for a Part-time Marketing Coordinator for Heart of Ellsworth, a 501c3 based in Ellsworth, ME. Play a key role in marketing, public relations, and promotional strategies for the downtown business district. 2+ years experience, $25-$30 an hr., 15-20 hrs. per week.
The theme for this year's Maine Downtown Conference is “Revitalization in Action,” and promises dynamic discussions and groundbreaking initiatives to transform our downtown communities.
Innovative Strategies to energize and enhance our downtowns
Success Stories from across the state and beyond
Insights from top economic development professionals
Networking Opportunities with community leaders, municipal staff, elected officials, and passionate residents
Whether you're a community leader, business owner, or enthusiastic local, this is your chance to learn, connect, and be inspired to help shape vibrant and sustainable downtowns for the future.
Winter Relief Loans from Bangor Federal Credit Union
Gas prices, groceries – the cost of living is increasing, and in turn, your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Let the team at Bangor Federal Credit Union take some pressure off you and your family this holiday season with their Winter Relief Loan.
With loan rate terms as low as 5.99% APR over 12-months, and a maximum borrow limit of $5,000, let them help you with those holiday gifts, heating oil, and anything in-between.
For additional details and terms, contact their lending team at 947-0364, visit their website, or stop in to any of their branches in Bangor, Brewer, and Ellsworth. Their team is here to help you.
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 5.99% for 12 months = $86.43 per thousand, principle and interest. The advertised rate may vary based on creditworthiness and terms of the loan. Your rate may be higher depending on your credit. Rate is subject to change without notice. The lowest rate offered is 5.99% for 12 months. Existing Bangor Federal personal loans do not qualify for this offer. Max borrow limit is $5,000. Loan offer valid November 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Bangor Federal Credit Union - Federally Insured by NCUA.
Last month, Maine's Supreme Court began hearing arguments on the water quality certificate for the two Union River dams in Ellsworth. No matter the State Supreme Court's decision, changes will be required to improve fisheries, water quality, and recreation on the Union River.
Heart of Ellsworth, along with local partners, is leading an economic study to understand how the range of possible improvements—from fish ladders to returning Leonard Lake to a wild river—would impact our communities. Stay tuned for an opportunity to participate.
This year's Meet the Candidates forum was another engaging and educational event. We were joined at The Grand by the five candidates running for two city council seats to share why they're running and what their priorities are for the city.
If you couldn't join us, you can watch the recording of the event here.
The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that inspire belly-laughter as both sides of the aisle get skewered.
165 Main St.
Reserved Seating
$50 Advance/$55 at the Door
RSVP: Website
Ecopsychology and Mindfulness: Healing with Nature - Healthy Acadia
Thurs., Nov. 7: 5-6 pm
Ecopsychology is a field that looks at the strong bond between people and nature. During this interactive workshop, Dennis Kiley, founder of the EcoPsychology Initiative (EPI), will introduce participants to ecopsychological strategies, principles, and practices to help navigate these challenges. The program will feature a brief presentation, hands-on activities, and group discussion.
Karen Baron Watercolors Art Show and Reception - Ellsworth Public Library
Thurs., Nov. 7: 5-7 pm
Join the library for a reception featuring artist Karen Baron. Refreshments will be served. Cards and prints available for sale as well as original artwork. Work will also be on display for the month of November.
Participate in a creative brainstorming session that will help shape an upcoming “Entrepreneurial Exploration” workshop series. Plus, receive industry knowledge from a panel of experts from Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Barbee Business Services, the law firm of Eaton Peabody and TS2 Marketing Consulting. Drinks and light snacks will be provided and the event is free for Ellsworth area business owners and prospective entrepreneurs. RSVP is required.
Learn about the remarkable story of Project Puffin and how research in the Gulf of Maine is impacting seabirds around the world. During a presentation by Project Puffin Visitor Center Manager, Susie Meadows, you will paint your very own Least Tern decoy, just like the decoys used to restore seabird colonies worldwide.
Deed Research Workshop - Ellsworth Historical Society
Fri., Nov. 15: 6-8 pm
Deeds contain an amazing amount of historical and familial information, often arcane and densely packed. The purpose and focus of this workshop are limited to those interested in performing local history and genealogical research using deeds. It is not intended as a legal primer or a text for understanding the complex laws and rules relating to surveying and conveyancing. Registration is required, only 30 seats available.
Midday Concert @ 1 - Ellsworth Community Music Institute
Fri., Nov. 22: 1 pm
Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) offers its next Midday Concert @ 1:00 on Friday, November 22 with the Silver Duo - Noreen Silver, cello, and Phillip Silver, piano.
Ellsworth Arbor Commission Receives $193,000 for Urban Forestry Projects
The City of Ellsworth's Arbor Commission is celebrating the completion of its first year of service to the community with the announcement that it has secured $193,000 in grants through the Maine Forest Service for tree planting and other urban forestry projects over the next three years.
A Project Canopy Planning Grant will support the development of a comprehensive Forestry Management Plan for the City including a plan for the City's newly expanded Public Forest, an Invasive Pests Management Plan, and a small planting project on High Street in November. The grant will be matched by in-kind contributions by commission members, city staff, and local non-profits (the Ellsworth Garden Club, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Green Ellsworth).
The second grant, for $173,000, was received from the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. It will fund an extensive tree-planting project, stretching from the High Street area along Foster and Washington streets to the waterfront and the City's Harbor Park.
Join the Ellsworth Public Library's Annual Appeal this fall to help fund crucial renovations, including ADA accessibility, improved safety, and diverse spaces. Your support ensures the library remains a vital resource for generations to come!
Click here or on the image above to find out how you can participate.
Christmas Parade of Lights Date & Theme Announced
The City of Ellsworth Recreation Commission has announced the 44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th and will kick-off at 4:00pm. (Sunday, December 8th is the inclement weather date, if needed). This year's theme is Christmas In Toyland!
The parade will be a light themed parade again this year. Parade participants are encouraged to decorate their floats/vehicles with Christmas lights and other light up decorations and get creative!
Line-up for the parade will begin at 3pm at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School and in the parking lot behind the Mill Mall off from State Street. The parade will travel down State Street to School Street, across School Street, turning onto Main Street, traveling to the lower light and then back up State Street to the Middle School/Mill Mall area.
Parade Organizer, Kimberly Fitch encourages all community/civic groups, churches, businesses, schools and any entertainment to register to be part of the parade and join the festivities of Christmas In Toyland.
There's still time to participate in Hancock County Planning Commission's household survey. They have extended their deadline and will close the survey for their Housing Needs and Suitability Assessment on November 15. They are encouraging ALL households in the county to participate.
If you have not taken the survey, you can take it here. Pass along to your friends and neighbors and reach out to Greg Piduch at gpiduch@hcpcme.org with any questions.
Thank you for supporting Heart of Ellsworth!
Heart of Ellsworth is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
