This summer the Town of Northport hosted two fundraisers to benefit its capital campaign for a new Community Center, Town Office, and Fire Station. The events represent the first fruits of a decade’s worth of resilience and planning by the Town.

Contra dance: Attendees brought their dancing shoes to the Bayside Community Hall on July 19th, and spent the evening with Chrissy Fowler of Belfast Flying Shoes directing the dance moves and gently teaching neighbors how to do them together. A highly anticipated raffle sold nearly 1000 tickets. Donations from local businesses made for eight wonderful raffle prizes. Thank you, Carousel, Swans Island Company, The Hoot, Camp DeForest, Chase’s Pre-Read Books, Bayside Store, and Northport Landing!

The contra dance would neither have been successful nor possible without the help of Brynna Ledyard from our fundraising committee. The Northport Fundraising Committee could not have been successful without folks showing up to volunteer, buy raffle tickets, and dance. Thank you, all.

Best of Maine: On August 2, 2026, Ruggles Park came to life in a display of community, with lobster, blueberry pie, live music, art, and multiple sightings of our resident humpback whale! The weather was delightful, with a gentle breeze; Suzanne Rico played wonderfully for all to enjoy. Coastal Critters returned to Bayside for the first time since 2015 and served delicious plates of lobsters. Blueberry pies from Susie’s Bakery and scones from Northport’s own Scone Goddess brought their sweetness to the park as well. Folks set out chairs and blankets to take it all in and spend the afternoon together.

Proceeds from the sales of lobster, art and other items, admissions, and other gifts went directly to the new Community Center, Town Office, and Fire Station build. Donations for the Capital Campaign will be accepted any time, and checks can be made to the Town of Northport at the Town Office or online at tinyurl.com/Northport-Builds. Thank you to all the “Best of Maine” volunteers and vendors (Epoca Amber, Cory B Ceramics, Cosmic Creations, Florence Farmstead, Bees by the Sea, Bell the Cat, Schone Goddess, Susie’s Bakery), local musician Suzanne Rico, and the community-at-large for showing up to the event and being a part of the excitement.

While the summer heat may be winding down, the fun is not. Mark your calendars for the return of Northportpalooza on Sunday, September 20th. This event is to celebrate and bring together the Northport Community and wrap up the fun of the summer. We can’t wait to see you there.

Event Details

What: Northportpalooza

When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 · 2:00–4:00 p.m. — rain or shine

Where: Northport Town Office, 16 Beech Hill, Northport, ME