Fryeburg Salutes – A Veteran Banner Program

Some people in our community deserve to have their stories seen.

The Fryeburg Salutes Veteran Banner Program was created to help our community recognize, honor, and remember the veterans who have served our country and have a connection to Fryeburg.

The idea is simple: personalized banners featuring local veterans will be displayed throughout our community from Memorial Day through the fall. Each banner will feature the veteran’s name, photo, branch of service, years served, and the military campaign in which they served.

But this program is about much more than putting banners on poles.

Why Fryeburg Salutes

Veterans come from all walks of life. They are our neighbors, friends, parents, grandparents, siblings, coworkers, coaches, volunteers, and community members.

Some served during times of war. Others served during times of peace. Some spent years in the military, while others served for a shorter period of time. Each person has a different story, but they share something important: they raised their hand and chose to serve.

We wanted to find a way to make sure those stories are recognized.

A banner may seem like a small gesture, but when you see veterans honored throughout town, it becomes something much bigger. It becomes a visible reminder of the people who have served and the sacrifices that came with that service.

It also allows families to see their loved one recognized in the community they call home.

Keeping Their Stories Visible

One of the most important parts of this program is that the banners will remain on display for several years.

That means this isn’t simply a one-day or one-year recognition.

A child riding through town with a parent may see their grandparent’s banner. A friend may pass the name of someone they served alongside. A longtime resident may recognize a familiar face from years ago.

And someone who never knew that person or their story may stop and take notice.

The People Behind Fryeburg Salutes

A program like this doesn’t happen on its own. It takes people who are willing to step up, volunteer their time, and care enough to make an idea become a reality.

Fryeburg Salutes is being made possible by a group of community members who have been working behind the scenes to bring this program to life. They have given their time, ideas, and energy to work through the details, review applications, help families, and make sure each veteran is honored with the care and respect they deserve.

We are grateful to everyone who has helped turn this idea into something our community can be proud of.

Thank you to Jean Andrews, Leslie Schasel, Fran Dooan, Laura Naughton, Dave Tenney, and Lindsay Knapp 

 

Who Can Be Honored?

The program is open to veterans who have a connection to our community.

A banner can be sponsored by a family member, friend, organization, business, or community member who would like to honor a veteran.

The sponsorship fee is $200 and covers the cost of producing and displaying the banner.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Want to learn more about Fryeburg Salutes or have questions about the application? Members of the program will be available in person to talk with you, answer questions, and help with the application process. Visit our table at the Community Center during these times.

In-Person Information & Application Help

September 29: 9:00–10:00 AM
October 19: 5:00–6:00 PM
October 27: 9:00–10:00 AM
November 11: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
December 5: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

We’d be happy to talk with you about the program and help you get started.

Be Part of Fryeburg Salutes

Applications for the 2027 Fryeburg Salutes Veteran Banner Program are now available.

The application deadline is March 1, 2027.

To learn more about the program, visit our page “Fryeburg Salutes” on our website, or fill out an application; click here. 

Whether you are honoring someone you love, someone you served with, or a veteran who has made a difference in your life, we hope you will consider being part of Fryeburg Salutes.

Supporting Community Through Tradition: The Fryeburg Rec Annual Auction

Each year, the Fryeburg community comes together in a big way to support something that touches so many lives, our recreation programs and community center. What many may not realize is that this effort is led by the dedicated Board of the Fryeburg Rec Department, a nonprofit group committed to keeping our programs accessible and our community building thriving.

Now in its 5th year, the Annual Auction has become a meaningful tradition. This fundraiser plays a vital role in helping offset program costs and ensures that we can continue offering opportunities for residents of all ages, from youth programs to senior activities and everything in between.

The success of this event is a direct reflection of the generosity of our community. Local businesses, supporters, and residents all contribute in different ways, whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply showing up to participate. Every item donated and every bid placed helps strengthen the foundation of what we do.

Tickets to attend this year’s auction will go on sale soon, and we look forward to welcoming another great crowd in support of this important cause.

Seniors On The Move – More Than Just a Ride

Since purchasing our 13-passenger van, Seniors On The Move has already hit the road for four field trips and five mystery lunches, and we’re just getting started! But for me, this project is more than just trips and outings. It’s deeply personal.

When my father was getting sick, I saw firsthand how difficult it was for him to stay involved in the things he loved. Resources were limited. I’d FaceTime him from my kids’ games so he could feel like he was there. When I could, I’d load him into the car so we could go together, and those were the days I’ll never forget, driving to the game, grabbing a bite to eat, and talking about everything and nothing. Those moments became memories. I realized it wasn’t just something he needed; I needed it too.

After he passed, I knew I had to do more. Our seniors deserve more. With the incredible support of this community and so many generous friends, I was able to raise the money to purchase a van that now serves the seniors of Fryeburg and our surrounding towns.

This van has already brought me so many new connections. We laugh, talk, and share meals during our mystery lunches. The joy and excitement they feel heading to lunch or on an outing is truly the best reward.

Thank you for believing in this initiative. I’m so grateful to be able to offer these opportunities to the people who have given so much to our community over the years.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook for updates on upcoming field trips and mystery lunches. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on our website so you don’t miss a thing!

Lindsay

Exciting Community Cruise Announcement!

We are thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership with local travel agent Barbara Stairs from Denmark, Maine, to bring you an unforgettable community cruise experience! Join in on a spectacular getaway from April 14 – April 19, 2026, sailing from Boston to Bermuda aboard a luxurious cruise ship.

Informational Meeting – Mark Your Calendars!
Interested in learning more? Join us for an informational meeting on April 24th at 9:00 AM at the Community Center, where you’ll have the chance to meet Barbara and hear all the exciting details about this incredible trip.

A Journey Like No Other
Imagine feeling like you’ve traveled halfway around the world without the long flights! Spend your days in Bermuda enjoying world-class golf courses, boutique shopping, and stunning beaches. When you return to the ship, indulge in the relaxing spa, try your luck in the thrilling casino, savor delicious dining options, and dance the night away at lively nightclubs.

This is the week-long escape you’ve been dreaming of! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible experience. Join us at the meeting to learn more and start planning your adventure!

For more information, contact Lindsay Knapp at fryeburgcic@gmail.com or stop by Fryeburg Rec.

Are We There Yet? – We Did IT!

We are beyond thrilled to share some incredible news—thanks to the generosity and support of our community, we have successfully purchased the Are We There Yet! van! This 13-passenger vehicle will help connect our senior residents in Fryeburg and six surrounding towns—Brownfield, Denmark, Lovell, Stoneham, Stow, and Sweden—to events, outings, and more.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing donors, local businesses, and community members who rallied behind us. A special thank you to John Khiel & Sons Logging & Excavation, Inc. for their matching donation, which helped push us closer to our goal. We also want to recognize Sherman Farm for dedicating their corn maze fundraiser to this project, Nate & Kate’s Maple for dedicating a day to support this project, and everyone who participated in our raffles, fundraisers, and donation drives.

Your generosity has made a lasting impact. Because of you, our seniors will have access to more social opportunities, field trips, and adventures that will enrich their lives. Our first official van outing is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to hit the road!

Thank you for believing in this project and helping us bring it to life. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Seniors On The Move! trips, and if you’d like to join us or volunteer, feel free to reach out.

Here’s to new adventures and stronger community connections!

Celebrate the New Year at Fryeburg’s Night of Lights Event!

As the year comes to a close, the Town of Fryeburg is gearing up for a magical celebration to welcome 2025. The third annual Night of Lights event promises to be an enchanting evening filled with joy, community spirit, and dazzling lights.

When and Where

Join us on December 31st on Bradley Street for an unforgettable night. The festivities run from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as Bradley Street shuts down and transforms into a glowing corridor of lights and campfires hosted by local businesses. The event will culminate in a small fireworks display at 7:00 PM, ensuring a safe yet mesmerizing view for everyone.

What to Expect

The Night of Lights is a free event designed to bring the community together in a warm and festive atmosphere. Here’s what’s in store:

  • Bradley Street Transformation: Stroll down the street lined with dazzling lights and cozy campfires, creating a magical New Year’s Eve atmosphere.
  • Food Vendors: Enjoy delicious offerings from The Hibachi Hut, Boston’s Best Roast Beef, the Fryeburg Academy Varsity Baseball Team, and The Saco Valley Wrestling Club.
  • Hot Chocolate: Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate provided by the Town of Fryeburg table.
  • Dance to Music by DJ Dan: Groove to a mix of tunes as DJ Dan keeps the energy high throughout the evening.
  • Fireworks Display: Stay until 7:00 PM for a countdown to 2025 and a small but spectacular fireworks display to ring in the New Year.

Join Us in Lighting Up the Night

The Night of Lights is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the vibrant community we have here in Fryeburg. It’s a chance to come together, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the opportunities that 2025 will bring.

Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and let’s make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

A special thanks to the Fryeburg Dental Center, Fryeburg Fire Department, Fryeburg Police Department, Micklon Tree & Landscaping and Fryeburg Academy.

Join Us for Fryeburg’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to kick it off than with Fryeburg’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 1st? This cherished community tradition is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family, spread holiday cheer, and create lasting memories.

🎄 This Year’s Highlights 🎄

✨ Parade of Lights
New this year, we’re excited to host a Parade of Lights! The parade will begin at 5:45 PM at Molly Ockett Middle School and wind its way through town, ending at Bradley Park. Watch as brightly lit vehicles and walkers light up the evening in a dazzling display of holiday spirit.

🎶 Festive Fun at Bradley Park
Once the parade reaches Bradley Park, the festivities continue with:

  • Christmas caroling to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
  • A countdown to the tree lighting, where the park will be illuminated with the glow of our beautiful Christmas tree.
  • Hot chocolate generously served by the Interact Club, perfect for warming up on a crisp winter night.
  • And a surprise visit from Santa Claus—a magical moment for kids and adults alike!

Join the Celebration!

Bundle up, bring your family, and join us for this magical evening. Whether you come for the parade, the carols, or just the hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s light up Fryeburg together and make this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony one to remember!

Fryeburg Fair Fundraiser Success: Congratulations to Our Winner!

What a fantastic week it’s been at the Fryeburg Fair! We are beyond grateful to everyone who stopped by our tent to purchase raffle tickets in support of Fryeburg Rec. Your generosity and enthusiasm were incredible, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

We’re thrilled to announce that Jolene from Waterford, Maine, is the lucky winner of the Jeep raffle! Congratulations, Jolene!

We will see you next year!

Holiday Craft Fair At The Community Center

Calling All Crafters: Join Us for the 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and we are thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Community Center on December 7th! This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your handmade creations, connect with the community, and kick off the festive season in style.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Community Center 59 Recreation Drive Fryeburg, Maine 04037

Attention, Vendors!

Are you a local artisan or crafter with unique, handmade products? We’re looking for vendors to join us for this special event. Whether you create jewelry, holiday decorations, textiles, pottery, or any other handcrafted items, we’d love to have you be a part of our Holiday Craft Fair.

Why Participate?

  1. Showcase Your Work: This is a wonderful opportunity to display your craftsmanship to a supportive and enthusiastic audience. Our Holiday Craft Fair is a community favorite, drawing shoppers looking for unique gifts and holiday décor.
  2. Connect with the Community: Engage with fellow crafters, meet new customers, and build lasting connections within our vibrant community.
  3. Support a Good Cause: Your participation helps support the Community Center and its programs. Proceeds from the event will contribute to ongoing initiatives, including our efforts to raise funds for a senior citizen van through the Are We There Yet? project.

Vendor Information:

Event Highlights:

  • Holiday Shopping: Shoppers will have the chance to browse a variety of booths featuring handcrafted items perfect for holiday gifts.
  • Festive Atmosphere: The fair will be filled with holiday cheer, including festive music, decorations, and a visit from Santa!
  • Food for Everyone: Food available for purchase. We will have teenagers available to take orders and fill in for you if you need to step away.

Join Us!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a beloved holiday tradition in our community. Reserve your spot today and help make this year’s Holiday Craft Fair the best one yet!

Stay Connected: For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook and check our website regularly.

4th Of July Parade!!!!

Celebrate Independence Day with Our 4th of July Parade!

As the warm sun of July rises and the vibrant hues of summer surround us, it’s time to mark one of the most cherished traditions in our community—the 4th of July Parade! This annual event is more than just a parade; it’s a celebration of our nation’s independence, a tribute to our community spirit, and a day filled with fun, joy, and patriotism. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this year’s parade promises to be a memorable experience for all.

The Theme: “Celebration”

This year, our parade theme is “Celebration,” capturing the joyous spirit of Independence Day. Expect to see creative floats, and spirited performances that embody the festive atmosphere of this special day. Let’s come together to celebrate our freedoms, our community, and the bright future ahead.

Parade Details

Date: July 4th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Route: The parade will start at Legion, left onto Bradley Street, left onto Main Street, left onto Portland Street, left onto Pine Street, left onto Bradley Street and ending back at the Legion.

Make sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and plenty of sunscreen.

  1. Grand Marshal: This year, we are honored to have James “Jimmy” Oliver, a recipient of the Spirit Of America award for his outstanding community service. Jimmy has helped numerous people over the years and has dedicated himself to helping others.
  2. Marching Bands: Get ready for the stirring sounds of the Bridgton Community Band. Their patriotic tunes and synchronized performances are always a crowd favorite.
  3. Colorful Floats: From local businesses to community organizations, expect to see a dazzling array of floats.
  4. Local Heroes’ Section. Here, we will honor the outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. From firefighters and police officers to healthcare workers,these heroes exemplify the spirit of service and resilience. Their dedication and hard work have helped shape our community into what it is today, and this section is a small token of our immense gratitude.

Join Us in the Celebration!

The 4th of July Parade is a time-honored tradition that brings our community together in a celebration of freedom, unity, and joy. We invite you all to join us in this festive event. Let’s make this Independence Day a memorable one, filled with laughter, cheer, and a shared sense of pride in our great nation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates and share your parade photos with the hashtag #Celebrate. For more information, visit our website https://fryeburgrec.com.

Happy Independence Day! 🎉🇺🇸