Bethel LIVING
Publisher’s Note
Welcome to the Holiday Issue of Bethel Living Magazine! We’re delighted to share this festive season with you. May it bring plenty of joy, goodwill, and meaningful moments with family and friends.
Inside this issue, you’ll meet Gould Academy’s own Alana LaCourse, get the latest on exciting developments at Sunday River, learn about the growing cat crisis at Responsible Pet Care, and catch up on Maine Adaptive’s big move. You’ll also find delicious ediblegift recipes to clip and save, plus a handy roundup of upcoming BAAM and local events to fill your winter calendar.
Most of all, we invite you to settle in, savor the season, and enjoy this special time of year.
As always, I am thankful to my support team. My production team is wonderful, as are my advertisers and readers – you make knocking together this magazine a joy, not a task.
Laurie Ann Knowles PUBLISHER
Bethel Living is trademarked and owned by Laurie Ann Knowles. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Bethel Living is made possible by the participation of our advertisers. We offer them our thanks and ask you to consider them first when patronizing businesses in the Bethel, Maine area.
Cover photo supplied by: Sunday River
Features Editor: Nate Scott
Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com
laurie@royalrivergraphics.com
Andy Gagne Photography
ALANA LACOURSE:
From Midcoast Maine to the National Stage
Hailing from the picturesque coastal village of East Boothbay, Alana LaCourse has already carved out a path as one of Maine’s most dynamic young women. Now a junior at Gould Academy, this 16-year-old is not only Miss Maine’s Teen 2025, but also a dedicated 3 season athlete, High Honors student, performer, and non-profit founder.
Alana’s life has been a balance of coast and mountains. Growing up by the ocean in East Boothbay with winters spent in the Bethel area, her parents, who were both ski instructors in their college years, gave this fortunate girl the gift of skiing at a young age. Together, they’ve instilled in Alana a strong work
Miss Maine’s Teen 2025, Gould Academy Alpine Racer & Non-Profit Founder
ethic, determination, and an appreciation for both athletic and creative pursuits.
On the Slopes Since Age Two
Alana’s love of skiing began early — at just 2½ years old she was on skis, and by age four, she joined the Youth Seasonal Program at Mt. Abram. By eight, she was already racing gates with the Mt. Abram Race Team and the Lost Valley Race Team. At 11, she started with the Gould Academy Competition Program and competed as an Independent with the Maine Junior Ski League. In the 8th grade, she attended Gould Academy’s Winter Term, a program that blends rigorous middle school academics with daily alpine training at Sunday River Ski Resort.
Special thanks to SportThoma in Bethel, Maine for their continued support of GIVE O.N.E. and Alana LaCourse
Now, after years of commitment to the sport, Alana continues to race competitively for Gould Academy’s Alpine Team, where she brings not only athletic ability but also leadership and mentorship to younger racers.
A Performer at Heart
Beyond the slopes, Alana’s talents extend to the stage. A seasoned singer, actor, and dancer, she’s performed in over 60 musicals and productions. At Gould, she joined the spring musical program as a freshman and recently founded the Dance Club, encouraging others to discover the joy of movement and self-expression. Her passion for the arts is matched by her love for community. During her summer vacation Alana shares her natural sense of rhythm and creativity with young people at the Boothbay Region YMCA with choreography, organization, and assistance of their Junior Broadway productions where she performed as a youth.
Grounded in Friendship and Purpose
Despite her accomplishments, Alana stays grounded. She values genuine connections and believes in the importance of unplugging. “My friends and I purposely put our phones away when we hang out,” she says. “I think too much social media and screen time can weigh a lot on teens. Being a teenager is hard enough without having to constantly be comparing oneself to others.”
Her parents each play a special role in her life —
her dad inspires her drive and competitiveness, and her mother offers unwavering emotional support. “My mom has been incredibly supportive through the pageant process,” Alana shares. “She’s been there every step of the way.” Her parents have always told her to say, “YES I CAN”, and that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
Crowned Miss Maine’s Teen 2025
On June 28, 2025, in Auburn, Maine, Alana was crowned Miss Maine’s Teen 2025, a title that recognizes excellence in multiple categories including panel interview, fitness, talent, evening gown, and on-stage
questions. “Alana’s confidence, poise, and authenticity set her apart,” said the panel of 7 judges. Her victory sent her quickly to the Miss America’s Teen Pageant in Orlando, Florida, Sept 1st-6th, 2025, where she joined 49 other state title holders as well as Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. The experience was fast-paced and transformative — 20-hour days filled with events, interviews, photo shoots, rehearsals, and friendship. “It was incredible,” Alana says. “I learned so much, met amazing people, and now have 51 new sisters with whom I stay in touch regularly.”
GIVE O.N.E.: Helping Young Athletes Thrive
Alana’s leadership doesn’t stop at pageants or the podium. She’s the founder of GIVE O.N.E.— short for GIVE Opportunities through New Equipment — a non-profit organization that raises funds to help young alpine ski racers in the Maine Junior Ski League access essential gear for competition. Her initiative, fiscally sponsored by Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, a 501(c)(3) public charity, reflects her deep commitment to community and equity in sports. “I know how expensive skiing can be,” she explains. “I want to make sure talented kids aren’t held back by what they can’t afford.”
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead, Alana has already toured several colleges and has been offered two Presidential scholarships — to Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama — both of which partner with the Miss America’s Teen organization. Though the college choice is yet to be determined, she plans to study business and marketing or business and
communications, hoping to use those skills to grow her nonprofit and empower other young athletes. Alana is also a Brand-Ambassador, for several athletic fitness related products. “As a Pliable athlete since age 13, I have been able to start building my personal brand to share the things that I am passionate about. I love working with businesses and brands because it opens doors for the future of my career,” she says. “With that experience, I can continue to promote GIVE O.N.E. and expand the reach of the nonprofit on a national level to make an even bigger impact.”
An Inspiring Young Leader
With her bright spirit, drive, and compassion, Alana LaCourse embodies what it means to lead with both purpose and grace. From the slopes of Maine to the national stage of Miss America’s Teen, she continues to inspire everyone around her — proving that success comes from passion, perseverance, and heart. Her journey is only beginning — and the world is already watching where she’ll go next.
To Contact and Follow Alana LaCourse:
• Instagram (Personal): @alana.r.lacourse
• Official Pageant Instagram: @missamericasteenme
• Facebook: GIVE Opportunities through New Equipment
• Email: giveo.n.e.program@gmail.com
• Pliable Marketing - Greg Glynn, pliablemarketing@gmail.com
• Nonprofit: Give O.N.E. is a nonprofit directly aimed at raising funds to help aspiring ski racers in the Maine Junior Ski League acquire equipment needed for ski racing. Give O.N.E. is fiscally sponsored by Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, a 501c3 public charity.
Alana LaCourse- Miss Maine’s Teen
What’s New at Sunday River
This season combines major investments in infrastructure with experiences that continue to set Sunday River apart. The Igloo, North America’s first slopeside igloo, returns bigger and more impressive than ever, while the Grand Junction Booster, a key snowmaking upgrade, is designed to support faster and more efficient terrain expansion.
The Igloo: A Slopeside Après Experience
The Igloo has been a signature destination at Sunday River since 2023, and this year it returns bigger and more impressive than ever. As the first slopeside igloo in North America, it brings a unique European-inspired alpine experience right to the backyard of Western Maine.
During the day, The Igloo is the ultimate après spot. Ski or ride right up and step into a space that feels both playful and sophisticated, with hand-carved snow seating pods, an ice bar, and a menu of champagne, specialty cocktails, and other drinks designed to celebrate a great day on the mountain. Each year it takes on a new design, building on the last and offering fresh surprises that make it more impressive than the year prior.
On select evenings, The Igloo transforms into a one-of-a-kind nighttime destination. The ice glows under dynamic lighting and the atmosphere shifts into an intimate yet lively alpine lounge. It’s a scene designed to bring friends together, to celebrate the mountain under the stars, and to create unforgettable
winter memories. Music, lights, and the unique slopeside setting turn The Igloo into an experience unlike any other in North America. This is a night you will want to plan for.
Grand Junction Booster
Over the summer, Sunday River completed the Grand Junction Booster pumphouse, a major upgrade to the snowmaking system that increases capacity and efficiency across Locke and Barker peaks. This upgrade is designed to help the resort connect all eight peaks faster, expand terrain, and maximize snowmaking windows in the early season.
With this investment, the resort no longer needs to sacrifice capacity when making snow across Jordan, Barker, and Locke. When temperatures allow, this added efficiency will revolutionize how the resort expands its early season terrain, allowing these key areas to connect as quickly as possible.
This project builds on improvements completed in 2023, when nearly two miles of 20-inch snowmaking pipe were installed connecting the North Peak Booster Pump House to the summit of the Jordan Bowl. That connection tripled snowmaking capacity in the Jordan Bowl area and has laid the foundation for continued early-season success.
The resort operates the most powerful snowmaking system in New England and one of the most powerful in the world, all backed by an impressive team of snowmaking experts.
Barker 6 & Jordan 8
Sunday River operates the most advanced lift network in New England, anchored by the Jordan 8 and Barker 6. Over the last three years, these major lift upgrades have transformed the resort. Jordan 8, which opened in 2022, and Barker 6, which opened in 2023, feature the same signature elements: ergonomically heated seats and weather blocking red bubbles, designed for comfort, speed, and reliability. Together, these lifts reflect Sunday River’s commitment to leadership in resort infrastructure and delivering an exceptional mountain experience.
Jordan Hotel Lobby Renovation
Completed last winter, The Jordan Lobby invites you to step into a space where Maine heritage and outdoor tradition meet modern comfort and sophistication. Every detail is designed to create an elevated, luxurious experience that is warm and welcoming while still capturing the quiet serenity of the Maine outdoors.
Ellen Wainwright is the Communications Manager at Sunday River, where she loves sharing what makes Sunday River and the surrounding area so special— from the community and local events to the experiences that make this place feel like home. A lifelong Mainer, she enjoys being outside, hanging out with her family, and a good cup of coffee.
Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills Needs Your Help
with Shirley Boyce, President of the Board of Directors by Laurie Ann Knowles
Responsible Pet Care Shelter & Adoption (RPC) provides a safe, loving environment for homeless cats and dogs while they wait for their forever homes. A no-kill, nosuffer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RPC partners with many area towns to accept stray animals—and when space allows— owner surrenders. Their mission is simple but powerful: keep every space filled so that every life possible can be saved. Surveys consistently rate their adoption experience among the best, thanks to the compassion and dedication of their volunteers and staff.
The National Cat Crisis—And Its Local Impact
Across the country, shelters are facing a severe cat crisis driven by overpopulation, overcrowding, and rising costs of living. Un-neutered community cats continue to multiply, producing millions of unwanted kittens each year. Shelters—already stretched thin—struggle with limited space, staff, and resources, forcing many to make heartbreaking decisions.
Meanwhile, inflation and financial hardship have caused more people to surrender their pets or hesitate to adopt, creating a perfect storm that’s being felt everywhere— from large cities to small towns like those in Western Maine.
Before COVID-19, progress was being made through widespread spay and neuter programs. But during the pandemic, many veterinary clinics closed, and while people adopted pets in record numbers, many of those same animals were later returned when life returned to “normal.”
A Local Lifeline in Need
Here in Paris, Maine, Responsible Pet Care continues to be a vital community resource. The organization owns its 5,600-square-foot facility, currently home to about 25 dogs and 140 cats, with plans to expand further. RPC President Shirley Boyce, who began volunteering with
the shelter 25 years ago, continues to lead with tireless dedication.
In a typical year, RPC cares for 400–500 cats and about 120 dogs—all under a no-kill philosophy. The cost of medical treatment, food, and care for strays is significant, and the shelter now maintains waiting lists for people hoping to surrender pets due to economic hardship. What RPC needs most right now are adoptions and donations—the two pillars that keep their mission alive.
Supporting RPC Through Pawsabilities Thrift Shop
One of the best ways to help is by supporting Pawsabilities & Fabulous Finds for Responsible Pet Care, a nonprofit thrift shop where 100% of proceeds benefit the shelter. The shop sells a wide variety of treasures—vintage items, antiques, books, games, toys, housewares, décor, jewelry, furniture, and more. You can find them at 124 Waterford Road in Norway, open Thursday and Friday from 10–4 and Saturday from 10–2. Donations and shoppers are always welcome!
The Power of Pet Companionship
Beyond the joy of rescuing an animal, pet ownership offers remarkable physical, mental, and social health benefits.
Physical Health Benefits
• Better Heart Health: Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels— reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• More Exercise: Dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity goals thanks to walks and playtime.
• Stronger Immunity: Early exposure to pets can reduce allergies and asthma in children.
• Improved Routine and Sleep: Caring for a pet helps establish a healthy daily rhythm that promotes better sleep.
Mental & Emotional Health Benefits
Reduced stress and anxiety • Companionship and connection • Sense of purpose and responsibility • Emotional stability • Improved focus and cognitive function
Social Benefits
Pets help build stronger communities by fostering social interaction, improving communication, and creating shared experiences.
Donate Funds or Supplies
Volunteer Your Time
Adopt a Pet
Shop or Donate to Pawsabilities Thrift Shop Spread the Word!
9 Swallow Road, South Paris PO Box 82, Norway, ME 04268 ResponsiblePetCare.org responsiblepetcare@yahoo.com 207-743-8679
124 Waterford Road, Norway 207-743-8675
Open Thur + Fri 10–4 & Sat 10–2 Find them on Facebook for updates and new arrivals!
Passing the Torch:
Maine Adaptive’s New Home Carries the Spirit of Outward Bound into a Future of Universal Access
by Meryl Kelly
Maine Adaptive has dedicated itself to smashing endless glass ceilings for countless people by providing opportunities for all to experience the thrill of Maine’s mountains, rivers, and trails. Founded in 1982, in a small outbuilding beside Sunday River’s Sundance Trail, its genesis centered around adaptive skiing, allowing people of all mobility levels to partake in the area’s most iconic winter sport. Since those humble beginnings, the organization has grown into a statewide leader in free and low-cost outdoor recreation, now offering more than 2,500 lessons annually across 11 different sports from mountain biking and rock climbing to golf, paddling, court sports, and more.
Yet the story behind the story is that while this organization continues to open countless doors to the outdoors, their small and landless starter home at Sunday River quickly began to burst at the seams.
For decades, Maine Adaptive’s growth was limited by its physical capacity. Over the years rented office space offered some relief but made forward-thinking renovations both financially risky and, in many cases, out of their hands. Storage for bulky adaptive equipment was a constant hurdle, with assets spread between donated community spaces, office corners, and storage trailers. Though this creative, mobile approach gifted Maine Adaptive with a powerful network of supporters
and collaborators, it also underscored the need for a larger central campus: a place where storage, programming, training, and community events could flourish year-round.
As most people understand, it’s difficult to steady your footing in a place, much less root into it, if you can’t even unpack your stuff. That is now changing. Maine Adaptive has found its new home on a sprawling 370-acre property in Newry that once housed the Maine Outward Bound facility. For Co-Executive Director and Outward Bound alum Lizz Peacock, it’s both a homecoming and a new beginning — a passing of the torch from one mission-driven organization to another, each devoted to growth, courage, connection, and nature through its own lens. With Maine Adaptive at the helm, the flame is being lifted a little higher this time — lighting the way toward a truly universal access point to the bounty of our region’s natural resources.
For decades, the Outward Bound campus stood as a beacon for individuals seeking to test
themselves, learn resilience, and discover the transformative power of the outdoors. Those same values are at the heart of Maine Adaptive’s work. The transition between the two organizations feels less like a handoff and more like an evolution — a continuation of purpose.
In many ways, the land itself seems ready for this next step with its fields, woods, and trails holding decades of stories and triumphs. Maine Adaptive’s stewardship will only build on this legacy. Through advances in gear, technology, and thoughtful design, the organization is uniquely positioned to elevate this property into a blueprint for what a supported-access recreation facility should look like. With woodlands, trails, ropes courses, Simmons Brook, and old orienteering courses as a starting point, the anticipation of what could be is truly palpable.
The campus will allow Maine Adaptive not only to unpack and take thoughtful inventory of its equipment but to expand its offerings dramatically — a need illustrated by the waitlists for nearly
every program. This move will spark a flurry of onsite trainings, adaptive clinics, retreats, and nature programming for both clients and community partners.
Maine Adaptive’s philosophy has never been about creating separate or specialized spaces for people with disabilities. Instead, its goal has always been to ensure that everyone can participate in the same places and experiences that able-bodied people so freely enjoy — whether on the slopes, the trails, the lakes, or simply in the community.
This new chapter in Maine Adaptive’s story brings that mission vividly to life. The new campus will draw participants, visitors, and volunteers from across Maine and beyond, infusing fresh energy into both the organization and the region’s greater outdoor community. Designed with inclusion and
shared access at its core, Maine Adaptive envisions this new home not only as a central hub for its programs but also as a gathering place for anyone looking to experience the Maine wilderness.
While the organization’s leaders remain committed to preserving the land’s tranquil beauty, they also hope to welcome local groups and community partners to experience all that 125 Outward Bound Road has to offer — and all it could become. To that end, Maine Adaptive is already hard at work realizing this greater vision: Widening trails, building ramps, and preparing facilities and staff — all in anticipation of a future where everyone is invited to explore, connect, and thrive together.
December and January BAAM Events
Hello from Bethel Area Arts & Music!
After a vibrant and successful year of community arts programming throughout 2025, BAAM is closing out the year and welcoming 2026 with a festive mix of creative activities and live performances.
On Saturday, December 6, BAAM will offer free kids’ crafts during Crescent Park Elementary School’s Breakfast with Santa, inviting young artists to create holiday-themed projects in a fun, familycentered setting.
Our final BAAM at The Gem show of the year takes place on Wednesday, December 24 at 2:00pm, when the Heather Pierson Trio returns with A Charlie Brown Christmas. The trio brings the beloved Vince Guaraldi score to life, performing the entire album, including the iconic “Linus and Lucy” alongside additional Guaraldi favorites. This heartwarming annual tradition captures the nostalgia and gentle jazz spirit that has delighted audiences since 1965. This show has sold out the last two years, so get your Pay What You Can tickets early!
We’re also excited to launch our 2026 season on Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm, as Coyote Island comes to Bethel for the first time. Known for their genre-blending, feel-good sound, Coyote Island promises a vibrant night of music to brighten the winter season. We’ve also heard that Mike O’Hehir (the creative force behind Coyote Island) used to perform at the Mill Hill Inn’s open mic nights. Help us welcome Mike back with an energetic, packed house! Pay What You Can tickets are on sale now.
As we look ahead to 2026, BAAM remains committed to providing free, high-quality arts opportunities for local students through our Youth Art Program. From in-school workshops to community events, this program connects professional teaching artists with hundreds of young people each year—nurturing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts.
If you would like to help sustain these opportunities in SAD44 schools and community spaces, BAAM welcomes contributions of any size. Your support ensures that arts access remains free for all local youth.
We hope to see you in December! With gratitude, Kate Webb, BAAM Program Director
BAAM’s mission is to cultivate a creative community through youth art education, artist opportunities, and public engagement with the performing arts.
Questions? Please contact Kate at 207-320-9714 or coordinator@bethelareaartsandmusic.com. Sign up for newsletters or make a donation on our website www.bethelareaartsandmusic.com or follow us on Facebook @BAAM-Bethel Area Arts & Music, or on Instagram @bethel_area_arts_and_music
Pay What You Can tickets for all BAAM at The Gem shows are available at www.thegemtheater.com
Photo Credit: Victor Salvo
Coyote Island
Heather Pierson
Season’s Greetings from our family at A Longer Table Homestead to yours!
Let us help you spend more time with the ones you love by letting us handle your holiday grocery shopping this year with “The List.” We bring the area’s best farm-fresh ingredients right to your door—or have them ready for convenient pickup in Bethel, Maine.
FMI Join our Newsletter or follow us on socials
Phone: (207)381-7239
Facebook: A Longer Table Homestead
Catering and Private Chef Services
Instagram: a_longer_table_bethel
Cracker Toffee
INGREDIENTS:
• Saltine Crackers
• 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Dreamland LLC Butter
• A splash of Coffee Liquor
• 12 Oz. Chocolate Chips
• Toppings of choice (Sprinkles, nuts, flakes salt, coconut…etc)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a 9 by 13" pan with well greased non-stick foil. Place one layer of saltines (salty side down) in the pan and set it aside.
3. In a saucepan combine butter and brown sugar. Bring mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 3 minutes while stirring.
4. Pour mixture over the crackers evenly and bake in the oven for 6 minutes.
5. Turn off the oven. Remove the pan from the oven, fix any crackers that may have shifted and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot cracker base.
6. Return the pan to the oven for a couple minutes and then remove again and spread the melting chocolate covering the toffee crackers entirely.
7. Add any topping you desire.
8. Refrigerate until cool, then break off pieces and enjoy!
Fennel Cardamom
Glazed Nuts
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 cups nuts and seeds
• 1 ½ cups Frechette Family Farm Vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp Cardamom
• 1 tsp Fennel
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4c orange juice (or water)
• Sea salt
• Sesame Seeds
• Knob of Butter (optional)
** you can easily sub out spices for your own taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Toast the nuts and seeds in a hot heavy-bottomed skillet for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
2. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, combine the vanilla sugar, orange juice, cardamom, fennel, and cinnamon.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble and thicken — about 3–5 minutes (look for a syrupy consistency).
5. Add the toasted nuts and seeds back into the skillet. Stir constantly, coating them evenly with the syrup.
6. Keep cooking for 3–5 more minutes, until the liquid thickens, the nuts look shiny, and the syrup begins to crystallize slightly on their surface (you can also add a Tbsp of butter at this point but it's not essential).
7. Turn off heat and sprinkle in sea salt and sesame seeds (if using) and let cool slightly
8. Pour the mixture onto parchment to finish cooling and store in an airtight container.
Leftover Cheese Dip
(Adapted from Jacques Pépin's Fromage Fort)
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Tbsp caramelized garlic and onion
• 1/2 pound leftover pieces of cheese, a combination of as many hard and soft varieties as you desire (like Brie, cheddar, Swiss, bleu, mozzarella or goat), trimmed to remove rinds, surface dryness or mold
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of Dijon Mustard
• Salt, if needed (depends on cheeses)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Slice half an onion and 2 cloves garlic into saucepan and cook on medium heat stirring occasionally until well caramelized and melting.
2. Meanwhile, prepare cheese, removing rinds and grating hard cheeses as necessary.
3. Add the cheese, white wine (or broth), pepper, and salt (if needed). Mix with a food processor until the mixture is soft and creamy but not too smooth.
4. Package into jars tied with festive ribbon and gift with a bag of KitchenLab at Greenleaf Farm's Sourdough Crackers or cut a baguette in half and smear each side generously, then wrap in foil and gift as a ready to bake cheesy garlic bread.
Message from the Executive Director
Fresh Faces, Bold Vision: A New Chapter for Our Chamber
As we turn the page to a new year, our Chamber is doing more than just making resolutions—we’re making moves. With a new look, a new tagline, and new leadership, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years.
We’re proud to unveil our updated logo and refreshed brand identity—modern, bold, and reflective of the vibrant community we serve. At the heart of it all is our new tagline: “Local on Purpose.”
These three words speak to who we are and what we stand for—a Chamber that champions area businesses with intention, strategy, and heart. We’re here to make sure that doing business in our communities isn’t just convenient—it’s impactful.
Behind this new look is a renewed focus on purpose. With a dynamic new board of directors at the helm, we’re bringing fresh energy, ideas, and a commitment to serve you better. Expect smarter programming, deeper community engagement, and more opportunities to amplify your business voice.
This isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a recommitment. To our members. To our mission. And to the future of our economy.
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. Here's to a new year—and a new era—together. FMI contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce by email: connect@bethelmaine.com or call 207-824-2282.
Bobbi Vandenbulcke, Executive Director Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1247, 8 Station Place
Bethel, ME 04217
Tel: 207.824.2282
connect@bethelmaine.com www.bethelmaine.com www.facebook.com/bethelarea
LOCAL Events
DECEMBER
Free Community XC Ski Days for kids, EVERYDAY this WINTER!!!, from SAD #17 and SAD #44 and RSU #10 and RSU #56 Carter’s XC Ski Center FREE trail passes for all students from these districts with rentals available at various rates. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel 207-824-3880
Fireworks at Sunday River Viewing is slope side at South Ridge Lodge or the Foggy Goggle deck. Free. Fireworks go off at 7PM unless otherwise noted. Please check the schedule at: https://www.sundayriver. com/winter-activities/fireworks
Soup’s On! Every third Wednesday of the month starting at 11am, Methodist Church, Main Street, Bethel Maine
Dec. 4: 2025 Holiday Tree Lighting for the Bethel Area Dress up your vehicles and come see Mr. & Mrs. Santa, Eddie & Betty the Yetis, and
sing Christmas music with the Pleasant Valley Church. Romero’s & Rollin in the Dough food trucks. All are welcome to join or watch. 5-7pm in the parking lot at Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 Station Place, Bethel, Maine. www.bethelmaine.com, 207-824-2282
Dec. 5: Cookies with Santa Bryant Pond and Woodstock Elementary School. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Tree Lighting by Santa on the town common of Bryant Pond near the post office. Everyone is welcome to come to Woodstock Elementary School, 224 Rumford Ave.,Bryant Pond, ME, where you can enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, games and activities while visiting with Santa. FMI: 207-665-2228
Dec. 6: Christmas at the Mason House Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Please join us again for one of our most popular annual events, “Christmas at the Mason House." Celebrate the season while enjoying traditional holiday refreshments, music, and decorations in the
first floor period rooms in the 1813 Mason House. 12 -5pm. Free, but donations welcome. bethelhistorical.org, 207-824-2908
Dec. 6: Breakfast with Santa Crescent Park School. 8:00am-12:00noon. Pancake breakfast with Santa, silent auction and book sale. 19 Crescent Street, Bethel. 207-824-2839
Dec. 6: Christmas Tea and Fair West Parish Congregational Church. Noon-3:30pm. This is a great way to start the Christmas season with a relaxing tea and special goodies. Crafts, tiny treasure and baked goodies are available downstairs in the dining room.bethelcongregationalchurch.org, 207-824-2689
Dec. 12-14: 6th Annual Oxford County Feztival of Trees, Kid’s Activities, Cookies with Santa, Story Time with Mrs. Claus Jackson Silver Post at 595 Gore Road in Locke Mills, Friday 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 8pm, Sunday 8am to noon
Dec. 7: Santa Sunday at Sunday River Ever seen hundreds of Santa’s skiing/boarding down a mountain? All proceeds benefit The River Fund Maine. Registration information can be found at https://www. sundayriver.com/events/santa-sunday, 800-543-2754
Dec. 7: Mahoosuc Community Band Christmas Concert 4 PM at the Gould Academy Bingham Auditorium. The concert, directed by Ed Ryan, features many seasonal favorites. Donations are accepted at the door to allow the community band to continue providing music for the region. FMI contact Ed Lovejoy, president, at mahoosuccommunityband@gmail.com FMI: facebook.com/Mahoosuc-Community-Band
Dec. 9: Yulefest Concert Gould Academy. 7pm. Celebrate the holidays with this spectacular student concert open to the public. Take in the sounds of the holidays and watch as the school's band, chorus group, and student vocalists set the stage for a holiday performance in Bingham Auditorium. gouldacademy.org, 207-824-7781
Dec.13: Mollyockett Chorus The Mollyockett Chorus will be presenting a Christmas Concert. The Chorus is an all-female acapella group. Songs will be a mixture of secular and non-secular Christmas songs with a sing along at the end of the concert. Come and get in the holiday spirit! Methodist Church 74 Main Street Bethel, ME 2-3pm
Dec. 12: Telstar Middle School Winter Concert – 11:40am – 12:40pm. Telstar Middle School’s choruses and bands perform their winter con-
cert. Telstar Regional Middle & High School, 284 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel. 207-824-2136
JANUARY
Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation offers adaptive ski, snowboard and snowshoe lessons and volunteer opportunities at Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Saddleback on a number of days throughout the winter season starting on January 2, 2026. For more information contact info@maineadaptive.org or 207-824-2440.
Free Community XC Ski Days for kids, EVERYDAY this WINTER!!!, from SAD #17 and SAD #44 and RSU #10 and RSU #56 Carter’s XC Ski Center FREE trail passes for all students from these districts with rentals available at various rates. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel 207-824-3880
Jan. 1: Carter’s Last Stand Ski in the new year! Post your skiing kilometers and pictures. Donate to your favorite non-profit or the Bethel Food Bank. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel 207-824-3880
Soup’s On! Every third Wednesday of the month starting at 11am, Methodist Church, Main Street, Bethel Maine
Jan 17-19: Winterfest Weekend Sunday River Resort. Welcome winter with the opening of night skiing, torchlight parade, fireworks, a visit from Santa and much more. https://www.sundayriver.com/events/winterfest-weekend, 800-543-2754
Jan. 25: Wooden Ski Day-Fundraiser for Maine Ski & Snowboard Museum & family-fun celebration of Nordic Skiing’s History!!! Carter’s XC Ski Center 9am – 5pm Fundraiser for Maine Ski & Snowboard Museum. Family fun celebration of Nordic skiing's History! Free trail pass for folks on wooden skis. Any skis are accepted and invited. Costume Parade: Wear your old vintage or Retro Nordic ski clothing and be in the parade. Get in the spirit of celebrating the history of Nordic skiing. Prizes will be given to 3 winners in these categories: Most old timey or traditional Nordic Ski Wear. Retro 70's/80's clothing, And most overall Creative. Ski Parade starts at 1pm. Ski historian, Glenn Parkinson from Maine Ski Museum will share his knowledge of Nordic ski history. Bring your ski artifacts to learn more. Live Music at 2pm, a Food truck will be here from 11-3 and beer will be available. Profits will benefit Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel 207-824-3880
Photo Credit: Victor Salvo
Custom Interior Accents
