Good morning, Bangor.

The Bangor State Fair is back this season—offering new rides, games and fair food with daily events like demolition derby and lumberjack contests.

Fairgoers lined up on Thursday outside the Cross Insurance Center and Bass Park, and wristband costs are $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends with rides running until 10:00 p.m.

Round Room, a Verizon Wireless retailer, will give away free backpacks and supplies this Sunday at stores on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, High Street in Ellsworth, Madison Avenue in Skowhegan and Moosehead Trail in Newport.

The event will start at 1 p.m. and include games and prizes — three million dollars worth of backpacks meant to ease back-to-school costs for families.

A Bangor couple was pulled to the front at Shania Twain’s Tuesday night concert when the singer asked if anyone was celebrating a wedding and then serenaded them with their wedding song — 'From This Moment On.' The couple, married for 26 years and high school sweethearts, said the surprise left them and the crowd stunned.

MaineGeneral Health filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New Jersey accusing insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers — OptumRx, CVS Caremark, and Express Scripts — along with manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi of increasing insulin prices by up to 1,000 percent over two decades as it seeks to recover losses for its insurance plan covering over 5,000 people.

A study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that someone earning minimum wage must work 61 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom unit in Maine and needs an hourly wage of $28.42 for a two-bedroom unit — nearly double the current wage — which marks a rise from last year’s figures.

UMaine quarterback Carter Peevy transferred from Mercer last fall and now says he feels healthy after last year’s knee injury—he is confident he will boost his team’s play this season.

UMaine, picked ninth in the CAA preseason coaches poll, will face Liberty on Aug 30.

UMaine freshman Ace Flagg has begun his season with the Black Bears and is ready to play any role to help win games.

Coach Chris Markwood said the Newport native—who grew up watching his mother play at UMaine—is set to meet high expectations as the team builds on last season’s momentum.

MVP Summer Food Drive

All day — Cole Land Transportation Museum — Donations welcome — Contribute non-expired canned goods and pasta to support local veterans.

Design Fest 2025 Kickoff

9-11 a.m. — Rize - CoWorking & Collaboration Space — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and creative networking in a relaxed coworking atmosphere.

Maine Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2025

10 AM - 2 PM — Cross Insurance Center — Refund policy available — Celebrate the contributions to Maine Basketball at the annual induction ceremony with brunch and festivities.

Goldenrod Walk

4:30-6 p.m. — Fields Pond Audubon Center — Free entry — Explore the diverse goldenrod species and their botanical features on a leisurely walk this summer.

Maine Veterans Project Resource Giveaway

10 AM – 2 PM — Jeff's Catering & Event Center — Free entry — Connect with local organizations for vital resources and non-perishable food assistance.

Brit Floyd Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Maine Savings Amphitheater — Ticket information available — Experience the iconic music of Pink Floyd performed live by Brit Floyd.

Matt Schuster Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Maine Savings Amphitheater — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt music with Matt Schuster as he performs his popular track 'Who Are You Kidding?'.

Annual Butterfly Festival

10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Fields Pond Audubon Center — Free entry — Celebrate butterflies with crafts, tagging, and a colorful parade.