Good morning, Bangor.

On Saturday, the Cross Insurance Center hosted the 2nd annual Merry Maker’s Market where nearly 100 local vendors sold Maine-made items like sweets, soaps, and jewelry.

The event helped boost small business sales just before the holiday season.

The Boys & Girls Club held its Holiday Haul event on Saturday at the Opportunity Center so families could receive free gifts, with children getting two presents and unlimited stocking stuffers, thanks to generous community donations.

A beads workshop was held in downtown Bangor on Saturday, Dec.

20 at Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness' Youth and Cultural Center, where participants strung beads that will be displayed at the Museum of Beadwork in Portland when the exhibit opens on Feb. 28.

Versant Power crews worked early Saturday to restore power after Friday's high winds and rain.

They prioritized clearing downed lines — focusing on circuits serving the most customers as winds gradually lessened.

On Dec. 20, Dick Wolf donated $10M to MDI Hospital, a contribution that strengthened its funds for quality care (a historic gift for local health support).

WildCheff offers a Christmas venison ham recipe that uses a dual brine with apple cider and a maple syrup glaze for a tender, flavorful holiday dish.

The recipe instructs cooks to treat lean venison carefully (don’t overcook it) and provides step-by-step directions for smoking and basting.

Local hunters in Bangor are sharing tips to keep wild game meat frozen during power outages; the University of Maine Cooperative Extension advises keeping freezers closed and using dry ice if available + wearing gloves for safety.

New Year's Eve Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Blue Sky Lounge — $199 per couple — Ring in 2026 with dinner, dancing, and a cozy hotel stay.

Tinker Bell: The Untold Story

7:00-8:15 p.m. — Cyrus Pavilion Theatre — Ticket info available — Discover the enchanting tale from Tinker Bell's perspective as the fairies of Neverland face a dire crisis.