A note from the editor

Good morning, Bangor.

Today is the 25th anniversary of September 11th. A lot of what you'll read and see this week will be national in scope. This one is local.

One of the people who worked the flight desk at Bangor International Airport was a woman named Marianne MacFarlane. She was a colleague, a regular face in the terminal, part of what the airport calls its "aviation family." On September 11, 2001, she was a passenger on United Flight 175. She was one of 2,977 people who didn't come home that day.

This morning, her airport is gathering to remember her. The whole city, actually, is gathering in three different places. That's Bangor.

Below is your week. We hope you find something worth doing, somewhere worth going, and someone worth knowing. And if you can make it to the waterfront by 10 AM, the Bangor High School JROTC will be there, as they have been every September 11th for years.

See you out there.

Ken, the editor

THIS WEEKEND IN BANGOR

Friday morning: Three chances to mark the day.

The City of Bangor has organized three separate commemorations for the 25th anniversary, and all of them are open to the public.

The first is at Bangor International Airport, second floor of the main terminal near the TSA checkpoint, beginning at 8:30 AM. The ceremony honors the passengers and crews of all four flights and includes a special tribute to Marianne MacFarlane, the airport's own. Employees, airport partners, Maine Troop Greeters, and the general public are all invited.

At 8:45 AM, the Bangor Fire Department holds a ceremony at Central Fire Station, 289 Main St. Color Guard, a fire service bell ceremony honoring the first responders who perished, and a moment of silence.

At 10 AM, the Bangor High School JROTC holds its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Bangor Waterfront, near the flagpole.

Friday night: Football and a show of unity.

Across the river in Brewer, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the Brewer and Hampden police and fire departments to bring the national Friday Night Lights Unity Seats initiative to Doyle Field for the Brewer vs. Hampden football game. First responders in uniform, empty seats set aside for those who didn't come home. Kickoff is 7 PM. The whole community is invited.

The rest of the weekend:

  • No Warning Weekend 🎤 Time: Friday and Saturday, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Venue: Penobscot Pour House, Downtown Bangor Two nights of live classic rock with current hits and country mixed in. No Cover. The Pour House fills up on weekends, so get there early.

  • On Golden Pond 🎭 Time: Friday 7 PM, Saturday 5 PM, Sunday 3 PM Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company Norman and Ethel Thayer, one more Maine summer on the pond. The play behind the Oscar-winning film. Opening weekend at the Penobscot Theatre — runs through October 10th.

  • Bangor's European Market Time: Saturday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Venue: Ingrid's German Gift Shop, Downtown Bangor The weekly market from Ingrid's. Meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts from local and international sources.

  • Live Harness Racing at Bass Park 🏇 Time: Saturday 3:00 PM, Sunday 12:10 PM Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway, Bass Park Post time is prompt. Pick your favorites early and watch them run.

  • Best of Bangor Walking Tour Time: Saturday, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Venue: Downtown Bangor Lumber barons, shipping magnates, and a city's worth of stories. A guided walk through the history of a place that was once the lumber capital of the world.

  • Chem-Free Glow Dance Night Time: Saturday, 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Venue: Downtown Bangor ⚑ High-energy dance night, substance-free, with glow lights and good company. All are welcome.

  • Founders & Freedom: A Revolutionary Walk Through Mount Hope Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM Venue: Mount Hope Cemetery A guided walk through Bangor's 300-acre historic cemetery, exploring the lives of those who shaped Conduskeag Plantation before Bangor was Bangor. Part of the national 250th birthday celebration.

  • Bangor Farmers Market Time: Sunday, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM Venue: Corner of Franklin & Harlow Streets (across from BPL) End-of-summer abundance. Local vendors, fresh produce, good people.

  • Sunday Community Jam 🎤 Time: Sunday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor Show up with an instrument. Or just show up. Either is fine. Weekly open session at one of downtown Bangor's best local brewpubs.

Queen City Weekly Event Listing

Friday, September 11 – Thursday, September 17, 2026

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FRIDAY, September 11

  • Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament Time: 7:30 AM | Venue: Bangor Municipal Golf Course, 280 Webster Ave The Bangor Region Chamber's 38th annual golf tournament — 18 holes of scramble format, a light breakfast, BBQ, and an awards ceremony. A great day on the course with the community leaders and business owners who make this city run.

  • Crafts & Coffee 🎨 Time: 9:30 AM–10:30 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Drop in for a hands-on craft project — no experience needed, all supplies provided, and all ages welcome. A relaxed way to kick off the weekend and get to know some neighbors.

  • Tech Tutoring Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St 60-minute one-on-one appointments with BPL's Digital Media Librarian — bring your computer questions, phone headaches, or that pop-up that won't go away. In person, by phone, or over Zoom. Call ahead to book.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪 Time: 10:00 AM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Build strength and body awareness in this conditioning class built around the pole. $15.

  • Nervous System Reset: Sound Healing for Stress Relief Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | Venue: Thriving Proof, 33 Penn Plz A 90-minute weekly session of guided meditation, breathwork, somatic awareness, and immersive sound healing with gongs, singing bowls, and chimes. Space is limited to 12; arrive 10–15 minutes early and bring a yoga mat. $40 per session, with reduced-rate and scholarship spots available.

  • Beginner Pole 💫 Time: 6:30 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B New to pole? This is your class — fundamentals, technique, and a welcoming room. $15.

  • Lyra Tips and Tricks 💫 Time: 7:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Aerial hoop skills and tricks for those already comfortable on the lyra. $15.

  • On Golden Pond 🎭 Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St The classic story of Norman and Ethel Thayer — love, reconnection, and a perfect Maine summer — now on stage at Penobscot Theatre. Runs Thursdays through Sundays through October 2.

  • Korean Swordsmanship Beginners Class: First Class Free 🥋 Time: 7:30 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: Kishintaikan Dojo, 88 Central St Haidong Gumdo is a traditional Korean sword art that dates back to the Three Kingdoms period — and your first class is free. All equipment provided, all fitness levels welcome.

  • No Warning Weekend at Penobscot Pour House 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House Two nights of live music from No Warning — classic rock, current hits, and some country for good measure. Night one of a Friday-Saturday stand.

SATURDAY, September 12

  • 14th Annual Sarah's House Benefit Yard Sale Time: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM | Venue: 1162 Union St (Masiello Group Bangor Office) Thirteen years and $108,000 raised for Sarah's House of Maine — and this weekend is the 14th. All proceeds benefit the cause, with food and drinks on site too. Continues Sunday 9AM–1PM.

  • Bangor's European Market Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM | Venue: Ingrid's German Gift Shop, Downtown Bangor Weekly open-air market with local and international meats, seafood, produce, artisanal baked goods, and gifts. A solid Saturday morning ritual.

  • UNO Bangor Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class Time: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM | Venue: UNO Pizzeria & Grill, 725 Stillwater Ave Hands-on instruction in building a Chicago-style deep dish from scratch — crust, layering, and all the rest. Ticket includes lunch with a salad and a beverage. All skill levels welcome.

  • Live Harness Racing Time: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park Post time is 3 PM sharp for the 2026 Bangor Harness Racing season. Get there early, pick your favorites, and catch some of the best local racing action around.

  • Best of Bangor Walking Tour Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Downtown Bangor (meeting point — see event link) Guided stroll through Bangor's history — lumber barons, shipping magnates, harbor stories, and the stretch of city that shaped it all. A great pick for out-of-towners and curious locals alike.

  • On Golden Pond 🎭 Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St Saturday night performance of the Penobscot Theatre production. See Friday for details.

  • DJ Roks on Roks at Hollywood Casino Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Hollywood Casino, Sound Stage Lounge One versatile DJ, one big room, and a crowd that wants to move. Roks on Roks knows how to keep the party going.

  • Glow Night: Chem-Free Dance Party 💫 Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio, 128 Main St Suite B Neon, blacklights, loud music, and zero substances required. High-energy chem-free dance night — bring your glow sticks and your crew.

  • No Warning Weekend — Night 2 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM–11:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Pour House Second night of No Warning's weekend run at the Pour House. Classic rock and country energy — same stage, new night.

  • Baxter State Park Adventure: Sentinel Mtn Hike, Paddle & Falls 🐦 Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Venue: Baxter State Park (Kidney Pond trailhead) Hike Sentinel Mountain, paddle the pond, and end the day at Little and Big Niagara Falls — with yoga and a vegetarian picnic built into the whole trip. 6.2 miles round trip and one of the better ways to spend a Saturday in Maine. $50.

SUNDAY, September 13

  • 14th Annual Sarah's House Benefit Yard Sale — Day 2 Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Venue: 1162 Union St (Masiello Group Bangor Office) Last chance to dig through the goods and support Sarah's House of Maine. All proceeds benefit the cause.

  • Founders & Freedom: A Revolutionary Walk Through Mount Hope 🐦 Time: 10:00 AM–11:15 AM | Venue: Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor A special walking tour celebrating America's 250th through the stories of Revolutionary-era figures buried at Bangor's historic Mount Hope Cemetery. Approximately 75 minutes; wear walking shoes.

  • Fly Pole 💫 Time: 11:00 AM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Dynamic aerial pole work — for those ready to leave the ground. $15.

  • Beginner Pole 💫 Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Sunday beginner pole class — technique, basics, and a supportive environment to start. $15.

  • Bangor Farmers Market Time: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM | Venue: Corner of Franklin & Harlow Streets (across from BPL) Fresh produce, local vendors, and all the reasons to make downtown your Sunday morning spot.

  • Theater 🎭 Time: 12:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Performance and theater class at Eye Candy — movement, expression, and presence. $15.

  • Intro to Pole 💫 Time: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B A first look at pole for curious beginners. $15.

  • Lyra Hoop 💫 Time: 1:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Aerial hoop fundamentals on the lyra — strength, flow, and a little magic. $15.

  • Intro to Intermediate Pole 💫 Time: 2:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Bridge class for those moving past beginner pole and building toward more. $15.

  • Circus Fitness: Aerials, Tumbling & More 💫 Time: 3:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B A fun, full-body fitness class pulling from aerial arts, tumbling, and circus movement. $15.

  • Sunday Community Jam 🎤 Time: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing, Downtown Bangor Show up with an instrument and play — that's the whole idea. A loose, welcoming Sunday afternoon session at 2 Feet for musicians of all stripes.

  • On Golden Pond 🎭 Time: 7:00 PM | Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St Sunday evening performance. See Friday for full show details.

MONDAY, September 14

  • Learn About Rug Braiding 🎨 Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Local braiders have been meeting at the library all fall. Drop into one of these Monday morning sessions to see what rug braiding is, what you need to get started, and whether it might be for you.

  • Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Time: 11:00 AM–11:45 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Story time that digs into science, engineering, art, and math for grades 1–4. Registration required — call 947-8336 ext. 111.

  • Beginner Pole Dancing 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Monday beginner pole — technique from the ground up in a welcoming space. $15.

  • Beginner Lyra and Aerial Silks 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Introduction to aerial arts on both the hoop and silks — two disciplines, one class. $15.

  • Intro to Pole Dancing 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B First steps on the pole — no experience required. $15.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts 💪 Time: 7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B High-energy kickboxing and martial arts fitness class. $10–$35.

  • Chimera Coffee Trivia 🍺 Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM | Venue: Chimera Coffee Monday night trivia with Sir_Quizzalot — beer, wine, espresso, and snacks included. A good reason to start the week right.

  • Monday Karaoke at Paddy Murphy's 🎤 Time: 9:00 PM | Venue: Paddy Murphy's Be part of the rumpus. Monday karaoke starts at 9 — show up, grab a drink, and get loud.

TUESDAY, September 15

  • Ladies Breakfast with Glad Tidings Time: 9:00 AM–10:30 AM | Venue: Husson Dining Center, 1 College Cir Every Tuesday morning at Husson — a full breakfast for $8, good company, and an open table for any woman who wants to start her week feeling grounded. All are welcome.

  • Bouncing Baby Story Time Time: 10:15 AM–10:35 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Songs, action rhymes, and stories for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers. Short, sweet, and a great way to get out of the house.

  • Tiny Tots Storytime Time: 11:00 AM–11:30 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St 30 minutes of stories, songs, games, and finger plays for ages 2–4 with a caregiver.

  • Kids Kitchen Time: 3:30 PM–4:15 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Hands-on cooking basics — kitchen safety, demos, and treats to share with the family. Limited to 15 participants; registration required. Call 947-8336. Note any food allergies when registering.

  • Pole Conditioning 💪 Time: 6:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Tuesday pole conditioning — strength and technique for those already working on the pole. $15.

  • Songwriters' Open Mic 🎤 Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: 2 Feet Brewing Every songwriter gets 15 minutes on the mic. A regular Tuesday spot at 2 Feet for original music — all genres, all levels.

  • Beginner Pole 💫 Time: 7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Tuesday beginner pole class. Drop in and start where you are. $15.

  • Tuesday Live Irish Sessions & Open Mic 🎤 Time: 6:00 PM–close | Venue: Paddy Murphy's Live Irish session from 6–8pm, then open mic takes over at 9. A lively Tuesday regular at Paddy's.

WEDNESDAY, September 16

  • Bouncing Baby Storytime Time: 10:15 AM–10:35 AM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Wednesday edition of the baby storytime series — action rhymes, songs, and stories for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers.

  • Beginner Pole Dance 💫 Time: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Wednesday beginner pole — a great starting point if you've been curious. $15.

  • STITCH 'N B*TCH 🎨 Time: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Venue: Red Rabbit Bazaar Drop in to learn sewing and mending alongside other people. A weekly Wednesday gathering for hands, fabric, and good company.

  • Teen Dungeons and Dragons Time: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Campaigns for learners and veterans alike — the library is running ongoing D&D sessions for grades 6–12. Barbarians, sorcerers, and warlocks all welcome.

  • Intermediate Pole Dance 💫 Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B For those past the basics and ready to push their pole work further. $15–$45.

  • Queen City/Creative Arts Center Chess Club ♟️ Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Creative Arts Center, 54 Wilson St, Brewer, ME Open to all skill levels, every Wednesday night. Pull up a chair and make your move.

  • Beginner Burlesque 💫 Time: 7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B The art of the tease — beginner burlesque covering movement, confidence, and performance. $15.

  • Kickboxing & Martial Arts Fitness 💪 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Wednesday kickboxing and martial arts fitness. $10–$35.

  • Lyra Tips and Tricks 💫 Time: 8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Aerial hoop skills and tricks — for those already comfortable on the lyra. $15.

  • Crash My Stash Workshop 🎨 Time: 6:30 PM–9:00 PM | Venue: Dream In Gold & Dream Charm Bar, 98 Central St Unlimited magazines, shared art supplies, and a room full of people making vision boards, collages, junk journal pages, and whatever else sparks something. Bring your current WIP or start fresh.

THURSDAY, September 17

  • View the Declaration of Independence Time: 10:00 AM–3:30 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St One of 26 surviving Dunlap Broadsides — the copy of the Declaration printed on July 4, 1776 — is on display at BPL this week. An interactive exhibition from Maine Historical Society is included. Free and open to the public.

  • Next Chapter Book Club Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St A community book club for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Welcoming, reader-friendly, and built around the joy of a good story.

  • Beginner Pole Flow 💫 Time: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Flow and movement on the pole for beginners — developing your own rhythm and style. $15.

  • Dunlap Broadside Opening Reception & Lecture Time: 5:15 PM–7:30 PM | Venue: Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St Reception with light refreshments (5:15–6:15pm), followed by opening remarks and a lecture from UMaine History Chair Liam Riordan on what the Declaration of Independence means in 2026. The first Bangor appearance of this document in 250 years.

  • Bangor Pub Run 🏃 Time: 6:30 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Meet at Paddy Murphy's Every Thursday at 6:30 — gather in front of Paddy Murphy's, run 3–5 miles, then grab a drink somewhere downtown. All paces welcome, short miles fine for newcomers.

  • Pole Clinic 💫 Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Venue: Eye Candy Dance & Fitness, 128 Main St Suite B Targeted skill-building on the pole — drills, technique, and the kind of focused work that moves you forward. $15.

  • On Golden Pond 🎭 Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main St Thursday evening performance. The show runs Thursdays–Sundays through October 2.

  • Trivia Night at Nocturnem Draft Haus 🍺 Time: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM | Venue: Nocturnem Draft Haus Thursday trivia with weekly prizes. Come ready.

CITY HALL & PUBLIC MEETINGS

September 11–17 | All meetings open to the public Agendas posted the Friday before at bangormaine.gov/AgendaCenter. Times subject to change.

This week, Bangor is holding something rare.

One of 26 surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence, the actual broadside printed on July 4, 1776, is at the Bangor Public Library right now. You can walk in and see it, free, through Sunday. Thursday evening there's a reception and a lecture from UMaine History Chair Liam Riordan on what the document means in 2026. It's the first time this piece of paper has been in Bangor in 250 years. That's worth making time for.

The rest of the week fills out around it in the way Bangor weeks tend to. On Golden Pond is running at Penobscot Theatre through October, and this weekend is a good window if you haven't gone yet. The Sarah's House Benefit Yard Sale takes over 1162 Union Street Saturday and Sunday, 14 years in and more than $108,000 raised for the cause. Show up and add to that number.

And then there's everything else: sound healing at Thriving Proof Friday evening, a Sunday community jam at 2 Feet Brewing, deep dish pizza class at UNO on Saturday afternoon, Monday trivia at Chimera, open mic at Paddy's Tuesday, a glow dance party Saturday night. The city layers itself with small things worth showing up for. It does it every week.

See you out there.

the editor

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Location - Bangor Waterfront

Ca C'est Bon Cajun Food Truck

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Location - The Furniture Gallery

  • Friday, September 11 - Rizza’s Kitchen, Del’s Lemonade

  • Monday, September 14 - Rizza’s Kitchen, Del’s Lemonade

  • Tuesday, September 15 - Mainely Taco

  • Wednesday, September 16 - Brick & Embers

  • Thursday, September 17 - Mainely Taco, Del’s Lemonade

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The Tarratine | 81 Park Street

In 1884, 31 of Bangor's most prominent citizens formed a private club. One of them was Hannibal Hamlin, who had served as Abraham Lincoln's Vice President. They named it the Tarratine Club, after the Tarratine people indigenous to this region, and for more than a century it was where Bangor's movers and shakers met.

The club closed in 1991. The building sat. Changed hands a few times. Then Bob and Patricia Quirk, of Quirk Auto Group, bought it, restored much of the original interior, and reopened it as The Tarratine, a restaurant and event space at 81 Park St.

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It's one of the better places to eat in this city. The kitchen leans local — Gulf of Maine scallops, Maine halibut, local meats — and the preparation is careful without being fussy. The scallops on corn and leek risotto with pork belly have made more than a few regulars out of first-time visitors. The steaks are well-executed. Desserts lean into what Maine grows, blueberry pie and berry cobbler, light on sugar. The rooftop deck is open in season and worth the trip on its own.

The dining room has exposed brick and a fireplace. It feels settled. Quiet, even when it's busy. The kind of room that makes you slow down a little.

Worth noting: it books up on weekends. If you're planning a Saturday dinner, call ahead or grab a reservation on OpenTable.

📍 The Tarratine | 81 Park St, Bangor | Wed–Sat, 4:30–9:00 PM | tarratinebangor.com

Jose Saavedra | Director, Bangor International Airport

This morning, Jose Saavedra is standing in the terminal he runs.

As director of Bangor International Airport, Saavedra is the one who organized today's three-part commemoration, including a tribute to Marianne MacFarlane, the airport's former airline manager who was aboard United Flight 175 on September 11, 2001.

Saavedra came to Bangor in late 2023 from the American Association of Airport Executives in Alexandria, Virginia, where he directed programs focused on improving passenger experience. Before that, he held roles at Midland International Air and Space Port in Texas and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina. He has a degree in Airport Management from the University of North Dakota and a graduate degree in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University.

City of Bangor

He was tested early. On January 25, 2026, a Bombardier Challenger aircraft crashed and caught fire on takeoff at BGR, killing all six people aboard. Saavedra's team, alongside the Bangor Fire Department, the Police Department, and more than 100 members of the Air National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing, responded under extreme conditions. The Bangor City Council honored those first responders in February. Saavedra stood with them.

Running Bangor International Airport carries a different kind of weight than most airports. BGR sits on major trans-Atlantic flight corridors. It's a refueling stop, a diversion point, a place where the unexpected lands regularly. The Maine Troop Greeters have welcomed more than two million service members through these gates since 1991. The airport has its own September 11th story.

Saavedra is still learning this city. Bangor is still getting to know him. This morning is a good start for both.

One of the original printed Declarations of Independence is coming to your library.

The Dunlap Broadside, printed in Philadelphia on the night of July 4, 1776, and distributed to the colonies to announce American independence, is one of the most significant documents in American history. Only 26 copies have survived. One of them belongs to the Maine Historical Society, and this year, for the nation's 250th birthday, it is traveling to all 16 Maine counties.

It arrives at Bangor Public Library on Thursday, September 17. You can view it Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3:30 PM. On Thursday evening at 5:15 PM, there is also a free opening reception and lecture: "What Should We Remember About the Declaration of Independence in 2026?"

It is rare and worth showing up for.

Two million and counting.

On any given day, a group of volunteers is waiting on the second floor of Bangor International Airport. When a military troop flight comes through, they are there. Free phone calls, snacks, handshakes, and a welcome that means something.

The Maine Troop Greeters began in 1991 when citizens drove to the airport to welcome home troops from Operation Desert Storm. More than 35 years and more than two million service members later, they are still showing up. Their museum and greeter room are at 287 Godfrey Blvd., open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 12:30 PM. Walk in. See what that looks like.

Presented by: Foam Rush Maine

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One of the original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence arrives at Bangor Public Library this Thursday. How many of those copies have survived?

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  • Bangor Public Library: Declaration of Independence Exhibit Thursday September 17 through Saturday September 19, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Bangor Public Library Free viewing of the 1776 Dunlap Broadside, one of 26 surviving printed copies. Opening reception and lecture Thursday at 5:15 PM.

  • Dunlap Broadside Lecture: Thursday Evening Thursday, September 17, 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM | Bangor Public Library "What Should We Remember About the Declaration of Independence in 2026?" Free and open to the public.

  • NRS Singers Open Rehearsals: New Season Begins ⚑ Thursdays beginning this week | The Northern Region Singers kick off their 2026-2027 season this week. Rehearsals are open to new singers. Their December concert features holiday favorites and winter music.

  • Bangor International Airport Runway Closure: September 21-24 BGR's runway closes Monday, September 21 at 8:00 AM and reopens Thursday, September 24 at 3:00 PM for essential pavement repairs. If you have a flight scheduled during that window, contact your airline now. The repairs address a condition identified during routine inspections. The airport terminal remains open, but flight operations will not be running. Full details at flybangor.com.

  • Looking Ahead: Stephen King turns 79. Friday September 18 kicks off a full weekend of Stephen King birthday celebrations in downtown Bangor, including a new book release event at The Emporium, short film screenings, the Derry Beer Garden, and the Birthday Carnival on Sunday the 20th. Details next week.

This week's photo by Ken D'Errico.

Got a great shot of greater Bangor? Submit it for a chance to be featured in Queen City Weekly. Submit your photo here.


Food Resources

If you or someone you know needs a meal or groceries, here are some places operating in Bangor right now. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

Salvation Army Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, 65 South Park St. Meals Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 1pm. Food pantry Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 to 11am (walk-in). 207-535-9572.

Manna Ministry, 95 Center St. Hot meals Monday through Friday, 4 to 5pm. Food pantry Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3 to 4pm.

Brick Church, 126 Union St. Meals Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 5:30pm. Clothes and showers also available Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm.

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, 263 Main St. Soup kitchen daily at 11:45am. Food pantry Sunday and Tuesday, 1 to 4pm (one visit per month).

Bangor Food Pantry, 28 High St. (at Hammond Street Congregational Church). Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to noon. Bangor residents only.

Bangor Region YMCA, 17 Second St. Food pantry Tuesdays 6 to 8am, Thursdays 6 to 7:30pm, Saturdays 12:30 to 2:30pm.

Have an announcement, job posting, event, or local news tip for Queen City Weekly? Reply to this email or reach us at [email protected].

Got a great shot of greater Bangor? Submit it for a chance to be featured right here. Submit your photo here.

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Have an amazing week, and see you next Friday. — Ken, Editor

Queen City Weekly | Greater Bangor, Maine

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