Tag: Heart of Biddeford

WinterFest returns to Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Contributed Story | Leinani Farnsworth, Heart of Biddeford

It’s that time of years again!

Locals and visitors of all ages are invited to the annual Biddeford WinterFest, a cabin-fever-busting weekend of outdoor fun, live entertainment, and community connection, returning Feb. 6–8, 2026. This year’s theme, “Unplug & Play,” highlights free, family-friendly, screen-free activities on Adams Street in downtown Biddeford.

Now in its 13th year, WinterFest is a collaboration between local organizations, volunteers, and the City of Biddeford. The festival traces its roots back to 2012, when then-Mayor Alan Casavant and longtime community volunteer John Maxson first imagined building a sledding hill in the middle of downtown. More than a decade later, the tradition continues to bring hundreds of residents together each winter.

Friday, Feb. 6 — WinterFest begins Friday evening with adults-only (18+) sledding on Adams Street from 6–7:30 p.m. followed by an après-sledding gathering at Brickyard Hollow from 7:45–9:30 p.m, hosted by Biddeford Recreation. The evening event includes sledding, complimentary food, door prizes, and a cash bar, with $10 tickets required in advance.

Friday night also features a 7:30 p.m. performance at City Theater featuring Piano Men – The Music of Elton and Billy, starring Joey Boucher. The show celebrates the legendary music of Elton John and Billy Joel through a high-energy piano-driven performance. Boucher brings powerful vocals, storytelling, and crowd-favorite hits to the stage in a concert-style experience. Tickets for the performance are available for purchase on the City Theater website.

Saturday, Feb. 7 — WinterFest continues with Winter Fun Time, the true heart of the celebration, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the heart of downtown Biddeford. Centered around the beloved sledding hill on Adams Street, this free, family-friendly event brings the community together for a full day of classic winter fun. Hosted by New Life Church, with activities provided by Biddeford’s Recreation Department and local organizations, the day features sledding, giant outdoor games, a Gaga Ball pit, mascots, and more! Families can also enjoy free food throughout the event, including pizza, hot dogs, walking tacos, popcorn, cookies and hot chocolate.

Live entertainment and activities take place throughout Winter Fun Time, including:

  • Main Stage performances from Nine Tigers Kung Fu, dance demonstrations and more.
  • Sparks’ Ark Animal Services demonstration inside the former Courthouse on Adams Street at 11:30 a.m. and 1:p.m.

Attendees can also meet Crusher, the Maine Celtics mascot, and WinterFest’s own Francoise, and take part in a free raffle featuring bikes, gift cards, and other donated prizes—making Winter Fun Time a can’t-miss day of winter fun for all ages.

Families are invited to a free screening of Balto at City Theater from 3:30–5:30 p.m., sponsored by McArthur Library. Saturday evening, City Theater will also host comedian Juston McKinney beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Maine native who has appeared on The Tonight Show, McKinney is known for his sharp, relatable humor and high-energy performances. Tickets for the comedy show are available for purchase on the City Theater website.

Also on Saturday, the inaugural “Big Chill” takes place at the Pepperell Center beginning at noon. Coordinated by Heart of Biddeford, the event features a business expo, art gallery, music, and local food and drinks available for purchase throughout the day. The Big Chill wraps up with a free, public dance party from 8–10 p.m., open to everyone with no tickets required.

WinterFest 2026 is a snow-or-shine event, with both outdoor and indoor programming planned throughout the weekend. “We’re thrilled to have the community return to the downtown to bust that cabin fever,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford – one of the planning partners. “We know that the community will also enjoy a great day of shopping and dining throughout the downtown.”

Sunday, Feb. 8 – The celebration wraps up on Sunday with one final, free event. The West Brook skating rink on Pool Street will be open for free skating and skate rentals on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (weather permitting) offering a fun and relaxed way to close out the WinterFest weekend.

For schedules, updates, and event details, visit BiddefordMaine.org/WinterFest. Please contact asstdir@heartofbiddeford.org for more information or questions and concerns.

Despite cold, ‘Merry & Bright’ night attracts crowd

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Once again, Biddeford’s downtown holiday celebration and annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night drew a decent crowd downtown on lower Adams Street.

Poppy (3) was excited to see Santa Claus arrive along with her parents Stephanie and Michael of Biddeford (Seaver photo)

Santa Claus arrived on schedule, escorted by the flashing lights and the wailing sirens of a Biddeford Fire truck. Although the city’s new tree is less than nine feet tall, the crowd let out a roar once it was lit by strands of colored lights.

Santa Claus leads the crowd in a countdown to the tree lighting (Seaver photo)

This year’s event — coordinated by the Heart of Biddeford — offered something for everyone, including the “Merry Makerfair Holiday Market,” transforming the former Adams Street Courthouse into a modern-day North Pole elves’ workshop. More than 50 local vendors and artisans displayed a wide range of unique, handmade gifts.

The Merry Makerfair Holiday Market showcased unique, hand-crafted gifts from more than 50 local artisans (Seaver Photo)

Keeping traditions alive, the Biddeford Recreation Department offered a smores-making station and several firepits and games for younger children.

Micah, 6, from Saco, had some good luck at a fishing station. (Seaver photo)

City Councilor Roger Beaupre and his wife, Penny, attended the event. “Because of the cold, I didn’t expect this many people,” Beaupre said, pointing out that it was somewhat difficult to find a parking space.

Despite frigid temperatures, a good-sized crowd turned out for Biddeford’s annual tree lighting ceremony (Seaver photo)

According to our well-placed, high-level sources at the North Pole, Santa Claus will be making another visit to Biddeford on Sunday, December 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Central Fire Station on Alfred Street.

In related holiday news, on. Dec. 14, Biddeford will also kick off this year’s Hannukah celebration with a downtown Menorah Lighting ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m.; 17 Lincoln Street.

______________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved

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UNE students bring some holiday cheer downtown

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A group of roughly 30 students from the University of New England gathered downtown Sunday to help string holiday lights along Main Street.

This is not the first year that students have stepped forward to help with the annual holiday decorations. It is now part of an annual tradition that began in 2017, according to Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford.

Mady Denault, a UNE sophomore, says volunteering downtown helps her feel more connected to the community. (Seaver photo)

Over the past few days, other volunteers — from both La Kermesse and the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center — have placed holiday wreaths and bows on the lampposts lining Main and Lincoln streets.

When asked why they volunteer, many of the students said it just felt like a fun thing to do. “We are part of this community, and this downtown is also our downtown,” said Tighe Archambault from Pepperell, Massachusetts. “It feels good to give back to the community.”

Students Ethan Case, Tighe Archambault and Brandon Leslie put the finishing touches on a tree in front of City Theater.

Sophomore Mady Denault is studying dental hygiene at UNE. She said helping string strands of lights in downtown Biddeford makes her feel more connected to the community and a bit more excited about the upcoming holiday season.

A group of nearly 30 volunteer students from the University of New England receive their marching orders from the Heart of Biddeford on Sunday.

Ready to have some BiddeFUN?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE, Contributing writer

Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY!

Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back to simpler times. Rift Arcade features 40 coin-operated games from pinball to Pac-Man and everything in between with the mission to be an inclusive, affordable, and safe space for all ages.

Bowling on Main Street at The Gutter in Biddeford (Main Street Maine photo)

While you try to best the top scores, enjoy a curated cocktail from the full-service bar or elevated 1990s-inspired grub. If you’re passionate about arcade games and supporting a local business, you can buy into Rift’s NuMarket Campaign and get 120 percent back in credits to redeem (buy-in for $100, get $120 credits).

The Gutter takes a bigger step back in history, turning the first level of the historic Marble Block Building into a mid-century modern delight with wooden paneling, stained glass pendant lights over the bar, and eight classic 10-pin bowling lanes. The full-service bar and kitchen makes it a great place to strike up some fun.

Interested in catching some live entertainment, there are several well established businesses with a weekly roster for you to choose from. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Rumors are true.

Upstairs from Mulligan’s, Rumors offers live shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of musical genres. If you’re looking for a laugh, The Comedy Mill might be more your speed. Also located at Mulligan’s, The Comedy Mill hosts open-mic nights for local standups to take a spin at getting laughs, but has also hosted events for nationally-known comics like Connor McGrath.

Just around the corner, Champions Sports Bar offers a little bit of everything for entertainment, including karaoke, trivia, DJ dance parties, and live local music. It’s also a great place to catch your favorite New England teams on the big screens or the flat screens.

While you’re distracted by the wide selection of books at Elements waiting for your morning cup to be poured, you may have missed that they host live local music every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as social events Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. These curated events foster community while you sip a barista crafted beverage or a selection from the beer and wine list. Other businesses in town offering live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, include Cowbell, Lucky Pigeon Brewing Co., Banded Brewing, and Sacred Profane.

Tour the Riverwalk in Biddeford (City of Biddeford photo)

When the weather is nice, there are plenty of adventures to be had with the kids following the River Walk or the trails at Clifford Park, exploring tidepools at our beaches, or enjoying one of the playgrounds and recreation facilities at Clifford Park, Rotary Park, Mayfield, or J. Richard Martin Community Center.

For those rainy, cold, or snowy days, however, head to The playLOT with your littles. In addition to several structured events throughout the week, this indoor playground offers endless fun and a place for parents to connect. Another great option for bigger littles is Mill Studio Arts. Miss Amy has curated an array of lessons and camps great for the creative kids and teens, with some workshops for the whole family and some just for adults too.

Another great place to explore is McArthur Library, which offers more than books for all ages. The wonderful librarians have curated daily events like educational workshops and book clubs to family-friendly activities and cultural programs. And if you have a library card, you can borrow more than books; check out digital books and audiobooks via Cloud Library and Hoopla, magazines, movies, music, comics, video games, and recreational equipment like fishing poles, snowshoes, lawn games, a telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots and more.

If learning about the city is more your speed, there are a few tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour features our food and beverage scene, combining the tastes of the town with its history, culture, and hometown stories. The Biddeford Mills Tour gives you a deeper look inside the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. You can also delve deeper into the history at the Biddeford Mills Museum.

Learn about Biddeford’s history on a Biddeford Mills Tour (Photo: Main Street Maine)

You can also enjoy a slice of Biddeford history at one of the many stellar shows hosted by the City Theater. With its story dating back to 1860, the John Calvin Stevens designed theater is an iconic landmark dedicated to celebrating performance arts.

________

Emma Bouthillette, a special contributor on behalf of Heart of Biddeford is a marketer, writer, yoga instructor, corgi mom, and native of Biddeford, Maine. In addition to publishing A Brief History of Biddeford with The History Press in 2017, her byline has appeared in the Portland Press Herald, Maine Women Magazine, and several other Maine-based publications.

Biddeford charity will finally get compensated by a national company

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

After almost two years of frustration, mixed signals and delays, it appears that a local charity will finally receive the roughly $35,000 that they raised to help develop a playground in Biddeford’s downtown area.

Roxi Suger, a well-known business owner in Biddeford, is also known as the driving force behind the annual Biddeford Ball, a gala event that raises funds to benefit the community.

In addition to ticket sales, the annual event also attracts corporate sponsors. All proceeds are then donated to the community via the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization.

But Suger said something went wrong two years ago, following the fourth annual Biddeford Ball in 2023.

“It’s been a nightmare,” she said, pointing to the national company that handles online ticket sales for the event.

Suger says she has always used Brown Paper Tickets, a Seattle-based firm, to handle online sales and reservations for the Biddeford Ball.

Roxi Suger (Photo by David Flood)

According to Suger, the company has been withholding payment of more than $35,000 since April 2023.

“There were never any problems until then,” she said. “I was shocked because we used the same company before with no problems.”

Suger described her efforts to recoup those funds as an “exhausting ordeal” that has involved dozens of unanswered calls and emails.

Delilah Poupore, the Heart of Biddeford’s executive director, said she even tried contacting the Maine Attorney General’s office to no avail.

“It just felt like we were going round and round and chasing our tails,” Poupore said.

Brown Paper Tickets was acquired by Events.com nearly three years ago.

Events.com, based in La Jolla, Calif., operates all over the globe. According to their website they have provided services for “millions of events.”

“It just felt like we were
going round and round
and chasing our tails,”

— Delilah Poupore

Though both Suger and Poupore said they have been ignored by the company, the company responded almost immediately when contacted by the Biddeford Gazette.

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention,” read an email from an unnamed media spokesperson. “We have located this account and it is part of the final set of groups slated for payments as part of the last phase of the Events.com acquisition.

“We expect the payment issuance to be initiated no later than Friday of next week, August 22.

 “We understand the acquisition of Brown Paper Tickets by Events.com took time. We apologize for the delay and sincerely hope the funds can still be used for their initial intent.

 “We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process.”

When contacted about the company’s response to the Gazette, Poupore said the news brought tears to her eyes.

“That is amazing news for Biddeford,” she said.

For her part, Roxi Suger said she is grateful that this process will likely come to a close. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said.

________________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddo: an insult, or a term of endearment?

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

“And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They’re quite aware of what they’re going through”

— David Bowie, Changes

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Biddeford is Maine’s youngest city, with a median age of roughly 36 years.

Take a moment and think about that.

Thirty-six is not the average age of Biddeford residents, it is the median age. Thus, half of all people living in the city are 36 and younger. Amazing!

How did this happen? How did an old mill town in Maine suddenly become such a dynamic and desirable place for young people?

According to research completed by the city’s department of economic development, this youthful energy is being largely driven by the revitalization of the city’s downtown area.

Biddeford has become a popular place to live, especially for younger residents. (City of Biddeford photo/Greg Tansley)

City officials point to “a significant influx” of young professionals and families moving here because of a “vibrant” downtown and a flourishing arts and food scene.

People are also coming to Biddeford because of its “affordable housing” options, especially in the downtown area.

Now, before you have a stroke or an aneurysm about what is (or what isn’t) “affordable” housing, take a deep breath and consider the following:

People who have lived here for a long time see their affordable housing options basically evaporate, most notably during the last decade – since the city was able to close MERC, our infamous downtown trash incinerator.

But newer residents – able to telecommute to their higher paying jobs in Boston, Portsmouth or Portland – see Biddeford as ripe for the picking. From their perspective, housing is super cheap in Biddeford, especially when compared to much of New England.

The bad news (and the good news) is that Biddeford is now hip and trendy; a desirable place to live. We are no longer “Trashtown, U.S.A.” as we were described not so long ago in a Portland Press Herald editorial.

We are not “Lewiston by the Sea” or all the other insulting names that have been slung toward our community for more than two centuries, when a wave of immigrants — searching for jobs and new opportunities — flocked to Biddeford from Quebec, Greece, Ireland and Albania.

Despite the fact that we are still a predominantly white community (91 percent), we were diverse long before diversity was a thing or so celebrated as a virtue.

Yes, the Klan tried to march here because they hate Catholics almost as much as they hate people of color.

“Biddo”: What say you?

Roughly 15 years ago, some people began using the word “Biddo” as slang to describe the city of Biddeford.

Many older residents get very riled up by that term. They see it as a put-down or at the very least as a lazy moniker for the city, much too close to the word “ghetto.”

More than a decade ago, I decided to examine this underlying current of resentment between “old” Biddeford and “new” Biddeford. You can find that story here: Biddeford: Thunderdome or Mr. Holland’s Opus?

When I was working on that piece, Roch Angers, a former city councilor, told me in no uncertain terms: “This is Biddeford, not Biddo. It has three syllables. Deal with it.”

Angers is “old school” Biddeford, like so many others who can trace their roots back to their Franco-speaking ancestors – the people who were instrumental in building this city.

As a native son, the word Biddo used to bug me too. Then again, I have a tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve.

“This is Biddeford, not Biddo.
It has three syllables.
Deal with it.”

— Roch Angers

Today, I am one of the admins on a community Facebook page, and I have to say, I see lots of examples where ‘Biddo’ can also be used as a term of an endearment, not just as an insult.

Consider this: does anyone get upset when people refer to the city of South Portland as “SoPo?” Or how about describing Kennebunkport as K’Port? Or closer to home, does anyone get frosty when the town of Old Orchard Beach is called “OOB?”

The young kids are just trying to be hip, and they are bringing their own vernacular to the larger conversation about our community.

Let’s embrace these new voices.

I cannot predict the future, but I can guarantee you one thing.

About 40 years from now, today’s young kids are going to be bemoaning the young kids of the future. They will complain about a lack of respect for your elders. It happens to every generation. Every generation.

We’re gonna be okay.

__________________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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What’s happening in Biddeford?

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Residents and visitors to Biddeford now have access to a free online community calendar that is designed to be a one-stop resource regarding local events.

The Yodel Event Calendar represents a collaborative project between four organizations: the Heart of Biddeford; the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce; the Biddeford School Department and the city of Biddeford.

According to a press release sent to the Biddeford Gazette, the new calendar is designed to makes it easier for businesses, residents and visitors to stay informed about local happenings in one convenient location.

The new online calendar will include all types of events, from live music and family-friendly activities to business networking events and city meetings.

“There are so many activities and events to explore in Biddeford, especially as we approach the summer months,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford. “But we often hear feedback that people aren’t sure where to go to find information about those events. We are thrilled to provide this user-friendly calendar as a solution to that problem.”

The Yodel Event Calendar allows users to filter events by type, making it easy to find exactly what interests them in a streamlined, organized experience. Yodel’s technology automatically curates most events seen on the calendar, saving local organizations time and effort while also promoting their events for them.

The new event calendar can be accessed on the websites for Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Biddeford School Department and the city of Biddeford, as well as at https://events.yodel.today/biddeford-me/community.

Additionally, community members can access the calendar on the go by downloading the Yodel app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Biddeford kicks off Pride month

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A crowd of roughly 50 people gathered Monday for the raising of the Pride flag at Biddeford City Hall.

Monday’s ceremony kicks off at a month-long celebration of activities and events, all aimed at promoting the ideals of inclusivity, respect and diversity — especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community — in Biddeford and beyond.

Mayor Marty Grohman addressed the crowd just before the flag was raised, telling them that he will later read an official proclamation regarding Pride month at the city council’s next regular meeting on Tuesday.

Colin McKauge (left) and Jeniece Wilder of Tiger Allies help raise the Pride flag at Biddeford City Hall to kick off the city’s annual celebration of Pride month as Micayla Budd, president of Tiger Allies, look on.

“We gather to raise the Pride flag as a symbol—not just of visibility, but of belonging. In Biddeford,” Grohman said. “We believe that everyone deserves to live openly and be celebrated for who they are.”

Grohman said the flag represents a community that is vibrant, resilient, and proud. “[This flag] represents our shared values of inclusion, dignity, and respect. And it reminds us that progress is made not just through big milestones—but through everyday acts of support and solidarity.”

“We gather to raise the Pride flag as a symbol
—not just of visibility, but of belonging in Biddeford

— Mayor Marty Grohman

“We raise this flag together, let it be a message to all—especially our youth—that you are seen, you are valued, and you are welcome here.” the mayor added.

Jamie and Krista Shaw attended Monday’s event. The couple recently moved to Biddeford from the city of Westbrook. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, they say they feel welcomed in Biddeford.

“There is no such thing as safe, just safer” Jamie Shaw said.

Krista Shaw said they have found Biddeford to be “a very warm and welcoming community.”

Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, said there are a number of activities and celebrations scheduled throughout Pride month in Biddeford.

For more information about Pride events in Biddeford, the Heart of Biddeford has created a web page that includes information and details regarding Pride month activities and events. For more information, please visit https://heartofbiddeford.org/pride-3/

Flag raised at City Hall (Seaver photo)

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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New program aims to employ unhoused people

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

A new program is being launched in Biddeford to help find work opportunities for unhoused individuals in the community.

Organizers are calling it the “Biddeford Opportunity Crew,” and it is a collaborative effort between several organizations to help “champion a workforce with purpose.”

The Biddeford Opportunity Crew is a new initiative based on a nationwide model that provides paid, meaningful work for local residents who face barriers to traditional employment. Primary project partners include the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, Seeds of Hope, the Heart of Biddeford and the city’s General Assistance office.

Organizers say the new program will “give participants purpose, income, job readiness, and a direct way to contribute to the community.”

In a notice released by the Chamber, organizers said that “many people in our city want to work — but are held back by housing instability, a prior record, lack of transportation or work clothes. The Opportunity Crew will give them a path forward.”

From June 1 through Labor Day, a supervised team of five individuals will be hired to complete beautification and maintenance projects throughout the city – from public parks to sidewalks to eligible clean-up tasks for small businesses. Workers will earn minimum wage, receive breakfast and lunch, and be supervised by a city staff member. The program will operate two days a week for the pilot year and be managed through the city of Biddeford’s General Assistance office.

This will be a city-run program, but it’s powered by community partnership, say organizers, hoping area businesses will help support the new program with donations, sponsorships and job opportunities. Participating businesses will be mentioned in press releases and updated social media posts about the initiative if desired.

“I’m really excited about this program,” said Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center on South Street. “We’ve been talking about this for a few months, and I think it’s going to be a really great opportunity for people trying to put their lives back together.

“We want to help people restore their dignity and self-worth,” she added.

Fowler said the new program will not be mandatory or a requirement to receive benefits. Instead, the new program is intended to give unhoused people an opportunity to begin putting their lives back on track.

To learn more or become a sponsor of the new program, please contact Jake Hammer, Biddeford’s General Assistance Supervisor at | 207.298.3913 or jacob.hammer@biddeformaine.org

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Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

(This is the first of hopefully many more ‘Five Questions” interviews with a variety of people throughout the Biddeford Community)

For nearly 14 years, Delilah Poupore has been at the helm of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization with a mission to “foster a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable downtown for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Today, Poupore, 57, remains as excited and passionate about Biddeford as she was when she moved here from California to serve as the Heart of Biddeford’s executive director.

“Her enthusiasm is never ending,” said Joe McKenney, a Heart of Biddeford (HOB) board member. “She is the perfect fit for the role, and her passion for the city is infectious. We are very lucky to have her. We would not be where we are today without her.”

Examples of Poupore’s seemingly boundless energy can be seen and experienced throughout the downtown area and beyond, including a growing list of annual community events such as River Jam, Biddeford Oktoberfest, Winterfest and the I Heart Biddeford 5k Run/Walk race.

Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford’s executive director

Poupore is constantly looking for new and creative ways to engage the community and to be a resource for a diversity of stakeholders, not just for downtown businesses.

The HOB’s umbrella includes small business owners, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and those who may be struggling to be better connected to the community, including unhoused residents and new immigrants who are hoping to build a new life in the city.

The Heart of Biddeford had humble beginnings, but is constantly evolving, including recent news about the organization’s expansion.

Poupore describes creating the ‘Art of Biddeford’ as “adding another department” to HOB in order to meet the needs of the city’s growing arts community.

I fell in love with Biddeford because of the stories, the history of the city;
the immigrants who came here and built so much of the infrastructure.”

— Delilah Poupore

The Art of Biddeford is designed to help fill the void that was created when board members of another Biddeford non-profit – ENGINE – decided to dissolve last year.

“ENGINE was such a powerhouse for the arts community,” Poupore said. “Although it’s quite understandable why they chose to dissolve, it’s also sad for me to acknowledge that organization is no longer here.”

In a recent press release, ENGINE’s former board president Sarah LaFortune said the Heart of Biddeford is “the ideal steward to continue the work that ENGINE started.”

Poupore described Tamsyn Bodwell — ENGINE’s primary founder – as someone who was tireless and a passionate supporter of Biddeford’s arts community. “We worked on a lot of projects over the years,” Poupore said. “I cannot think of anyone who was more committed to supporting local artists in Biddeford.

“The Art of Biddeford is standing on the shoulders of what ENGINE built in this community.”

You moved here from California and immediately immersed yourself in the community. Why are you so passionate about Biddeford?

“We have so many people – from all sorts of backgrounds – living here; and a thing in common with a lot of them is that they are people who really embrace a creative life.

“I grew up in a post-industrial town, in Duluth, Minnesota. It was full of bricks and history and people sort of wondering about the future and equality and things like that.

“I fell in love with Biddeford because of the stories, the history of the city, the immigrants who came here and built so much of the infrastructure.”

What do you see when you contemplate the Heart of Biddeford’s future?

“I see so many opportunities ahead for both the city and the Heart of Biddeford. I want to make sure that Biddeford’s continuing revitalization is for Biddeford people.

“I want Biddeford to be a community that figures out how to revitalize without losing the people who built the place.”

What is the importance of a thriving arts community?

“There are so many things. The arts can lead to building a foundation for a creative economy that attracts investment and new opportunities for the community.

“And a creative economy is a great way to bring different people – of different backgrounds and perspectives – together so that they are excited about sitting at the table and looking at the community as whole. The arts is a natural bridge that strengthens relationships.”

What do you think is driving the Heart of Biddeford’s success?

“I think if you start with the people, then they know that you value them, and that you want them involved in the process. You just create different things when you bring people around the table saying what they think is important.”

You bubble with enthusiasm, but do you ever get discouraged?

“I am kind of used to waves in this job. Sometimes, it feels like there is so much to do, and so many things I want to do. So yes, sometimes it feels like a lot, but then things settle down again.

“I think of this as the investment time. I think it’s important for people to see what is happening rather than just reading about it on piece of paper.”

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