Daily editionMonday, May 25th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 25th of May.
Community
On Saturday, Acton community members held a fundraiser in memory of firefighter Jim Bond that honored his 40 years of service and raised over $3,000 for the Searsmont Fire Department and Robbins Lumber explosion victims.
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Damariscotta Hardware and Randolph Hardware are hosting a Register Round-Up fundraiser at their Main Street and Water Street locations to help families affected by the Searsmont fire at Robbins Lumber Mill that injured 12 and claimed one life; the campaign runs through June 6 and includes matching donations.
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Culture
Portland residents can look forward to 17 outdoor concerts this summer at venues like Thompson’s Point, Bowl in the Pines and Maine Savings Amphitheater, where acts such as Mumford & Sons, Jo Dee Messina and Wilco will perform; the shows start in mid-June and continue through early September.
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Maine communities offer free outdoor summer concerts featuring local musicians starting early June through late August.
Events include Bath’s Waterfront Summer Concert Series and Portland’s Summer Sunsets Live at Thompson’s Point (with food trucks and lawn games) to bring live music to residents.
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Historical photos capture Maine ice cream spots from the 1950s and ’70s, featuring a 1951 image at a Woolworth soda fountain on Congress St., a 1953 shot of children with a horse-drawn cart, and a 1979 picture of a Deering sundae, courtesy of Portland Public Library (Special Collections).
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Visitors on Peak's Island witnessed a Civil War reenactment by the Fifth Maine Museum on Saturday — reenactors from the 3rd Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry presented in period uniforms, followed by a community cookout with ocean views.
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Lifestyle
Hikers can prepare for trips by checking websites like mainetrailfinder.com and mainebyfoot.com (showing trail details and pet rules) and Baxter State Park guides before packing essentials such as maps, water, and a first aid kit for safe adventures.
The guide advises hikers to review local advice to enjoy nature responsibly.
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A new guide lists 10 hikes that help residents train for a Katahdin ascent this summer, starting with easier trails at Bradbury Mountain and progressing to challenging routes like Baxter Peak.
It details distances, elevations, and local spots to plan safe hikes (using progressive challenges across Maine).
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Real Estate
Certified senior housing specialist Rachel Davis hosted a seminar in South Portland on Friday to share five tips for planning later in life moves and downsizing for older Mainers.
She offered free monthly lessons through her Legacy Learning Series (attendance reached 66 in May) to help families plan ahead.
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Sports
University of Southern Maine’s men’s golf team recorded a 50-over par at the NCAA Division III championship in Florida last week — Bowdoin’s tennis teams reached the Elite Eight in Tennessee and Bates rowing teams will compete in nationals in Gainesville at the end of May.
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Johanfran Garcia’s two-out RBI single in the 10th inning gave the Sea Dogs a 4-3 comeback win over the Fightin Phils at Hadlock Field on Sunday.
Franklin Arias and Ronald Rosario drove in key runs as Cooper Adams earned the win.
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Portland Events
Playing Card Painting Workshop
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Belleflower Brewing Company — $10 entry — Create unique painted cards while supporting the Maine Cancer Foundation and meet fellow crafting enthusiasts.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a morning of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 28th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket required — Explore your creativity while painting amidst the natural beauty of Fort Williams Park.
Outdoor Painting Experience in Portland
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity with a morning of outdoor painting amidst stunning park scenery.
Jacob Augustine Album Release Party
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate a decade in the making with Jacob Augustine's first new album release and special guests.
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine
Sunday, May 31st, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — The Hill Arts — Ticket information available — Experience a heartfelt tribute to the legendary songwriter John Prine featuring artists sharing stories and performances.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, June 1st, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Capture the beauty of Portland in vibrant hues at this outdoor painting session.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Create your masterpiece against the stunning backdrop of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy painting in the beautiful outdoors of Maine.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 5th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticket prices vary — Explore your artistic side with outdoor painting in a beautiful park setting.