Daily editionFriday, August 8th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of August.
Community
Pine Tree Camp, a camp serving people with disabilities, will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a day-long event this weekend.
Director Dawn Willard Robinson said the celebration will include a special ceremony and party to mark this milestone.
FOX23Read more
HART of Maine is holding its annual yard sale fundraiser from Thursday through Sunday at the Cumberland Fairgrounds exhibition hall at 197 Blanchard Road in Cumberland—proceeds will support its no-kill shelter and cat adoption center.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Back Cove Music and Arts Festival took place Saturday in Payson Park and defied early doubts with smooth access, quality music performances and friendly organization even with high ticket prices and pricey alcohol—The Roots replaced Andre 3000 during a night highlighted by fireworks that impressed attendees. Organizers now consider expanding the event next year.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Harpswell oyster farmer Samantha Bohan joined a town working group that studied aquaculture rules and made a map of local fishing areas to ease conflicts with traditional fishermen—state officials will use the map when reviewing lease applications.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
UMaine professor Jon Ippolito developed an app called What Uses More—an app that uses artificial intelligence to generate text, images, and videos showing how everyday tasks use energy and water.
The app aims to help users understand their environmental footprint.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland’s main fire boat was damaged during a rescue call near Jewell Island three weeks ago and is now being repaired at Portland Yacht Services with plans to return to service next week.
WGMERead more
Washington Avenue in East Deering got temporary safety improvements with new bollards, speed bumps, crosswalks and curb extensions along the stretch between Veranda and Ocean to slow traffic and protect pedestrians and cyclists.
The measures will remain until Nov. 15 (federal grant funds the project) and data will be gathered to decide if permanent changes are made.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Eighth graders JT Cross and Jake Paradis from Standish won the Bass Federation's Junior World Championship in Pierre, South Dakota, after competing from July 30 to August 1.
They overcame 68 teams and tough wind on the final day — earning their first national title and a $6,000 scholarship for future education.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Wine Sail - Rosé Experience aboard the Frances
Saturday, August 9th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Cost info not specified — Enjoy exquisite rosé wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.
Dino Trolley Adventure
Sunday, August 10th, 2025 · 9:45-3 p.m. — Seashore Trolley Museum — $15 for ages 3-99, free for kids under 3 — Embark on a dino-themed trolley ride with activities like a dinosaur egg hunt and craft-making fun.
Bingo at Elks Lodge
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase bingo cards on-site — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with lunch options and ample parking.
The Dead South Live Concert
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging evening with the folk-bluegrass sounds of The Dead South.
Weekly SUP Community Paddles
Thursday, August 14th, 2025 · 7:30-8:30 a.m. — Portland Paddle — Free entry — Connect with fellow paddlers for an hour of fun on the water during summer months.
The Big Bounce America
Friday, August 15th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Cumberland Fairgrounds — Ticket required — Experience inflatable fun for all ages in the World’s Biggest Bounce House.
Lake Street Dive Concert Pass
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Tickets from $102 — Experience the genre-defying sound of Lake Street Dive live in Portland, ME.
Wine Sail - Piedmont
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Tickets required — Experience a delightful evening of wine education and sailing on Casco Bay.
Ask A Librarian! Drop-in Question Sessions
Monday, August 18th, 2025 · 1-3 p.m. — Freeport Community Library — Free — Get help with technology, research, and more at this community resource session.
Community Bingo Event
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase cards on-site — Enjoy a fun day of Bingo with food and prizes.