LEWISTON, ME – On Sunday, May 18 at 2pm, The Public Theatre will present The Tanglewood Marionettes in their production of The Dragon King, perfect for children ages 4 and up and their families.

When a terrible drought overtakes the land, a courageous grandmother journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King (the ruler of all things water) to discover the answer to why he has not brought rain to their land in a very long time.

Get ready for colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off in this award-winning production and underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore.

Run time is approximately 50 minutes and all tickets are $15.

The Dragon King will be performed on Sunday May 18th at 2pm at The Public Theatre located at 31 Maple St in Lewiston.  For tickets visit thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200.

LEWISTON, ME – The Force will be strong over Lewiston this summer as the Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival (LABF) blasts off with a Star Wars theme from Fri., Aug. 15 to Sun., Aug. 17 at Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St.

This year’s theme, “The Rise of the Balloons,” is an out-of-this-world experience for hot-air balloon lovers, cosplay enthusiasts, and families seeking an unforgettable weekend of fun, flight, and fandom. The LABF committee, a collaboration of staff and residents from the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, brings the intergalactic theme to life with 16 hot air balloons, including four special shapes that are sure to turn heads.

Festival planners are excited to announce the return of tethered balloon rides, a perfect opportunity for guests to experience the thrill of ballooning without leaving the park. During a tethered ride, a hot air balloon rises 30 to 60 feet off the ground while remaining securely anchored, offering sweeping views of the park and city.

“The festival isn’t just about watching balloons fly across the sky,” said Mell Hamlin, LABF Committee member. “It’s about stepping into the magic and thrill while supporting our community. For decades this festival showcases the best of Lewiston Auburn during the peak of Maine summer. As always, our goal is to make it an immersive ballooning experience where you don’t just spectate, you participate while supporting local non-profits.”

LABF remains a signature summer event in Maine, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the world each year. It began as a creative way to spotlight the region’s vibrant small businesses and nonprofits. Today, the event spans both banks of the Androscoggin River, offering live music, car shows, a parade, and a makers’ market.

The festival is free and open to the public with something for everyone from sci-fi fans in full Storm Trooper mode to families in awe of the glow of balloons airlifting into the sky, to dancing the night away with Saturday night’s headliner band, Motor Booty Affair.

Organizers invite local businesses, organizations, and individuals to consider sponsorship opportunities. For more information, email at labf@lewistonmaine.gov. To check the event schedule, book a ride, and get the latest updates, visit www.laballoonfest.org or like/tag/follow LABF social media pages at facebook.com/laballoonfest.

AUBURN, ME – We would like to welcome you to the Maine Iris Society’s 44th Median Iris Spring Flower Show! Join us at the Auburn Middle School, 38 Falcom Drive, Auburn, Maine on Saturday, May 24, 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Get ready to feast your eyes on a stunning display of colorful iris flowers and spring blooms. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just love flowers, this event is perfect. Admission is FREE and open to the public!  Don’t miss out on the chance to admire these beautiful flowers up close. Mark your calendars and come celebrate the beauty of spring with us! Potted plant sale, too!  Come and vote for your favorite iris stalk or spring flower!

LEWISTON, ME – The L/A Veterans Council and the City of Lewiston are asking the community to volunteer for an important annual effort to honor local veterans: placing American flags at their gravestones ahead of Memorial Day.

In accordance with a state law enacted in 2001, municipalities across Maine are required to place individual American flags at the grave of every veteran buried in their cemeteries. In Lewiston, this means placing approximately 7,500 flags across 13 cemeteries.

While smaller cemeteries are often supported by nearby residents, the city’s two largest cemeteries, Riverside and St. Peter’s, require additional volunteer support. Service organizations have adopted these sites over the years and coordinate the effort, but due to the scale of the project, more community help is needed.

Flag placement details:

Riverside Cemetery, 192 Summer Street, Lewiston

Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 8:30 AM

Rain date: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 8:30 AM

Approximately 1,800 flags to be placed

Coordinated by the Knights of Columbus

Contact: Leo Baillargeon, 207-577-7424

St. Peter’s Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road, Lewiston (meet at the Mausoleum)

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10 AM

Rain or shine

Approximately 4,500 flags to be placed

Coordinated by the L/A Veterans Council

Contact: Jerry Dewitt, 207-576-0376

Volunteers will be assigned to small teams and given a section of the cemetery to cover. Because no master list of veterans exists, participants will walk row by row, reading gravestone inscriptions. If military service is noted, a flag will be placed.

No pre-registration is necessary. Volunteers may arrive directly at the cemetery at the scheduled time and will receive instructions on-site.

Recommended items to bring include:

Screwdriver (to help insert flagpoles into the ground)

Work gloves

Sneakers or boots (in case of wet grass)

Water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and hat

Hand sanitizer

Children and youth are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult

Company or organization T-shirts may be worn to show community support

“This is a hands-on and heartfelt way to pay tribute to those who served, especially veterans who no longer have family to remember them,” said Jerry Dewitt of the L/A Veterans Council. “Thank you for your support of our veterans this Memorial Day.”

Questions may be directed to the Lewiston City Clerk’s Office or to the individual cemetery coordinators listed above.

LEWISTON, ME — St. Mary’s Health System has officially opened its new Day Hospital Program, offering intensive outpatient mental health treatment for adults in need of short-term, structured support. Located on the St. Mary’s campus in Lewiston, the program is already serving patients and helping fill a critical gap in Maine’s behavioral health system.

The Day Hospital Program delivers a high level of care while allowing patients to remain at home and stay connected to family, friends and community supports. It is especially well-suited for adults transitioning from inpatient psychiatric care or those who need more support than traditional outpatient services provide.

“This level of care is essential for helping people find stability without requiring hospitalization,” said Aaron Landry, LCSW, director of social work. “It’s about meeting people where they are and giving them the tools and structure to heal while staying connected to their lives.”

Patients attend five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive five hours of therapeutic programming each day. The care team includes a psychiatrist, nurse and licensed social workers who provide group therapy, medication management, clinical check-ins and discharge planning. Snacks and transportation support are also available.

The program currently serves up to 10 patients, with plans to grow to 30.

To learn more, visit stmarysmaine.com.

AUBURN, ME – The L/A Community Little Theatre in Auburn will present “The Little Prince,” opening this Friday, May 9.

Based on the timeless fable first published in 1943, “The Little Prince” tells the story of a young man and an aviator who visit various planets, learning about loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. The two have a whirlwind adventure together, and by the end, both the “little man” and the aviator must go home—each with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry, and love again.

Performance dates for “The Little Prince” are May 9,10,15,16, and 17 at 7:30 pm, and May 11 and 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at laclt.com or by calling 783-0958. Ticket prices (including all fees) are $25.00 for adults, $22.00 for seniors and students, and $17.00 for children ages 13 and under. Tickets will also be available at the door.

From left are cast members Evelyn Lenhert, Nicole Emery, Elliot J. Manfrim, and Hazel Flynn in a scene from CLT’s “The Little Prince.” The show opens Friday, May 9.

AUBURN, ME – The City of Auburn and its Comprehensive Plan Committee are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive plan survey. All community members are invited and encouraged to take the survey, which is a crucial step in developing a long-term vision that reflects the needs of the community.

The comprehensive plan survey aims to gather input on various topic areas, including housing, transportation, parks and recreation, economic development, city services, and natural resources. The feedback and insight collected will guide the creation of a plan that reflects the goals and vision of Auburn’s community.

Community members can access the survey online at tinyurl.com/plan-auburn or visit the Planning Department at Auburn Hall (60 Court Street) for paper copies. The survey will be open from May 1 to May 31, and everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes to share their thoughts and ideas.

For more information about the comprehensive plan process, survey, or other opportunities to get involved, please contact Director of Planning, David Hediger at dhediger@auburnmaine.gov.

AUBURN, ME — The Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club is pleased to announce its $100,000 Hole In One Contest. It will be hosted by Taber’s Restaurant, Miniature Golf and Driving Range at 473 Lake Shore Drive, Auburn. The qualifying dates are June 14 & 15 from Noon to 5 pm and Jun 18, 19, 20 and 21 from 4 to 7 pm. Those who are the ten closest to the pin will shoot it out for the top prize on June 22 at 3 pm!

Everyone is welcome to try to qualify, just use your favorite club and our golf balls. Try as many times as you like! It only costs $1 for one ball, six balls for $5 and 13 balls for $10.

This is a fundraiser for the Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club. We have been serving our communities since 1922 with many charitable activities, such as scholarships, supporting Key Clubs in five area high schools and donations to community groups.

For more information, send an e-mail to abchoate@aol.com

LEWISTON, ME — St. Mary’s Health System is hosting a free varicose vein screening and information session on Thursday, May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Avenue in Lewiston.

Appointments are required and available every 10 minutes. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with members of the vascular care team to discuss common symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, fatigue, numbness, swelling and the appearance of spider or varicose veins.

This free screening is designed to help identify potential circulation concerns and provide expert guidance on treatment options and next steps for those experiencing symptoms.

To reserve your spot, call (207) 777-4469 or sign up online at stmarysmaine.com/vascularcare

LEWISTON, ME — Humor, heart and romance happen this weekend when the magical love story Now and Then opens at The Public Theatre in Lewiston.

They say there are no “do-overs” in life, but if you could get one, would you take it? Late one night in a Chicago pub, a young bartender and his girlfriend receive an intriguing proposition from a mysterious last-minute customer offering them $2,000 to talk with him for an hour. What follows is a magical love story filled with laughter, romance, tears and a mystery that will keep the cleverest theatre-goer intrigued.

Featuring a fully professional cast of actors with Broadway credits, Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “Now and Then looks at love through the eyes of a couple in their 20’s as well as in their 60’s and offers an important piece of advice for audiences of all ages.”

Now and Then will be performed at The Public Theatre, Lewiston’s Professional Theatre May 2 – 11. Showtimes are Thurs & Fri at 7 pm, Sat at 3 pm, Sun at 2 pm and Sat May 10 at 3 & 7:30 pm.  For tickets call 782-3200 or visit thepublictheatre.org.  The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St., Lewiston.