Welcome
Welcome to the Heart of Biddeford, a Main Street Maine community! Make sure you sign up to receive our weekly e-newsletter to get the latest news and events! Also, find us on Facebook for daily updates and promotions!
If you’re considering moving here, or already have discovered Biddeford and want to get involved or find out what’s going on…you’ve come to the right place. The Heart of Biddeford is a volunteer-driven, active organization that is working to improve our downtown. Come to one of our events and meet some of the great people who are involved!
To learn more about us, watch this HoB Presentation!
Office Hours
Our executive director is Delilah Poupore and our office manager is Jennifer Boislard. The office is staffed daily from 10:00am-2:00pm. Email us, call or stop in during those hours if you would like to set up a meeting. Stop in, say hello and get involved!
One Dynamic Place…
Have you heard about the two-city campaign that’s taking place, helping the two communities of Biddeford + Saco work together? The Economic Development Directors from Biddeford + Saco joined with the two Main Street programs, Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Corporation to gather community input on our shared strengths. Together, we are creating opportunities to promote this dynamic destination. Read more about it, and see some examples of how we can use the logos and tag lines to build community within our two cities and build excitement for our visitors!
Community Events:
Join us downtown for lots of events! All the details are here!
Coming Up:
HOB Summer Festival 5K Run/Walk! We’re joining in the fun during La Kermesse to offer a race/walk at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 22. All participants will receive a delicious crepe! Register online at active.com or contact Heart of Biddeford to register and pay with a check.
Summer Festival World Stage. During the La Kermesse Summer Festival, the Heart of Biddeford is proud to present a weekend full of music from Biddeford’s cultural past and present. This year, we’ll be in Mechanics Park, where entrance is free and open to the public! (Check out updated information about the full festival on the La Kermesse website!)
Music in the Park! You’ll love the sound track to your summer, this year featuring several artists from Bangor Savings’ Maine Tracks album. Check out the HOB events page for all the details!
For a great listing of cultural and community events, check out the Biddeford+Saco Arts + Culture Alliance website and calendar!
Heart of Biddeford Annual Report
On Monday, October 22, Heart of Biddeford revealed our Annual Report, conveyed appreciation to our volunteers, and honored a nine people and businesses that are having a positive impact on the downtown. Read all about them here!
Check out our 2011-12 Annual Report here!
Biddeford Mills Museum Tours
The Biddeford Mills Museum Tours are coming again May 28 thru September 28, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12 Noon! Make reservations by calling Heart of Biddeford 207-284-8520 by 2 p.m. the day prior to the tour you wish to take. Tours are $10, $8/Seniors. For more information, check out the Biddeford Mills Museum website, or email Dana Peck, President of the Biddeford Mills Museum.
Main Street Challenge Winners Announced!
Check out the three winning businesses that have all opened in the past 3 months due to the Main Street Challenge competition!
- Jennifer Thibeau and Wes Rhames’ vegetarian restaurant called, “Dahlia’s Delights” at 137 Main Street,
- Michael Macomber’s used bookstore/cafe by day that turns into a taproom/event space by night is, “Elements” at 265 Main Street, and
- David and Rebekah Clark’s hand carved wood store is called, “Tote Road,” at 40 Laconia Street (the small road across from Happy Dragon)
See the Business Enhancement Committee page for all the details!
Dine Internationally!
Discover one of Biddeford’s greatest assets: restaurants that bring the culture, tastes and aromas from countries around the world. Find out more about Biddeford’s Restaurants as well as other fine establishments in our downtown!
RiverWalk Update
Read more here about the latest update on Biddeford’s RiverWalk!
Master Plan Report Completed!
The HeartWorks Master Plan Advisory Council presented the final draft of the Downtown Master Plan in June 2011. The Master Plan is a joint project of the City of Biddeford, the Heart of Biddeford, and the Orton Family Foundation. The HeartWorks Advisory Council was comprised of community members, City officials, and representatives from the Heart of Biddeford. We had a chance to celebrate all the work that went into the plan and kick-off the implementation process. For background on the Master Planning Project which started in 2008 please visit our HeartWorks Master Plan Activities page.
Buy Local all year ’round…invest in your community.
When you spend your dollars locally, at locally-owned businesses, you are supporting your neighbors who can then support other local businesses and create a healthy local economy. Buying at locally-owned businesses, especially in your downtowns, offers a social experience that you don’t get at corporate stores…you see friends, you make friends, you get to experience the ambience and culture of that particular downtown. It’s about the experience as much as it is about keeping dollars local. Consider finding local sources for your everyday needs!
Find out more about the Biddeford-Saco Buy Local program. Your business can become a part of the program by signing up here.
City Announcements:
The City of Biddeford is a key partner in many of Heart of Biddeford’s activities. Please see the City website, particularly the Economic Development page, for more information about departments and opportunities in Biddeford.
Thank you for visiting the Heart of Biddeford online! We hope to see you soon at one of our events. And, we’re always looking for volunteers who enjoy crafting the future of Biddeford. Email us or call us at 284-8520 if you want to get involved. See you soon!
