Boothbay Harbor’s iconic Footbridge turns 125 this year, and the community is coming together to celebrate the landmark that has connected people—and both sides of the harbor—for generations. A week of Footbridge-themed activities will culminate with Footbridge Fest on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Oct. 25), bringing the community together on and around the Footbridge for an afternoon of history, stories, music, family activities and celebration.

Throughout the week of Oct. 18–24, local shops and restaurants will join the celebration with Footbridge-themed specials and displays. Artwork and birthday cards created by local students will also help mark the Footbridge’s 125th birthday around town.

For the History Buffs: Boothbay Region Historical Society Footbridge Exhibit

The Boothbay Region Historical Society, 72 Oak St., will open a special exhibit celebrating the history of the Footbridge on Thursday, Oct. 22. The exhibit will remain on display through mid-December and will be open Thursdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit will give residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the history of one of Boothbay Harbor’s most recognizable landmarks and its role in the community over the past 125 years.

Get Your Creative On: Footbridge-Themed Paint Night at Footbridge Brewery

On Thursday, Oct. 22, Footbridge Brewery will host Canvases & Cocktails for a special Footbridge-themed Paint Night. This is your chance to paint the most recognizable landmark in Boothbay Harbor, regardless of your skills! This is a ticketed event, and additional information and tickets can be found at CanvasesandCocktails.com.

For the Kiddos: Footbridge Story Time at the Library

On Friday, Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m., the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, 4 Oak St., will host a special Footbridge-related storytime featuring stories and imagination for the littlest members of the community.

Celebrating America’s Milestone Birthday: America 250 Commemorative Tree Planting

The celebration continues Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. at Whale Park, 30 Commercial St., where the Town of Boothbay Harbor will plant a commemorative tree in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Main Event: Footbridge Fest — Saturday, Oct. 24

At 3 p.m., everyone is invited to meet in the middle of the Footbridge for brief opening remarks, followed by a drone flyover and a historic community wide-angle photograph.

Residents, families, business owners, visitors and anyone who loves Boothbay Harbor are encouraged to be part of the photograph. The image will capture this moment in the Footbridge’s history and will be included in a time capsule to be opened on the Footbridge’s 150th anniversary.

After the photograph, the celebration continues with tours of the Bridge House, birthday cake, music, kids’ activities and an afternoon of fun! The party ends with a special Footbridge lightshow at 6 p.m.

Making History: Come Tell Your Footbridge Story

BRTV (Boothbay Region TV) will also be on hand to record the community’s Footbridge stories. Did you get engaged on the Footbridge? Have your first kiss there? Jump off it as a kid—or maybe as an adult? Is it where your family gathers to watch the fireworks or see the Windjammers come into the harbor? Have you competed in the Server Shuffle on the Footbridge? Did you walk across it every summer with your grandparents? Is it your favorite fishing spot? Did you ever dare to skinny-dip off the Footbridge? Do you remember an old Footbridge tradition—or simply have a favorite memory connected to it?

Selected stories will become part of the historical record, helping preserve not only the history of the structure itself, but also the personal memories that have made the Footbridge such an important part of Boothbay Harbor.

The celebration is sponsored by the Town of Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and BRTV, with special thanks to the Rowe Family, Boothbay Region Historical Society, Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, and the shops and restaurants of Boothbay Harbor.