The 2025 Storybook Ball, Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library’s annual gala, promises to be an unforgettable evening of fun and frolic as we go down the rabbit hole in celebration of Lewis Carroll’s beloved "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland." Begin the frivolity early by participating in our Wonderland-themed auction that includes a stupendous array of exciting raffle, online, and live auction packages, many of which showcase the “wonderland” that is the Boothbay Region.

The Wonderland Retreat raffle package is a three-night, four-day stay for the last weekend of September 2025 at a charming three-bedroom East Boothbay cottage just steps away from the breathtaking and beloved Ocean Point shoreline. Embracing the unique charm that is this tiny historic seaside community, the package includes dining at Ocean Point Kitchen, a certificate for East Boothbay General Store goodies, a 2-hour Carefree Boat Club cruise for up to 6, and more. Raffle tickets are now available at $100 and only 100 will be sold, so move quickly to have a chance for you or your family/friends to experience a truly matchless Boothbay stay. The winner will be notified on Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. EST.

The online auction, which is now open, includes delightful packages that truly say, “Eat Me,” “Drink Me,” along with “Play Me” (golf), “Pamper Me” (spas), and “Rock Me” (concerts). The Queen of Hearts package, for instance, includes not only meals at some of the Harbor’s most well-known and beloved restaurants (including Ports of Italy, Harborside 1901, The Pub at Newagen, Whale’s Tale, and Cabbage Island Clambake) but also the coveted, quick to sell-out tickets for next year’s Claw Down and Fishin’ for Fashion. You can fill in your social calendar for the entire year including an Opera House performance, and a Maci’s Hair and Nail Boutique gift card to get all gussied up. Every package, from the Green Thumb Bundle, to the Down the Rabbit Hole Golf and Cruise offering, to the Beauty and Wellness Collection is filled with delightful and surprising experiences and treasures that will enchant you long after the gala is over.

And finally, what kind of mad hatter’s tea party would it be without a frantic Master of Ceremonies (AKA Michael Maxim) checking his watch and worrying that you might be late to bid on the fantastic live auction items? You can help ease him with bids on amazing one-of-a-kind enchantments. Want to head to Boston for a museum-focused trip or maybe zip down to NYC for a pre-holiday performance of "Hamilton?" How about a beer-tasting and custom brew for you and friends at a private pub shed, or oysters several ways -  Glidden farm, river cruise, or on your own with wine from Pinkham’s selection and Allison Evans’ iconic oyster series pottery? Always desired an Allen Bunker seascape oil? Now is your chance.

All it took for Alice to pick up the tiny bottle and the little cake were tags that said “Drink me” and “Eat me.” Hopefully we have enticed you to indulge in our equally magical gala and related offerings.

Raffle tickets and online auction items at https://bbhlibrary.betterworld.org/auctions/storybook-ball-2025. To purchase tickets and preview the live auction for the Aug. 2 gala, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/wonderland/.

"Storybook Ball: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" is generously presented by Ryder Systems, Inc. and R.M. Davis Private Wealth Management.