Dear Editor:

Boothbay Harbor in the off-season can feel a little too quiet. The summer crowds are long gone, many storefronts are dark, and the energy that makes this town so special seems to hibernate until spring. But on Wednesday afternoons, something is stirring—a small but growing effort to keep our community vibrant even in the coldest months.

At the heart of it all is Footbridge Brewery, which has opened its doors to local artisans, food makers, and small businesses for a weekly Winter Market. What started as a handful of vendors setting up shop among the beer taps has slowly begun to pick up steam.

The scent of fresh treats and wonderful farmhouse breads made with local ingredients from Wildwoods Bakery fills the air, mingling with the delicate lavender-infused products from Southport Lavender. A table of golden honey jars from Barters Island Bees catches the afternoon light. Slice O’ Country offers jams and pickles bursting with homemade flavor, while the folks at Dogpatch Farm serve up some of the best cured meats around. Across the room, vibrant tie-dye pieces from Midnight’s Rainbow bring a splash of color, and the natural skincare and scents from Kushty Life invite visitors to slow down and indulge in a little self-care.

And yet, the market still needs one important thing: us.

“We always hear people say they wish Boothbay had more going on in the winter,” one vendor says, carefully wrapping up a purchase. “Well, here we are. We just need people to come.”

This market is more than just a place to shop. It’s a way to keep our town alive, to support the makers and doers who are here long after the last lobster roll of the season has been sold.

And for those who have stopped by, it’s been worth it—a warm conversation, a still-warm loaf of bread, a small but meaningful connection to the place we call home.

So this Wednesday, don’t just talk about how nice it would be if Boothbay had more to do in the winter. Step outside, swing by the market, and be part of something that’s growing.

Dan Pangburn

Co-owner

Boothbay Harbor