Sandy Smith
| Weds., Sept 30|Issue #24|Kennebec Valley |
October Arrives in the Kennebec Valley
September 30–October 6, 2026
October opens with a packed week across the Kennebec Valley. First Friday brings arts and activity to downtown Waterville. Maine Craft Weekend puts local makers in the spotlight. Augusta hosts Maine General’s Day of Hope, Hallowell brings the community together for its Backyard Games, and runners take to the streets for the Waterville Running Festival on Sunday at 7 AM.
There’s plenty more happening throughout the region, too — fall events, farmers’ markets, local business news, job opportunities, municipal meetings, a Hidden Gem for foliage season, and useful ideas for making the most of early October in Maine.
Inside Edition #24: the events, people, places, and local news worth knowing this week. |
TRIVIA QUESTION Long before Augusta became Maine’s capital city, the Plymouth Colony established a trading post along the Kennebec River here in 1628.
What was this early settlement and trading post called? A) Fort Halifax
Make your guess — we’ll have the answer at the end of this week’s Kennebec Valley Voice. |
A mild start to October gives way to more seasonable fall weather over the weekend. Friday could reach the upper 70s before cooler air moves in, with daytime highs settling into the low-to-mid 60s by Sunday. A few showers are possible Friday and again Monday.
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Thursday, Oct. 1
Friday, Oct. 2
Saturday, Oct. 3
Sunday, Oct. 4
Monday, Oct. 5
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Forecast for the Kennebec Valley as of September 29, 2026. |
October is a turning point in our calendar every year.
The mornings are cooler, the leaves are starting to put on a show, and suddenly the calendar fills up with all the things we try to squeeze in before the season changes again.
This week is a good example. Across the Kennebec Valley, there are community events, local makers, markets, races, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy where we live.
I especially like weeks like this because they remind me that you don’t always have to travel very far to find something interesting.
Sometimes the best thing happening is right down the road. So take a look through this week’s edition, pick something that sounds good, and enjoy a little bit of October in the Kennebec Valley.
— Sandy |
It’s a busy first weekend of October across the Kennebec Valley, so a little planning will help.
Downtown Waterville — Friday, Oct. 2
If you’re heading downtown, free parking is available at The Concourse and Head of Falls, and the City Hall lot is available after 5 PM. Main Street parking becomes unlimited in the evening. With several events happening at once, giving yourself a little extra time is a good idea.
Maine General Day of Hope — Saturday, Oct. 3
And remember: with Maine Craft Weekend, community events and the Waterville Running Festival all happening this weekend, expect some of the region’s busiest destinations to be a little busier than usual. |
CAN’T MISS: TOP EVENTS OF THE WEEK
The first weekend of October is packed across the Kennebec Valley. Here are five events worth putting on your calendar.
October First Friday — Waterville
Maine General Day of Hope — Augusta
Hallowell Backyard Games — Hallowell
Maine Craft Weekend — Gardiner Area
Waterville Running Festival — Waterville
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QUICK PICKS A few more ideas for getting out and enjoying the Kennebec Valley this week.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
FOOD & DRINK
COMMUNITY & MORE |
Illustrative image: AI-generated; not an actual photograph of Mount Pisgah Conservation Area.
HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK
Mount Pisgah Conservation Area — Winthrop & Wayne If you’re looking for a fall outing with a payoff at the top, Mount Pisgah belongs on the list.
The 0.7-mile Tower Trail climbs through woods and past old sugar maples to the mountain’s 60-foot former fire tower, which is open to the public. From the top, the views stretch in every direction — and on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Washington to the west and the Camden Hills to the east.
For a longer option, the 1.3-mile Blueberry Trail winds through old fields, stone walls, woodlands, and areas once used for seasonal cattle pasture. Dogs are welcome on leash or under voice command.
Mount Pisgah is especially worth considering right now as the foliage begins to take over the Kennebec Valley.
Good to know: Parking is limited to the designated lot on Mount Pisgah Road. Roadside parking and parking on neighboring property are not allowed. Use caution if climbing the fire tower. |
BUSINESS PULSE
A few business changes are worth watching around the Kennebec Valley this week.
Rusty Lantern Opens Second Waterville Location
Rusty Lantern Markets opened its newest Waterville store on September 16 at 224 Main Street. The 24-hour location includes a full open kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, specialty beverages, Maine-made products, and Irving fuel. It is the company’s second Waterville location and its 33rd store overall.
Plum Bakery Preparing to Open in Gardiner
A new bakery is getting close to opening at 347 Water Street in Gardiner. Owner Kristen Lamontagne told the Kennebec Journal she hopes to open Plum Bakery around the first week of October in the former Stonebroke Bread and Books location. Because the opening date is still tentative, we’ll keep an eye on it rather than call it officially open just yet.
Ollie’s Coming to The Concourse in Waterville
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is preparing to open a new location at The Concourse in downtown Waterville later this fall. The national closeout retailer is expected to open by the end of October or early November, bringing another tenant into the downtown shopping plaza. |
JOBS & HIRING
Looking for a new opportunity? Here are several current openings around the Kennebec Valley.
Finance Director — Town of Vassalboro
Truck Driver/Laborer — Town of Oakland
City of Waterville
City of Augusta
Local jobs help strengthen local communities — and one of these opportunities might be the right next step for someone you know. |
MUNICIPAL MEETINGS
Here are the confirmed municipal meetings happening around the Kennebec Valley during this week’s edition.
Hallowell — Planning Board Special Meeting
Vassalboro — Sanitary District Meeting
Augusta — City Council Business Meeting |
BUSINESS & NETWORKING
There are several opportunities for local business owners and professionals to connect around the Kennebec Valley this week.
Kennebec Networkers BNI — Hallowell
Mid-Maine Chamber Business Breakfast — Waterville This month’s program, Connected Communities Poised for Growth, brings together municipal leaders from Waterville, Winslow, Oakland, and Fairfield for a discussion on infrastructure updates, regional improvements, and local projects that could affect area businesses.
Elm City Referral Source BNI — Waterville Elm City Referral Source is our second standing BNI chapter for the Kennebec Valley and meets weekly in Waterville.
Ribbon Cutting — Chase Toys of Sidney The Mid-Maine Chamber will host a ribbon cutting for Chase Toys of Sidney, offering another opportunity to connect with local business owners and welcome a growing local business. Standing chamber check: We also reviewed the Kennebec Valley Chamber calendar for this edition. |
FARMERS’ MARKETS Fall market season is still going strong across the Kennebec Valley.
Fairfield Farmers Market — Fairfield
Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market — Waterville
Skowhegan Farmers’ Market — Skowhegan
Hallowell Farmers’ Market — Hallowell
Fairfield Farmers’ Market — Fairfield
Augusta Farmers Market at Mill Park — Augusta This is the time of year when apples, squash, root vegetables, late-season greens, baked goods, meats, cheeses, maple products, and other fall favorites begin taking center stage. |
THIS WEEK ON MAINE THRIVE VOICES
Episode 13 — Nancy Marshall - It's what I was born To Do
What does it really take to build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships in business?
In Episode 13 of Maine Thrive Voices, Sandy talks with Nancy Marshall of Marshall Communications, The PR Maven®, about public relations, networking, reputation, and the importance of staying visible in a changing media landscape.
Nancy brings decades of experience helping businesses and organizations strengthen their brands, earn attention, and build meaningful connections — in Maine and far beyond.
It’s a conversation about why relationships still matter, how visibility is changing, and what business owners can do to remain relevant and trusted.
Listen to Episode 13 of Maine Thrive Voices.
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Illustrative image: AI-generated and inspired by Historic Water Street in Gardiner; not an actual photograph.
BEST OF THE KENNEBEC VALLEY
Historic Water Street — Gardiner There’s a lot packed into a few blocks along Water Street in downtown Gardiner.
The historic brick buildings overlooking the Kennebec River are home to locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, and gathering places, making downtown Gardiner an easy place to spend an afternoon without much of a plan.
The downtown is part of a National Historic District, and Gardiner has earned recognition as a Designated Main Street community for its ongoing work to preserve and strengthen the heart of the city. Look a little closer while you’re walking and you’ll find reminders of Gardiner’s history everywhere — from the blue sturgeon marking its historic walking trail to the Gardiner Public Library and Johnson Hall, Maine’s oldest opera house, which first opened in 1864. With Maine Craft Weekend bringing extra activity to Gardiner this weekend and fall color beginning to show along the river, this is an especially good week to rediscover Water Street.
Sometimes one of the best ways to enjoy the Kennebec Valley is simply to park the car, start walking, and see what you find. |
Meet Junie!
Junie is a 10-month-old Labrador Retriever mix currently waiting on the Dog Adoption Floor at the Humane Society Waterville Area. She’s a large, tan female and is listed as spayed. At just 10 months old, Junie is still a young dog with plenty of growing and learning ahead of her. Her housetraining status is currently listed as unknown, so that’s something prospective adopters will want to ask about when they visit. If you’d like to learn more about Junie, contact or visit the Humane Society Waterville Area for the most current adoption information. |
Meet Frankie!
Frankie is an energetic, bouncy boy who loves to play — especially with his stuffies. He is kennel trained, very food motivated, and is known to be vocal. Frankie does well with cats and can get along with female dogs, although he would prefer to be the only dog in the home. He should not be placed with male dogs.
Frankie is not house trained and would do best in a home without children age 8 and under.
If you’d like to meet Frankie, stop by the Kennebec Valley Humane Society during open hours. The shelter asks that all family members come along, including any female dogs already living in the home. |
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Pumpkin or Squash Bread October is pumpkin and winter-squash season in Maine, and this simple bread puts either one to good use. It’s lightly spiced with cinnamon, easy to make, and works just as well for breakfast with coffee as it does for an afternoon snack.
Ingredients ½ cup sugar
Directions
Makes about 12 slices. A warm slice with a little butter is an easy way to bring some October flavor to the table.
Recipe adapted from University of Maine Cooperative Extension. |
SANDY’S MAINE MINUTE
October in Maine has a way of reminding us not to wait too long. The leaves turn, the air gets cooler, the farmers’ markets start winding down, and suddenly all those things we meant to do “sometime this fall” have a much shorter window. So maybe this is the week to take the drive, walk the trail, stop at the market, or spend a little time in one of our downtowns. Maine gives us plenty to enjoy this time of year. The trick is remembering to slow down long enough to notice it.
Scout & I will be back in your inbox next Wednesday. Have a GREAT week!
— Sandy |
OUR SPONSORS A special thank-you to the local businesses and organizations helping make Kennebec Valley Voice possible each week.
NEWSLETTER SPONSOR
Marshall Communications — Nancy Marshall
SECTION SPONSORS
The Costello Agency — John Costello
North Star Property Solutions — Tony LaPrino
MESA-Maine — Laura & David McIntyre
Woof LLC — Peter Richmond
Pete Gray Painting — Pete Gray
Thank you to all of our sponsors. Their support helps us keep Kennebec Valley Voice free, local, and focused on the people, businesses, and communities that make the Valley home. |
The answer is B) Cushnoc.
The Plymouth Colony established a trading post at Cushnoc in 1628 along the Kennebec River. The settlement later became part of present-day Augusta and played an important role in early trade in the region. |