What beloved Waterville arthouse cinema's founders launched the Maine International Film Festival in 1998?

WATERVILLE ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET

If you've driven through downtown Waterville lately, you've probably noticed a little more energy on Main Street. That's because one of Maine's signature summer events is back.

The 29th Maine International Film Festival opens this week, turning downtown Waterville into a gathering place for filmmakers, movie lovers, and visitors from across Maine and well beyond. From July 10 through July 19, 112 films will be shown at the Maine Film Center and the historic Waterville Opera House, ranging from independent features and international selections to Maine-made films, documentaries, shorts, and family-friendly programming — the largest program in the festival's history.

What makes MIFF different isn't just what's on the screen. It's the conversations that happen afterward. Many filmmakers stay to answer questions, share the stories behind their work, and spend time with the audience. That creates an experience you simply don't get at a traditional movie theater.

For Waterville, the festival has become much more than a film event. Restaurants fill with visitors before evening screenings. Shops welcome people exploring downtown between films. Friends meet for dinner, catch a movie, and linger a little longer on Main Street. It's one of those weeks that reminds you how much a thriving arts community can contribute to the life of a city.

Whether you're a dedicated film fan or just looking for something a little different to do this week, MIFF offers plenty of choices. Passes are available for those planning multiple screenings, while individual tickets make it easy to catch a single film that catches your interest.

And while you're planning this week's outing, here's one more date to circle on your calendar. Next week we'll take a closer look at the Mid-Maine Fish-Off, a weeklong catch-and-release tournament that's quickly becoming one of the region's signature outdoor events. If you've been thinking about entering, we'll have everything you need to know in next week's edition.

For now, enjoy the show. The lights are on, the curtain is about to go up, and for the next ten days, Waterville becomes one of the most interesting places in Maine to spend a summer evening.

This time of year always brings back memories of fishing with my dad on China Lake.

One trip stands out more than all the others. We loaded the boat, launched it, and headed away from the dock. It didn't take long before I noticed something wasn't quite right. Water was coming into the boat... and coming in fast.

Dad had forgotten to put the drain plugs back in.

As a young kid, it was a little scary watching the water rise around my feet. Looking back, it's also pretty funny. Dad stayed calm, turned us around, got us back to shore, and took care of the problem like it was just another day on the lake. We were soon back on the water, and it's a story that's been part of our family ever since.

That memory came back to me this week as I started putting together this edition. While the Mid-Maine Fish-Off doesn't begin until next week, it's already getting people talking about time on the water and some of the best fishing our region has to offer. We'll have a full preview in next week's edition.

This week, though, there's plenty happening around the Valley. The Maine International Film Festival gets underway in Waterville, Augusta welcomes runners for Sunday's Augusta Marathon, Wayne celebrates its annual Strawberry Festival, and Skowhegan marks another year of Log Days. Every one of those events brings people together, and that's one of the things I enjoy most about this time of year.

I'd also like to thank the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce for helping make the Kennebec Valley Voice possible each week. Local businesses that invest in our communities deserve our appreciation, and I hope you'll consider supporting them whenever you have the opportunity.

Have a wonderful week, and if you're heading to the Augusta Marathon on Sunday morning, I hope our paths cross at the finish line.

Summer is definitely settling into the Kennebec Valley this week. Wednesday looks comfortable, but Thursday turns hot with afternoon temperatures pushing into the low 90s. There's a chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms Thursday and again on Friday, so keep an eye on the sky if you're planning to be outside

The good news is the weekend shapes up nicely. Saturday brings sunshine with lower humidity, making it a great day for festivals, farmers' markets, and getting outside. Sunday's forecast looks favorable for the Augusta Marathon, with morning temperatures comfortable for runners before the afternoon warms into the mid-80s under mostly cloudy skies

Our weekly forecast is prepared using information from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather. As always, this is Maine—if you don't like the weather, look out the window again in five minutes.

Local Video: The Maine International Film Festival Returns to Waterville

For ten days every July, downtown Waterville becomes the film capital of Maine. The 29th Maine International Film Festival opens this Friday, July 10, and runs through Sunday, July 19, with screenings at the Waterville Opera House, Railroad Square Cinema, and the Paul J. Schupf Art Center on Main Street. This year's program is the largest in the festival's history: 112 films, including premieres from more than 40 countries and 21 made-in-Maine productions. Opening night features Their Town, a new coming-of-age film from Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass, and the festival closes with the ESPN documentary Give Me the Ball! about tennis legend Billie Jean King.

One screening deserves special mention. On Sunday, July 12 at 1 p.m., the Opera House hosts the free world premiere of Ikawa: Coffee That Connects, a documentary made by student filmmakers from the Mid-Maine Technical Center right here in Waterville, tracing the unlikely connection between our city and Kigali, Rwanda through a single cup of coffee. The student filmmakers will be on hand for a question and answer session after the film.

This video from WABI captures what festival week looks like when it takes over Main Street, from the crowds at the Opera House to the filmmakers who travel from around the world to be here.

Video Courtesy of WABI-TV 5

Augusta Marathon Returns Sunday

Sunday, July 12 | Capitol Park & Downtown Augusta

Race weekend has arrived.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, tackling your first 5K, or simply cheering from the sidelines, Augusta Marathon weekend brings an energy that's hard to match. Hundreds of runners from across Maine and beyond will gather in the Capital City for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, filling downtown with spectators, volunteers, and plenty of encouragement.

Even if you're not racing, come downtown, ring a cowbell, and help make someone's finish line unforgettable. Community support is one of the things that makes this event special every year.

Maine International Film Festival Opens in Waterville

he 29th Maine International Film Festival features 112 independent, international, documentary, and Maine-made films, along with filmmaker discussions and special events throughout downtown. Whether you're a serious film enthusiast or simply looking for a different night out, MIFF offers something you won't find anywhere else in the Valley.

Wayne Strawberry Festival

Saturday, July 11 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Wayne Village

Fresh strawberries are only the beginning.

Browse local artisans, enjoy live music, visit the farmers market, sample great food, and don't miss the always-popular Cardboard Boat Race. It's one of those classic Maine summer festivals that brings neighbors together and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Admission is free.

Skowhegan Log Days

July 9–11 | Skowhegan Waterfront

Few communities celebrate their heritage quite like Skowhegan.

Log Days honors the region's logging traditions with family activities, waterfront events, outdoor recreation, and plenty of opportunities to explore one of central Maine's most historic downtowns. Highlights include the Glowstick Paddle, mountain bike events, live entertainment, and activities throughout the weekend.

Looking Ahead: Mid-Maine Fish-Off

July 18–25

If fishing is your idea of the perfect Maine summer, you'll want to mark your calendar now.

The Mid-Maine Fish-Off returns next week with a weeklong catch-and-release tournament spanning lakes and ponds across the region. We'll have a complete preview in next week's Kennebec Valley Voice, including registration information, participating waters, prizes, and everything you need to know before casting your first line.

Kennebec Networkers BNI — Wednesdays, 8:00 AM, in person at the Thomas College Ice Vault, 203 Whitten Road, Hallowell.

Elm City Referral Source BNI — Thursdays, 8:30 AM, in person at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, 50 Elm Street, Waterville (207-873-3315).

Redevelopment Funding Brings New Opportunities to Central Maine

Communities across the Kennebec Valley continue to benefit from investment in redevelopment and revitalization projects. This week, the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments announced additional funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields program to help communities assess and prepare underused properties for future development. Projects like these often happen quietly, but they can make a real difference by turning long-vacant sites into places where businesses can grow and jobs can be created.

Downtown Waterville Welcomes Thousands

The opening of the Maine International Film Festival is expected to bring visitors to downtown Waterville throughout the coming week. Restaurants, retailers, hotels, and other local businesses all benefit from the increased foot traffic generated by one of Maine's premier cultural events.

Augusta Ready for Race Weekend

Local hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops are preparing for runners and their families arriving for the Augusta Marathon. Events like this provide an economic boost while introducing visitors to businesses they may return to long after race day.

Networking Never Takes a Summer Break

Summer is a busy season, but local networking groups continue to meet throughout the Valley. Organizations like BNI and the regional Chambers of Commerce provide business owners with opportunities to build relationships, exchange referrals, and stay connected even during the busiest months of the year.

Augusta City Council: Business meetings are held the first and third Thursdays at 7 PM at Augusta City Center, 16 Cony Street. Next business meeting: Thursday, July 16.

Waterville City Council: Meets Tuesday evenings at 7 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 1 Common Street. Agendas post Thursday afternoons before each meeting at waterville-me.gov.

Hallowell City Council: Meets the Monday after the first Tuesday of each month at 6 PM at City Hall. This month: Monday, July 13.

Winslow Town Council: Regular monthly meeting Monday, July 13 at 6 PM, Council Chambers at the Winslow Town Office. Also streamed on Vimeo and Facebook Live.

Oakland Town Council: Meets the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Town Office. Confirm this month's dates at oaklandme.gov, as the council has run a reduced July schedule in past summers.

Vassalboro Select Board: New schedule as of late June — now meeting the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the town office meeting room. Next meeting: Wednesday, July 8.

July is one of my favorite times to visit a farmers' market. The tables are filling up with fresh berries, greens, baked goods, flowers, and locally raised meats. Every week brings something new, and buying local keeps our communities strong.

Augusta: The Farmers' Market at Mill Park runs Tuesdays from 2 to 6 PM under the pavilion at 1 Water Street, along the Kennebec. This week: Tuesday, July 14.

Waterville: The Downtown Waterville Farmers' Market is at its new home this season, Head of Falls Park at 60 Front Street, Thursdays from 2 to 6 PM. This week: Thursday, July 9.

Skowhegan: The Skowhegan Farmers' Market at the Somerset Grist Mill, 42 Court Street, runs twice this week — Wednesday, July 8 from 3 to 6 PM and Saturday, July 11 from 9 AM to 1 PM, right in the middle of Log Days weekend.

Hallowell: The Hallowell Farmers Market is Saturday, July 11 from 9 AM to noon at Stevens Commons, 2 Beech Street.

Winthrop: Downtown Winthrop has a farmers market again. The new Grange-organized market runs Thursdays from 2 to 6 PM in the municipal parking lot at Main and Union streets, through September 10. This week: Thursday, July 9.

Communities are strongest when neighbors look out for one another. If you've been thinking about giving back, here are a few opportunities to make a difference this week.

Give Blood. Save a Life.

Summer vacations often mean fewer blood donors, but the need never takes a break. If you're able, consider scheduling a donation with the American Red Cross. Every donation can help patients facing surgery, accidents, cancer treatments, and other medical emergencies. You can also watch for community blood drives taking place throughout the Kennebec Valley this month.

Support a Local Food Pantry

Food pantries across the Valley rely on generous neighbors to keep their shelves stocked year-round.

• Augusta Food Bank welcomes donations of non-perishable food and household essentials at 161 Mount Vernon Avenue.
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• Waterville Food Bank, located at 61 Pleasant Street, serves local families and also welcomes volunteers and donations throughout the year.
• Smaller community pantries, including the China Community Food Pantry and Vassalboro Food Station Pantry, continue to support neighbors closer to home.

Share Your Time

If you'd rather give your time than your wallet, there are plenty of opportunities. United Way of Kennebec Valley maintains volunteer connections with nonprofit organizations throughout the region, while VolunteerME regularly posts opportunities ranging from meal programs and food distribution to community events and nonprofit support.

Sandy's Thought

One thing I've learned over the years is that strong communities aren't built by one person doing something extraordinary. They're built by hundreds of neighbors doing ordinary things for one another. If you have a little extra time, a few cans in the cupboard, or an hour to donate blood, you'll be making a difference for someone you'll probably never meet—and that's what community is all about.

Celebrate strawberry season with these irresistible homemade muffins, perfect for anyone returning from the Wayne Strawberry Festival with armloads of fresh berries.

Each muffin is light and buttery, loaded with sweet, juicy strawberries in every bite.

The cinnamon-laced crumb topping adds the right touch of crunch, complementing the fruit without overpowering it.

They come together quickly—just 20 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes in the oven—yielding a batch of twelve treats that are just as satisfying with your morning coffee as for an afternoon snack.

Tip: Toss extra-juicy strawberries with a bit of flour before mixing in to prevent them from sinking.

Baking these muffins is a delicious way to turn your festival bounty into a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.

While I was writing this week's story about fishing with my dad, Scout spent most of the afternoon supervising from her favorite spot near my desk. She didn't have much to say about drain plugs, but she was very interested in the strawberry muffins.

If you're thinking about adding a four-legged fishing buddy to your family, here are two dogs looking for a forever home this week.

Meet Jada, a lovable 7-year-old female pit bull terrier brimming with affection.

Jada is currently waiting at the Humane Society Waterville Area to find her forever family.

She adores her favorite toy and rarely lets it leave her side, a sweet reflection of her gentle spirit.

Car rides, belly rubs, and spending time with people top her list of favorite things.

Jada thrives as an only dog but may consider a feline friend, and she’s happiest in a home with adults or older kids.

With remarkable loyalty and watchful instincts, she makes a truly devoted companion.

Her adoption fee has been waived, making this a wonderful opportunity to give her a loving home.

Visit the Humane Society Waterville Area to meet Jada and experience the special joy of adopting an adult dog.

Aaron is a striking 4.5-year-old Siberian Husky mix hoping to find his forever family in the Waterville-Augusta, Maine area.

Weighing 66 pounds, he’s full of classic Husky energy, smarts, and playful spirit, thriving most during snowy outdoor adventures.

Described as having a “frat boy” personality, Aaron greets new friends eager for fun and attention.

He knows “sit” and is learning more commands, though his excitement can result in some jumpy or mouthy moments.

Aaron’s best fit is a home without small kids, but he’s shown gentle moments around young children, suggesting he’ll do well with older ones.

This handsome pup prefers a cat-free home and enjoys other energetic dogs who set clear boundaries.

Aaron’s adoption fee is $250 — a small price for a joyful companion ready to bring warmth and adventure to your life.

When I started the Kennebec Valley Voice, my goal wasn't to compete with television stations or daily newspapers. There are already plenty of places to find headlines.

What I wanted to create was something that felt a little more personal—a publication that reminds us what's happening in our own communities, introduces us to local businesses, celebrates the people who make this region special, and occasionally brings back a memory or two along the way.

This week's edition does exactly that for me. It took me from a childhood morning on China Lake with my dad to the excitement of the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville, the Augusta Marathon on Sunday, and all the festivals and community events that make summer in the Kennebec Valley such a wonderful time of year.

Thank you for spending part of your week with me. I appreciate every reader who opens this newsletter, shares it with a friend, or simply tells someone about the Kennebec Valley Voice. Together, we're building something that celebrates the best of where we live.

I'll see you next Wednesday. Until then, enjoy the Valley... and if you happen to be out on the water, don't forget to check the drain plug before you leave the dock.

— Sandy

Railroad Square Cinema. Its co-founders, including longtime programming director Ken Eisen, started MIFF in 1998, and the theater is now part of the Maine Film Center in downtown Waterville.