Lakes Region Area Guide
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Our community needs some help. Can you help?
Our community needs some help. Can you help?
Christmas is in full gear - check out The Naples Barn!
Ed Mercer
Dec 2, 2025
"The Heartbeat of the Lakes — Events, Eats & Everything In Between" |
December 2, 2025 |
NEW Digital Online Lakes Region Area Guide! |
Click on the image to see the pages!! |
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☀️ The Lakes Region is both a Home and Vacation Paradise. |
With the Lakes Region Area Guide Newsletter, get events, hidden gems, and local buzz delivered to your in box, whether you're locally here in Maine or as far away as Florida, New York or Texas! |
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Hosted by Bridgton Recreation
 Always the first Saturday in DecemberGet ready for one of Bridgton’s most magical traditions — the Festival of Lights!
This beloved annual celebration lights up downtown with community spirit, creativity, and holiday cheer.
Event Highlights: • Santa Shuffle 5K – Lace up for a fun run that benefits NFI North/Bridge Crossing and Bridge Crossing Academy. • Craft Fair at Stevens Brook Elementary School – Find unique, handmade gifts and local treasures. • Festival of Lights Parade – Don’t miss this year’s theme: “Frost & Flame.” Watch the floats sparkle and glow as they roll through town! • Tree Lighting at the Bridgton Community Center – Gather with friends and neighbors as we light up the night together. Stay tuned for more details and event announcements — the full day’s lineup is still growing! |
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Community Spotlight - Lakes Region Area Guide |
I’m very grateful to be in a position to support our local businesses, and even more inspired watching them support each other.
Our Digital Lakes Region Area Guide now showcases 25 amazing businesses working together to make our community stronger.
Their dedication deserves a spotlight — and I’m proud to help give it to them!
Let’s keep cheering them on and supporting small businesses across the Lakes Region.
If you’d like to join the guide, contact me at lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com
Sue Mercer
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Can you help? |
Captain Jack's at Naples Marina
On December 11th come by to help us raise some money for this well-deserved local family. We will be donating our profit for all sales for the day. Come have a bite to eat or a drink. We will also have some raffle items. If you cannot make it please consider donating using their go fund me page below. Any amount is very much appreciated. We open at 4pm and will have our usual prime rib special while it lasts.
To everyone that would like to donate raffle items for the December 11th fundraiser for the Thoits family. Please drop off your donation by December 9th. You can leave it at the marina with Heather M-Th 8-4 or at Jacks during our open hours. If you need it picked up please pm me and I will make arrangements to come get it. TYIA. |
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Crosswalk Community Outreach - CLICK HERENaples, Maine |
CrossWalk Community Outreach is neighbors helping neighbors, powered by caring local volunteers. We provide support that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our community. With compassion as our guide, we aim to offer real help to those in need across Naples, Sebago, Casco, Bridgton, and Harrison—working together so our community can flourish.
SCAN IN THE QR CODE TO DONATE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE! |
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The Naples Barn welcomes Libby Sawyer Designs for the Holiday Season! Come by to purchase Libbys beautiful Wreaths, Kissing Balls, and Creative Holiday Displays! |
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Pleasant Mountain In Bridgton is gearing up for snow! |
With 6-12 inches expected TODAY, get your gear out and be ready to hit the slopes! |
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“The Prom Closet Changing Lives in Our Community”Tia’s Prom Closet Project has become so much more than dresses — it’s a pay-it-forward wave of compassion, confidence, and community. |
When we started Tia’s Prom Closet Project, we just wanted to honor our best friend — to carry on the light, kindness, and generosity she poured into everyone around her.
But somewhere along the way, something even more beautiful started to happen.
People who once came to pick out a dress began asking to come back to volunteer.
People began sharing our story with their daughters, friends, and coworkers, and they also rallied behind us to help.
Communities started collecting, organizing, and spreading the word — not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
It’s turned into something much bigger than we ever imagined, & we’re just 6 months in!
— A pay it forward movement built on kindness, confidence, and connection, all in honor of an incredible soul.
Every dress that leaves our racks carries more than fabric and sparkle — it carries a story, a piece of someone else’s love and hope.
That’s what makes this project so special. It’s not just about getting ready for a dance. It’s about what happens when people come together to lift each other up — and how one person’s light can inspire hundreds more to shine.
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Christmas in Harrison - a Gingerbread Christmas! |
Come discover our enchanting Gingerbread Village for this year's Christmas in Harrison! The kickoff starts Dec 3rd with the Annual Tree Lighting sponsored by the Harrison Rec department. Be sure to check their website https://www.harrisonmaine.org/recreation for the lighting time.
Delight in our whimsical parade, trot along on horse-drawn carriage rides, and discover the sweetness of Christmas for every family member!
There are LOTS of ways to get involved!
Click the link: https://www.google.com/url... to enter a float in the Parade on Main
Click the link: https://www.google.com/url... if you plan to decorate a tree for the Festival of Trees |
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A Choral Celebration of the Season! |
Friday, December 5th at 7pm and Sunday, December 7th at 3pm Lake Region High School 1877 Roosevelt Trail Naples, Maine |
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Founding Sponsor Shout Out - Pine Island Retreat
Plan some quality family time for next season, where the phones get put away, and yet the memories last a lifetime. Fall days are the best!
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Gifts That Give Back - December 6th 9am
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We love our pets. We don’t love their poop.At Mountain View Pet Waste Removal, (in Fryeburg) our mission is simple: make life easier for families and pet owners across the Mount Washington Valley, and the Lakes Region by keeping yards clean, safe, and enjoyable. Founded on the values of integrity, reliability, and service, Mountain View Pet Waste Removal is veteran-owned and locally rooted. We bring the same professionalism and care to your yard that we bring to our community. Every customer is treated like a neighbor, and every pet is treated like family. *See their Ad in The Lakes Region Digital Area Guide https://online.fliphtml5.com/bvpni/ruup/
Contact us to start your advertising campaign! |
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7 Day Weather Forecast for Naples, Maine |
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Coats for Kids |
PLEASE … consider donating that outgrown coat to help keep a little one warm this winter. Also accepting new/homemade hats and mittens
Thank you to our Hosts this year !!! |
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Frosted Candy Christmas Punch |
“Sweet, sparkling, and festive—holiday cheer in every sip.”
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water
• ½ cup peppermint schnapps (optional for adults)
• Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices
• Candy cane pieces
• Sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
Mix: In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir gently.
Optional: Add peppermint schnapps for an adult version.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour punch over.
Garnish: Add fresh cranberries, orange slices, candy cane pieces, and optionally a sprig of rosemary for a festive, frosty presentation. Enjoy the holiday sparkle!
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Drone Photography by Mercer Photography |
🏡Drone photo of Long Pond in Denmark!Beautiful!
Want to show off your vacation rental, update your insurance file, or simply enjoy a stunning view of your home? Ed Mercer delivers high-quality drone photography that does it all. One quick session gives you scroll-stopping marketing images, useful documentation, and a frame-worthy photo of your Lakes Region property. |
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Local Food Pantries |
 225 South High St. Bridgton, Me 04009 P.O.Box 207
(207) 318-4467
Pennirobbins06@gmail.com
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Feeding, Clothing and Serving. free meals, food boxes, free clothing, fuel assistance, resource referrals, Veterans and service to their needs are one of our primary focuses. |
P. O. Box 64, Naples, ME, United States, Maine
(207) 298-8041
crosswalkoutreach@yahoo.com
instagram.com/crosswalkcommunityoutreach
Delivery · Contactless delivery
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Donations Here |
176 Waterford Rd, Harrison, ME, United States, Maine
(207) 647-3384
harrisonfoodbank@gmail.com
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Check your pantry, grab those extra cans, and bring them to any church in the Denmark area — they’ll make sure donations reach the Cupboard.
Please share and spread the word!
You can leave it under the carport at Our Savior's and we'll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks! We appreciate the donation!
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Inspirational Thought - 💙 “Here, neighbors become family. From shared sunsets to helping hands, Maine’s small-town kindness is something to treasure every single day.” |
Health Tip of The Day |
Stress-Busting Breaths Nurse, Sue Cruikshank |
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Community Helping Tree Update! |
We are thrilled to share that 114 kids are apart of our Community Helping Tree!
 59 children have already been sponsored — how incredible is that? That means we have just 55 children left who still need sponsors. Let’s keep the momentum going!A heartfelt thank you to everyone in the community who has already sponsored a child (or more!). Your generosity is making a real difference.
Let’s keep spreading the love and support — together, we can reach every child!
 We have updated our list of children/families that are still looking for a sponsor! Please use this link to select a child(ren).
We're requesting all gifts be returned
UNWRAPPED to Rec Center By December 5th.
You may also have gifts shipped to
Oxford Rec if you prefer.
127 Pottle Rd, Oxford, ME 04270
Please put ATTN: Helping tree with child's number.
Please Email-
Cpirela@Oxfordmaine.org
Or
Klaird@Oxfordmaine.org
With the code you’d like to sponsor.r
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Real Estate for Sale in Denmark, Maine |
$899,000
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Fryeburg is stepping it up! |
If you are in need, please visit the Fryeburg Town Office. |
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Here's a cute DIY idea!! |
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Christmas Light Contest |
Wednesday, December 3rd thru Tuesday, December 9th 5pm-9pm FREE to enter - register by November 30th! |
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The Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour |
This fun tour runs five weekends Sat/Sun in a row starting on November 22nd. sleighs frun from 11am-4pm. Held at The Snowflake Inn, 95 Main St. Jackson, NH, the tour includes the Sleigh Ride through Jackson Village, a Jingle Bell, a Festive Bag and home made chocolates! 978-580-0905 Jackson, NH is just over an hour ride from the Lakes Region of Maine. |
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Medicare Changes in 2026 You Should be Aware of! Medicare is making several changes for 2026 that could affect your coverage and costs. Premiums and deductibles will increase slightly across most plans, so expect to pay a bit more for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. On the bright side, some prescription drug prices will go down as Medicare begins negotiating lower costs, and there’s a new option to spread your medication payments throughout the year instead of paying all at once. Some Medicare Advantage plans may adjust their benefits, provider networks, or coverage areas, so it’s important to review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change this fall. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, take time during open enrollment to compare options — a few small updates could save you money or help you keep your preferred doctors and medications covered.
This summary comes directly from official and reputable 2026 Medicare updates released by trusted sources, including:
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Founding Sponsor Featured |
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Be an Advertiser or Sponsor! |
📢 Ready to grow your business?
“Explore our advertising and sponsorship opportunities.”
📢 Community vs. Ads
Contact us at lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com |
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December 2, 2025 |