Sentinel The Weekly
October 13
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Friday, October 10, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 41
40th Annual Harvestfest and Kidsfest at York Beach YORK A beloved York Beach tradition reaches a major milestone this fall as the 40th Annual Harvestfest and Kidsfest returns on Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now in its 40th year, Harvestfest is a one-day event held along Short Sands Beach in York. The festival began in 1985 as an end-of-season ox roast and barbecue for members of the York Region Chamber of Commerce. It proved so popular that, when word spread, the Chamber opened the celebration to the public. Although the original barbecue is no longer part of the event, local nonprofits and
restaurants now serve a variety of foods throughout the day. Since its founding, Harvestfest has grown into one of the region’s largest community
gatherings, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to York Beach each year. The event features more than 200 craft and food vendors, live music, raffles,
and family-friendly activities, including Kidsfest – a section designed especially for children that includes storytelling, interactive games, and a roam-
ing railroad. This year’s lineup includes a live performance by Dan Blakeslee and Dr. Gasp, performing under the tent on the ball field from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Families can enjoy free games and activities such as ring toss, bean bag buckets, and giant Connect Four. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard STEM Outreach Program will also host a make-and-take robot station called Bristlebots, where participants of all ages can assemble and re-engineer small, moving robots. Kidsfest will also feature See FEST on page 2 . . .
Friends for Fuel Fundraiser Helps Keep Kittery Warm KITTERY On Sunday, October 19, Friends for Fuel, an annual fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit Fuel & More, will take place at The Blue Mermaid in Kittery from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The event will once again feature live music and dancing – this year, local band Undercover – along with a delicious buffet of food and drink donated by area restaurants and establishments. The live and silent auctions promise more than 70 items to suit everyone, including beautiful handmade pottery and crafts, gift certificates to restaurants and
Local Average Tide Chart Date High Low Sat 11 Sun 12 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18
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Sun Rise Sun Set Sat 11 Sun 12 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18
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Arts & Entertainment 15-19 Calendar 4-10 Classifieds 36-37 Dining 26-27 Finance & Career 29 Health & Fitness 22-23 Home & Business 31-35
local shops, local delicacies, gift baskets, flowers, and unique adventures. Highlights include a package of Patriots tickets paired with a one-night stay at the Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, valet parking, and breakfast for two. The live auction is not to be missed. Fuel & More’s mission is to help keep people in their homes – ensuring that no family or individual is left in the cold and that no one is turned away in a time of need. A volunteer-run nonprofit that assists Kittery residents with heating costs and unforeseen expenses, Fuel & More aims to raise enough money to meet 100% of the fuel and other essential needs
for local families and individuals. Each year, the nonprofit provides thousands of gallons of heating oil, propane, and kerosene, and also covers fuel costs
for FairTide housing. In addition to heating assistance, the organization’s “MORE” mission helps Kittery families navigate difficult times and unexpected emergen-
cies by providing support for car repairs, utility bills, transportation expenses, housing, essential items, child care, and more – all in coordination with York County Community Action. Through its MORE program, Fuel & More provides gift cards to Kittery school counselors to help students in need of warm clothing. The nonprofit also supplies school nurses and teachers with gift cards to purchase essential items for students in emergency situations. Partnering with the Kittery Holiday Basket Program, Fuel & More buys jackets, snowsuits, winter boots, hats, mittens, See FUEL on page 10 . . .
16th Annual Family Jamboree, Free Family Fun WELLS The Wells Chamber of Commerce will host its 16th Annual Family Jamboree on Saturday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road. The event will take place in fair weather only. The Family Jamboree offers a day of free, family-friendly fun with a variety of games and activities for all ages. Attendees can take part in a doughnut and apple eating challenge, ball toss, beanbag toss, and relay races. Activity booths will include opportunities to make beaded friendship brace-
Library News 20 Obituaries 30-31 People & Business 28 Pets 24 Puzzles 38 Sports 25-26 And More!
PAGES
lets, get a temporary tattoo, design fans and headbands, and decorate pumpkins, courtesy of Nancy Hafford – State Farm Agent. Ranger Tom will return this year with his popular Explore Archery game. The Wells Fire Department will participate with its Junior Firefighter Obstacle Course, “Knock Down the Flames” activity, and emergency vehicle displays. The Wells Police Department will also be on-site with interactive activities for families. In addition to the games and activities, local craft vendors will be in attendance. Admission,
parking, and all activities are free of charge. For more information,
visit www.wellschamber.org or call 207-646-2451.
Tour our growing
9am-4pm York Beach
section this week!
Save and use the pull-out guide on pages 11-14
home & garden featuring guest columnist
Cheryl Farley
21
Real Estate
38-40
October 18
11-14