The trees and flowers lining the Union River Bridge and Main Street are here thanks to generous community support. Heart of Ellsworth extends a special thank you to our Beautification Sponsor, Versant Power, and community sponsors The Bud Connection, Uncle Buggy’s Hotel for Dogs, The ZAO, Eden Street Flowers, Sara Hessler in loving memory of Ann Johnson & Lynnabeth Olwin, Coastal Interiors, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Judi & Rick Lyles, Fogtown Brewing Company, Alchemist Salon, Brenda & Jack Frost and Maretta Taylor.
Their support helps bring color, care and community pride to downtown Ellsworth as part of Heart of Ellsworth’s Design work through the Main Street Four-Point Approach. We are also grateful to the volunteers who helped plant the trees and flowers during the first Downtown Volunteer Clean Up of the season on May 16.
Before the public announcement later this week, we wanted our newsletter subscribers to be the first to see the updated Downtown Ellsworth Map.
This annual May project has a refreshed look and orientation, along with updated Downtown pages on our website that reflect the businesses listed on the map by category. The map is created to help visitors, newcomers and residents explore the Main Street district, and it is now available to download online. Printed versions will also be available as postcards, available at local businesses and organizations.
Karin Otto Recognized by Mainebiz for
Volunteer Leadership
We are proud to share that Board President, Karin Otto, has been named a finalist for Volunteer of the Year through the Mainebiz Community Impact Awards, a statewide program recognizing nonprofit leaders and organizations making a lasting difference in Maine communities.
Karin’s leadership has helped strengthen Heart of Ellsworth’s governance, staffing systems, partnerships and downtown impact during a period of major growth. In 2025 alone, she contributed 936 volunteer hours, bringing strategic vision, nonprofit expertise and a deep commitment to community into every corner of the organization’s work. Her service has helped position Heart of Ellsworth as a stronger catalyst for economic vitality, cultural vibrancy and civic engagement in downtown Ellsworth.
Mainebiz will recognize finalists at its Community Impact Awards luncheon on June 10 in Portland.
Downtown Ellsworth Featured in Mainebiz
A recent Mainebiz article put a spotlight on the momentum building in Downtown Ellsworth, highlighting a story that has been years in the making. When Heart of Ellsworth began in 2016, downtown was facing a 50% vacancy rate. Today, more storefronts are active, spaces are being reimagined, and the district continues to grow as a place where people can eat, shop, gather, work, and invest.
While there is still important work ahead, this recognition reflects what has been collectively accomplished through steady partnerships, local investment, and a shared commitment to a strong downtown. It is a clear example of the Main Street model in action, right here in Ellsworth.
When friends or family come to town and ask, “What should we do?” Discover Ellsworth is a great place to start.
The website features ideas for exploring downtown, food and drink, shopping, local attractions, seasonal events and day trips throughout Downeast Maine. Whether your visitors want a relaxed morning, a rainy day plan or a full adventure, Discover Ellsworth can help you make the most of their time here.
On Display June 1st - 19th
Opening Event: June 1st 5PM - 7PM
This exhibition features artwork by members of Healthy Acadia's INSPIRE Recovery Center, highlighting creativity as an important part of the recovery journey through personal expressions of growth, challenge, and hope. More than an art show, it underscores how creative practice supports healing, connection, and the amplification of often underrepresented voices.
Now Accepting Submissions Until June 14th
On Display June 25th - July 29th
Opening Event: June 25th 5PM - 7PM
The Makerspace at 16 State Street invites artists to submit work for Inspired by Ellsworth, a juried summer exhibition celebrating the character, creativity, and sense of place that define Ellsworth, Maine.
We are seeking artwork that reflects, interprets, or reimagines the landscapes, people, architecture, businesses, waterfront, parks, and creative culture of our community. This exhibition is part of our ongoing effort to activate downtown through the arts and highlight Ellsworth as a vibrant and evolving creative hub.
DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism will host the Destination DownEast Tourism Conference on Friday, June 12th, from 9:30AM to 3PM at the University of Maine at Machias. The conference brings together businesses, creators, nonprofits, chambers, entrepreneurs, municipalities and community leaders to strengthen regional tourism partnerships ahead of the 2026 season. Registration is $30.
The Ellsworth American is launching The Weekly Buzz, a casual Friday morning conversation series at Chloe’s Cafe. Each Friday in June at 10 a.m., members of the newspaper’s staff will be on site to chat with the public about the week’s news, local stories and what’s happening in the community. Stop by, grab a coffee and join the conversation.
Graduation Wraps at The Bud Connection
The Bud Connection is celebrating graduates all month long with custom graduation wraps. Order in advance and their team will create a wrap made just for your grad, perfect for honoring the Class of 2026 with flowers, color and a little extra joy.
89 Main Street | Call (207)667-9595
Bangor Federal Credit Union Supports
Local Food Pantries
Bangor Federal Credit Union recently donated $10,000 to support food security efforts in Hancock County. Employees presented $5,000 checks to both Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Hancock County Technical Center’s Food Pantry, helping each organization continue serving local individuals and families. The donation was made through Bangor Federal’s participation in the Maine Credit Union League’s Campaign for Ending Hunger, a statewide effort that has raised more than $16.3 million since 1990.
Ellsworth Historical Society Volunteer
Treasurer Position
The Ellsworth Historical Society is seeking a Volunteer Treasurer to serve in a strategic advisory and Board leadership role for a respected, growing nonprofit organization with a strong financial foundation and a collaborative leadership team. This role focuses on governance, financial strategy, sustainability planning, budgeting, and long-range guidance rather than operational accounting. Bookkeeping, reconciliations, bill paying, day-to-day financial tracking, and grant management are already handled by the Assistant Treasurer together with CPA-level accounting support using QuickBooks.
Please forward a letter of interest and resume to: Bill Fogle, President — bill@ellsworthhistory.org and J. Mark Worth, Vice President — james.mark.worth@gmail.com
Vote Yes for a Stronger Ellsworth Public Library
The Ellsworth Public Library Board of Trustees encourages residents to vote in favor of the proposed city charter amendment to expand the board from five to seven members. As the library’s role in the community continues to grow, this change would bring more voices, perspectives and support to its leadership. Expanding the board is a practical step toward strengthening the library’s future and the community it serves.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Ellsworth Farmers Market Every Saturday
9:30AM - 12:30PM
Shoppers can browse fresh foods, handmade goods, drinks, crafts, and more while supporting farmers, makers, and small businesses from the area.
Looking for fun alternatives that will impress friends and family at your next party? Learn how to make 4 mocktails that will wow your guests and have them guessing when you became a mixologist. Participants will learn how to make the mocktails, taste test each drink, and go home with recipes.
Healthy Acadia will host “Mindfulness in Nature” as another installment in their Monthly Mindfulness series.
“Both practicing mindfulness and spending time in nature have been shown to have multiple benefits for our mental and physical well-being,” said Jen Harry, who has been teaching Mindfulness, Meditation, and Resiliency Skills on Mount Desert Island and surrounding areas for over ten years. Join Harry and Healthy Acadia to explore the benefits and learn a few mindfulness practices you can use in your favorite outdoor location.
Be in the know about road closures, parking information and more by following updates from City Hall on their website. Attend and/or watch City Council Meetings by following their YouTube channel as well!
As we continue developing the space, planning workshops, gallery opportunities, rentals, and creative community programming, we invite you to follow along.
For all things Makerspace and most current updates, follow on social media.
Many of you have told us how much downtown Ellsworth means to you, how a vibrant downtown has enriched your life and increased your sense of pride and connection to this place.
