Each flag costs $50.  Businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate one or more flags so that we can place up to 50 flags along our main arterial.  Fill out this form to contribute.  Flag Donation Form

Businesses continue to see opportunity, strength in Gardiner.

Gardiner – Cutting ribbon is not just for presents under the tree in Gardiner this year.  A holiday ribbon cutting ceremony on December 21 in Downtown Gardiner celebrated the diverse, dynamic strength of the Downtown economy.  In a steady freezing rain, the community officially welcomed four businesses to new or expanded locations within Gardiner, including Tre Level Salon, Percy Bailey Auto Sales, Water Street Café, and SaraSara’s.

Tre Level Salon, at 147 Brunswick Ave, offers a new experience in Gardiner.  The salon is housed in the former “Mother’s Attic” space, and includes three floors of restored space offering current trends and styles for today’s families, as well as massage and body work in a quaint historic setting.

Percy Bailey Auto Sales and Service finds a new home on Maine Ave, having moved from its former location on Water Street.  The new location features an expanded showroom and service area, and a bigger selection of pre-owned vehicles.  Dan Bailey’s friendly team combines trustworthy, reasonably priced service with the highest quality “pre-loved” vehicles.  This location has undergone significant improvements, which formerly housed both a bowling facility and a sporting goods retailer.

Water Street Café, which opened its doors in October, is proud to serve the community by offering of a fantastic array of hard to find beer and wine, cigars and cheese.  The café serves “Rock City Roasters” coffee, and expertly crafted espresso drinks.  The bright interior is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm beverage, or meet for lunch for an ever-changing menu of paninis, wraps, and hearty daily soup and other specials.

SaraSara’s invites you to “Find your style inside”.  Owner Sara Leighton picked Gardiner for the third location of her women’s clothing boutique, which carries styles and brands not found elsewhere in central Maine.  The Gardiner store follows successful ventures in Blue Hill and Castine.

Businesses are attracted to Downtown Gardiner because of its strategic location, growth potential, and vibrant Main Street program.  Gardiner Main Street (GMS) recently celebrated its tenth year anniversary as a non-profit organization focused on building Downtown Gardiner as a regional hub for commercial and community activity.  This year, Gardiner Main Street’s focus is turning diligently towards strengthening existing businesses and attracting new businesses.

In May, GMS hired executive director Patrick Wright, who has experience in business and community development.  In addition to offering business development workshops, Gardiner Main Street brings thousands of visitors to Gardiner each year through its promotional events.

“2012 will be about huddling together as a business community to offer an uncommon mix of products and services that gives Gardiner a competitive advantage as a regional destination.” Wright claims, “We’re taking a strategic approach to ensure that Gardiner remains top-of-mind when consumers in central Maine are looking for a place to experience the best that Maine has to offer.”

For the 2011 holiday season, GMS launched its “Gift of Gardiner” program, a gift check accepted by more than 30 local merchants.  Sara Leighton adds, “This program is an example of the care Gardiner Main Street is taking to encourage the growth of business downtown, which is one of the reasons we wanted to be in Gardiner.”  Early sales numbers indicate that holiday sales of the gift check were brisk, showing the public’s interest in choosing local, independent businesses in the coming year.  Though the program was timed to take advantage of holiday shopping, gift checks will be available throughout the year at The Bank of Maine’s Gardiner branch, 190 Water Street.

Gardiner Main Street’s Promotions and Economic Restructuring committees are constantly looking for ways to strengthen Gardiner’s business climate.  Community volunteers are welcomed to bolster the work of the organization.  For more information on Gardiner Main Street, visit www.gardinermainstreet.org.

Mandy Darville cuts the ceremonial ribbon at Tre-Level Salon in Gardiner.  From left to right, Patrick Wright, Pat Hart, Scott Morelli, Mandy Darville, Andrew MacLean, Jennifer Polley, and Lindsey Sirois.

Dan Bailey cuts the ceremonial ribbon at Percy Bailey Auto Sales in Gardiner.  From left to right, Andrew MacLean, Scott Morelli, Dan Bailey, Jennifer Polley, Patrick Wright, and Nate Rudy.

Co-Owner Amy Rees watches as Rob Lash cuts the ceremonial ribbon at Water Street Café in Gardiner.  From left to right, Nate Rudy, Amy Rees, Andrew MacLean, Rob Lash, Jennifer Polley, Steve Marson, Scott Morelli, and Patrick Wright

Sara Leighton cuts the ceremonial ribbon at SaraSara’s women’s clothing boutique on Water Street in Gardiner.  From left to right; Patrick Wright, Jennifer Polley, Sara Leighton, Andrew MacLean, Steve Marson, Nate Rudy, and Pat Hart.

This year’s Christmas ornament, Christ Episcopal Church, can be picked up at City Hall, The Bank of Maine, Key Bank, Kennebec Savings Bank, and Waterstreet Cafe.  All ornaments are $12 each, or $10 each if you buy 3 or more.

Ornaments:

If you missed out, take a peek at these photos, and start planning your costumes for next year!

Zombies in the street!

All ages enjoyed the Halloween festivites!

Halloween Parade

We are so proud of our community for coming together during special events. The Holiday Season is here, so please be sure to join us for more winter fun! Sign up for our e-news, and stay tuned in to what’s happening downtown!

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