BangorBytes Summer Tip #2: If you go to the Pancoe Pool...

Make sure not to smoke in side fence.

Chariots of Fire: Bangor Rep. Adam Goode Wins Bucksport Bay 5K

Bangor District 15 Representative Adam Goode leaves his competitors in the fog to win the 2012 15th Annual Bucksport Bay Festival 5K. With a finishing time of 15:28, the shirtless wonder finished more than a minute ahead of the pack. Orono High-Schooler Tyler White took second place with a time of 17:11 and Ian Fraser of Brewer took third.

BangorBytes Summer Tip #1: Buy A Cone To Keep Cool

Bangor dog enjoys evening walk with cone.

Bangor Arena To Be Named "Cross Insurance Center"

Cross Insurance, a Northeast insurance company, has made a three-million-dollar deal to buy the naming rights of Bangor's new arena.  According to the Bangor Daily News (BDN), the arena will officially be called the "Cross Insurance Center." Reactions to the name range from "What a stupid name!!!" (BDN reader) to "The Cross Insurance Center has a nice ring to it!" (Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce).  The Cross Insurance Center is set to open September 2013.

Bangor Backyard Chickens Petition Reaches Goal of 100 Signatures

A petition to allow backyard chickens in the City of Bangor has gained more than 100 online signatures. Two years ago an ordinance change was proposed that would have allowed up to six hens per household in any residential zone. The Bangor proposal was modeled after ordinance changes approved in Portland and Orono, but City Council voted in support of a motion by Councilor Weston to table the issue indefinitely, without discussion or debate. What will happen next? Stay abreast of the latest at the Bangor Backyard Chickens webpage and/or Facebook page.

Photo of Bangor City Forest Bear Standing on Hind Legs

This photo was taken in the Bangor City Forest last week by Bangor Blogger "Hiking in Maine with Kelly."  Kelly, the blogger's dog, happened upon the bear while traveling on a trail off the Kittredge entrance near the beaver pond.  Kelly's owner managed to take a couple of photos before the black bear dropped down on all fours and moved off trail.  Impressive!

Behold! The Paul Bunyan Pinball Machine - Who's played it?

If you've played this machine please share where and when. According to pinside.com there are no longer any public places where you can play this 1968 Gottlieb Paul Bunyan Pinball Machine. Though the "Paul Bunyon" machine featured above is no longer for sale, you might be able to buy the machine for $1650 from this seller in California. A bargain - if the price includes shipping!

En Garde Maine! Fencing Demonstration at the Bangor Public Library

If you've got a young Skywalker or teenage Jack Sparrow in your household, consider bringing them to the Bangor Public Library for some real-life sword fighting.  On Thursday, July 12th fencing coach John Krauss of Down East School of Fencing will be giving two free fencing demonstrations (11am and 1pm) for those interested in learning more about this swashbuckling sport.  As a member of the United States Fencing Association and the United States Fencing Coaches Association, Prevot d'Armes Krauss has coached students who have placed well nationally and internationally. Coach Krauss holds fencing classes for adults and children all over Maine including a weekly class in Old Town.

Ski Rack Sports to Host High-End Bike Demo & BBQ

If you've ever wondered what it's like to ride a high-end high performance Santa Cruz bike, now's your chance. On Sunday, July 8th from 12pm-5pm Ski Rack Sports is sponsoring a test-drive of Santa Cruz's best bikes at the Bangor City Forest. If trail riding is not your style, then stop by the in-town store on Longview Drive from 11-6pm for a BBQ and 10% off everything in the bike shop. For more info check out the Ski Rack Sports website and their Facebook event page.

First Bangor Cash Mob To Hit Sweetest Thing on Columbia Street

Get your Bunyan Bucks ready. Bangor's First Cash Mob is going to hit Sweetest Thing on Columbia Street Thursday, July 5th at 4pm.  What's a cash mob?  A cash mob is a group of people with cash in hand ready to spend their dough at a pre-determined locally-owned business. Why Sweetest Thing? They recently got robbed so now they're getting mobbed by a supportive community. There will be a big raffle with prizes from Valentine Footwear, Fiddlehead, Paddy Murphy's, and more. If you can't make it and want to contribute you can make a donation at:

http://www.indiegogo.com/supportsweetestthing

One Lupine Fiber Arts Owner Named Artist of the Year

If you've never been to One Lupine Fiber Arts up on "The Hill" in Bangor you are missing out. The two-story shop on the corner of Park & Center is a gem of a place filled with beautiful Maine pottery, jewelry, clothing, yarn, and more. Shop owner Jodi Clayton, a fiber artist, was recently named Artist of the Year at Belfast's Arts in the Park Festival for her hand-dyed silk garments embellished with felted designs.  Check them out at the Belfast festival July 7 & 8th or at One Lupine.  Congratulations - an award well-deserved!