The annual Early Bird Sale in downtown Belfast will take place on Saturday, December 2, 6-9 am.

As usual, we will not be getting up super-early. Instead, we will open at 8 am, and offer a 20% discount all day until 6 pm.

However, many of our fellow businesses have deals you may want to get up early for. There will be ads in all papers, plus radio, Web and TV ads.

To start off the day, you may wish to try out the Early Bird Breakfast Buffet, 6-9:30 am, at the First Church in Belfast, UCC, in the downstairs parlor, including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit and coffee, all for $6. First Church is located on the corner of Spring and Court streets and is handicapped accessible. For more information, phone 207-338-2282.

If you haven't bookmarked them already, you may want to put Our Town Belfast's Upcoming Events and Jingle Belfast Holiday Events pages on your Bookmarks tab. They keep their website very up to date with the latest happenings in downtown Belfast. We have made it a promise not to email you more than once a month, so we sometimes miss some information you may want to have. (Also see the Belfast Holiday Events article below, following our fiber-related articles.)

Super Bulky Yarns 20% Off

During the month of December, all super bulky yarns will be on sale at 20% off. (Super bulky yarns generally use #13-#15 needles or about an N hook.) We are including Quince's Puffin yarn in this sale as well.

Needless to say, this weight of yarn makes for a quick knit or crochet. One project that uses only one skein of Bartlettyarns bulky is the Dexter Mittens. This is a free pattern.

Bulky weight is also a great gauge to play with -- make a cowl, scarf or hat and "paint" with colors and textures of yarn. If it doesn't look good, it is an easy rip. The large stitches and less time (generally) invested in your creation make it easier to start again. If it is successful, the finished project will likely be an eye-catching statement!

	All books 40% off (click to zoom)

All Books 40% Off
All our books are 40% off until they are gone. (They make great gifts!)  At some point, we will bring books back into the store but they will likely be a different selection, in a different location. We're figuring it out at the moment and would love any input you may have.

Quick gift knitting is always appreciated, but sometimes the simplicity leaves the knitter glazed over. How about quick and interesting?

The free Purple Pendant Cowl pattern may be the answer. We've knit it up in a single skein of soft Trendsetter Yarns Merino 12. It's a chunky yarn that happens to be on sale in the shop for $9.95 (regularly $16.95). This cozy cowl tucks nicely into a jacket or coat and will truly keep the wearer warm.  

Fast, interesting and affordable ... what's not to like?

If you would like to give a gift of fiber and a gift from Maine to someone who lives out of state but you are unsure of what to give, consider a Fiber of Maine gift voucher. Unlike our shop, Fiber of Maine is an online store, which is convenient for those who do not live close by.

On Saturday, December 9, the KnitMaine-ia team and the Women of St. Margaret's will be hosting their biannual Knit-a-Thon from 8 am to 8 pm. Proceeds will be divided between the Searsport Elementary School HUSH (Help Us End Hunger) backpack program that provides food for families on the weekends, and the Belfast Area High School Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable items and money will be collected.

All ages are welcome to participate for an hour, or all day. Knitting and crochet support, laughter, yummy food and great friends! Don't knit? Not a problem -- they can teach you. Or simply come to show your support of the event. Any and all hand-crafters are welcome. Get sponsors ahead of time, or make a personal donation the day of the event. Mark your calendar for December 9 and meet up in the library of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Belfast. For more information, phone Sara at 978-325-0045, or email Jillian at [email protected].

Shearing Day
Join A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm on Wednesday, December 6, 9 am to 2 pm to learn about fleece evaluation at the skirting table, or help in the barn with the animals. Jeff Burchstead will be shearing sheep, including their spring lambs. If you have adopted one, come on down. They can wash your fleece and plan for the next steps. Potluck lunch at noon. Bring a project and enjoy some time to knit, spin and chat.
 
Natural Fiber Showcase
Free events on Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, 10 am to 4 pm.

December 8 is Felting Friday, so bring your needle felting or soap felting (coating soap with fiber; it exfoliates, looks pretty and makes lovely gifts). You may choose to bring your felting supplies or purchase them here, then vote for your favorite items in the showcase. Collecting items for the showcase now until December 5. $10.00 for two items. Feel free to enter items you made this year and are proud of. More information on their website, or talk with them soon.

Saturday will be more fun, music, refreshments and time to enjoy your favorite fiber arts.
    
A Wrinkle in Thyme will have extended hours, please call ahead. Open every day till December 16, other times by appointment noon to 6 pm, Tuesday evenings 6-8:30 pm. For more information, phone 207-212-4058.

Caroling
Come join Cold Comfort Theater as they sing holiday favorites on the streets of downtown Belfast. Everyone is welcome to come sing (music and lyrics will be provided) or just enjoy this timeless holiday tradition. Singers will meet at 6 pm on Friday, December 1, at the corner of Main and High streets, in front of Alexia's Pizza.

Candy Cane Caper
On Saturday, December 2, from 9-11 am, Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane in East Belfast, will welcome children ages 5-12 to come and shop for Christmas gifts for their immediate family members: parents, grandparents, siblings, step-parents, step-grandparents and step-siblings. The children can choose ONE gift per family member. Each child will receive $1 in Candy Cane Caper coupons that will serve to help with their gift selections. All gifts, regardless of the true value, are priced at $1 or less. The gifts will be wrapped, tagged and placed in a take-home bag.

Christmas Tree Lighting
On Saturday, December 2, be sure to head to Post Office Square for the town Christmas tree lighting.  The community will gather at 4:30 pm for cocoa, cookies and caroling at this free yearly event. Look forward to Santa's arrival by fire truck before the tree is lit at 5 pm. After the tree lighting, Santa will meet with children indoors at nearby KeyBank.

Breakfast with Santa

Don't miss the annual Breakfast with Santa, featuring the famous Belfast Lions' made-to-order brunch, on Sunday, December 3, 7:30-10:30 am, at the Waldo County Shrine Club. Adults $8, children $3. Sponsored by Belfast Lions Club to benefit local Lions causes. Santa will be visiting to greet all children. Great photo opportunity -- bring your camera!

Advent Vespers Concert
On Sunday, December 3, at 3:30 pm, The First Church in Belfast will hold their sixth annual Advent Vespers Concert. Music to get you into the spirit will be performed by the First Church choir and friends, directed by John Cameron. The concert will be followed by a Community Carol Sing in which all will have the chance to sing favorite carols. At 5 pm, the first Love Light Tree Lighting will be held in the front of the church.    

The First Church is at 104 Church St. For more information, phone 207-338-2282 or email the church office at [email protected].

Silent Wreath Auction
Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County's annual silent wreath auction begins Tuesday, December 5, at Camden National Bank on Main Street in Belfast. To help Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County raise funds for its 2018 home build, bid on wreaths December 5-12 in the Camden National Bank lobby.

Winners will be announced when bidding closes during the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the bank Tuesday, December 12. Winners need not be present to win. For more information, phone Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County at 207-338-2344.

Holiday on the Harbor

Join the festivities and holiday fun at the Belfast waterfront on Saturday, December 9. At 11:15 am, Santa arrives by boat at the Belfast Harbor and rides by horse-drawn wagon to the Boathouse for lots of holiday fun. Visit with Santa and bring your camera to capture this special moment, and enjoy ornament making, holiday cookie decorating, Kyle the Balloon Artist and horse-drawn wagon rides in Steamboat Landing Park.

On Sunday, December 10, at 2 pm, check out the holiday community concert at the Boathouse with the BAHS Jazz Band and Belfast Voices.

Toys for Tots
The Camden National Bank branches in Belfast are proud to be collecting unwrapped toys in partnership with the Toys for Tots program, to help children in our area have a happy holiday season. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off during business hours until the middle of December at either Camden National location.

Menorah Lighting
Belfast's annual menorah lighting will take place on Saturday, December 12, 4 pm at Post Office Square.  Everyone will gather around the 7-foot-tall menorah near sundown during Chanukah. The community celebrates with music, readings and traditional snacks. The menorah will be lit and remain lit throughout the holiday.

Join in for justice (and a great time). One night remains of the two-night Belfast run of Darrow: Friday, December 1, 7 pm, at the Crosby Center in downtown Belfast.

All proceeds from John Burstein's Darrow will be used to support R.A.W.  -- Restorative Art Works, a performance and writing group based in Belfast creating original theater from true life stories of conflict, justice, healing, incarceration, love, addiction and freedom; and for the work of Restorative Justice Project to fundamentally change the justice system and schools by engaging community, rebuilding trust and restoring hope. To purchase tickets online, visit crosbycenter.live or phone 207-370-6622.

For more information about R.A.W., find them on Facebook or phone Larraine Brown at 207-323-2747.

Betts Gallery's BEST BETTS show continues on through December 24, giving you time to come in and see the ever-changing exhibit of local, affordable art. They'll be open late and serving refreshments this Friday December 1 during the Belfast Holiday Art Walk, from 5:30-8 pm. The show draws from their own collection of works, along with a host of other works by artists, including: Daniel Anselmi, Julie Cyr, Sheep Jones, Kathleen Mack, Willy Reddick, Julie H. Rose and Jill Stasium. This is a revolving show, meaning, when a piece is sold, the buyer takes it with them and the piece is replaced by something new.

There is a forecast for clear skies and moderate temps for Friday, so get out and enjoy the fresh air as you stroll around Belfast to the various galleries, listening to the carolers on the corner. Other participating galleries: Waterfall Arts (opening their annual Handmade Craft Show during the art walk), Front Street Pottery, Evolve: Sanctuary for the Soul, Belfast Bay Shade Company, Parent Gallery, Belfast Clay Studio, Studio 153 and The Treasured Leaf Tea Company.

The Belfast Framer and Betts Gallery are located at 96 Main St, and also may be entered on Beaver Street. For more information, phone 207-338-6465 or visit The Belfast Framer & Betts Gallery.

Friday, December 1, 2017 marks twelve joyful, grooving years of Belfast Flying Shoes dancing in Belfast! Along with the sublime music, spirited dancing and warm community they enjoy every first Friday, this month they'll have an actual party, complete with edible treats, extra door prizes and even more revelry than usual. The venue is the usual: the American Legion Post #43, 143 Church St. in Belfast. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a community dance called by Chrissy Fowler. The contra dance begins at 8 pm.

This month's caller is Maine-based John McIntire. John found his calling, as it were, back in the early Nineties. Now he calls New England contra, square and circle dances at venues around Maine. His crisp, steady voice and clear teaching style make every dance a pleasure for novice and expert alike.

Joining John on the Flying Shoes stage will be Dance Panther. With all the great contra dance musicians roving the New England landscape, why do so many of the hottest bands include at least one of these guys? Ours is not to reason why; ours is but to balance, swing and carry on.

Sound by Glen Loper.

Latest BFS News
All-Comers Band Tune of the Month: "Liberty."
John McIntire and Dance Panther: Better by the dozen!
Call for Cupcakes.

Weekly Contras
Thursday evening dancing at the Belfast Dance Studio will continue in 2018. Email Chrissy Fowler at [email protected].

Reentry Center Dance
On Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 30, 7-8:30 pm. there will be an Introductory Community Contra Dance for Reentry Center residents and local community members (including mentors from the Restorative Justice Program.) A community dance for all, with accessible dances and figures, plus insights into contra dance culture, featuring respect, fun, inclusiveness and other dance-related norms. The venue is the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center, 45 B Congress Street, Public Safety Way, in Belfast. RSVP: Chrissy Fowler at [email protected] or 207-338-0979.

For more information, phone 207-338-0979, email [email protected], visit Belfast Flying Shoes or find them on Facebook.

Girls on the Run is excited to be expanding in the Midcoast area this spring. Come to the Belfast Free Library on Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 am to learn more about the program and how to start a site in your community.  Current Coach and Midcoast Regional Coordinator Caroline Moore will be there to introduce the program and answer your questions about starting a site. For more information, email [email protected].

Writer and illustrator Melanie Tingdahl will share a presentation about her work and offer a hands-on workshop for young adults at the Belfast Free Library on Monday, December 4 at 3:30 pm. Tingdahl, a graphic artist and illustrator, has crafted illustrations for comics including Lumberjanes, My Little Pony and others. This program is recommended for ages 11-17. All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, phone 207-798-0556 ext. 24.

Experience the deep magic of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, directed by Leah Bannister, December 8-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm, at the Crosby Center, 96 Church St., Belfast. $15 adults, $10 students. Visit Midcoast Actors Studio for tickets. For more information, phone 207-370-7592.

The Penobscot Bay Singers present A Child's Christmas in Wales, a celebration of narration and song for the holiday season. Dylan Thomas wrote this anecdotal retelling of Christmas from a child's perspective for the BBC radio in the 1950s. The Penobscot Bay Singers are using narrative excerpts, read by Jim Rose, along with musical interludes of hymns and carols of the Christmas season. Two performances will be offered. The first is at 7:30 pm on Saturday, December 9, at Searsport First Congregational Church, 8 Church St., Searsport. The second performance will be at 3 pm on Sunday, December 10, at Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, Belfast. Suggested donation is $15. Accompanied children are free.

The Penobscot Bay Singers, originally the Robert Coller Coastal Chorale, have been entertaining audiences in and around Waldo County since 1973. The singers are an eclectic group, ranging from a pre-teen to singers in their 80s, with varying backgrounds. The common factor is love of choral music. The Penobscot Bay Singers is a 501 (c)(3) organization. For more information, find them on Facebook or visit  Penobscot Bay Singers.

Maine's new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will be the topic of the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition's program at the Belfast Library on Thursday, December 14, at 6:30 pm. Tim Hudson, the superintendent, will take us through the landscape with pictures, tell us about the monument's formation and current status, and answer our questions.

Hudson started working for KWWNM in August 2016, when it was designated. With degrees in civil engineering and environmental health engineering, he has worked diligently to assure minimal visitor impact on the park's natural features. Tim has worked for the National Park Service since 1967, including in Alaska, and 20 years as chief of facilities in Yellowstone.

Maine's national monument is currently in controversy, and we will be able to investigate it and learn the next steps.

The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition works to support conservation and stewardship of natural, scenic and public access resources of the Belfast Bay watershed through research, community-building and education.

Poets of The Poets' Table and their friends invite the public to a celebration of and book launch for Add Water, Add Fire, Karie Friedman's book of poems, on Tuesday, December 19 at 6:30 pm, in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library. Karie's book will be for sale, and guests are invited to gather and read her poems together that evening. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome at this event.

Karie (Kearvelle) Friedman died peacefully on September 12, 2017. An active member of Maine's poetry community, Karie published her work, gave readings around the state and enjoyed meeting with her writing group, The Poets' Table. A selection of her poems can be found at Karie Friedman.

In honor and with deep appreciation for Karie's poetry and friendship, The Poets' Table has published her manuscript under The Poets' Table Press.