07/14/2025
We Did It – Bradford Days 2025 is in the Books!
As I sit here reflecting on the whirlwind of the past few days, I’m overwhelmed with appreciation. We pulled off another unforgettable celebration — and we couldn’t have done it without an incredible group of people. This post is long, but every word of thanks is deserved.
💛 To my Co-Chair, Jess Webb:
Over the last six years of working side by side on this committee, Jess has become so much more than a co-chair — she’s a partner, a steady anchor, and a true friend. We’ve built our version of this event together — honoring the 44-year history of Bradford Days while putting our own stamp on what it’s become today.
Jess’s impact is felt in every corner of the event. From organizing prize bags to handling hundreds of donation letters, from printing signs to running the games section almost entirely on her own — she is everywhere. She stepped in when I was pulled away by parenting, and she stayed after when everyone else had gone home. Jess isn’t just reliable — she’s exceptional. She brings clarity when things get chaotic, offers balance when I get sidetracked, and lifts me up in every way imaginable. I am endlessly grateful to her and can say without hesitation: I would not want to run this event without her.
🔥 To the Bradford Fire Department & EMS:
Chief Desmond Murray, your partnership this year was outstanding. Even with countless demands on your time, every request I made was met with a “yes, how can we help?” And those weren’t small asks. From allowing my 12-year-old to participate in the dunk tank, to hauling the water slide with the ATV, managing crowd control during a piglet delay, solving a generator issue during inflatables, snapping drone photos, and mowing the back lawn on short notice for fireworks — you and your department were phenomenal. Your responsiveness and support made a real difference. Thank you.
👏 To Our Volunteers:
Louie Marks — welcome back! Your help this weekend meant so much, especially after your time away.
JJ O’Bar — thank you for choosing to complete your community service hours with us.
Lana Webb - thank you for handling ticket sales for us again this year on top of staying late to clean the building for a rental on Sunday. You are a superwoman.
And thank you to Jess’s kids — your energy and effort did not go unnoticed. We may have had a small crew, but you all helped carry the day.
🎤 To Our Sponsors:
Your generosity is what brings Bradford Days to life. Whether you gave $1 or $5,000, every dollar counted. A special thank-you goes to Timber Ridge Lumber Mill. After already donating $3,500 for our fireworks, they stepped up again when we learned a tariff would cut our show down to just seven minutes. They added another $1,500 to make sure we could still enjoy the full 20-minute display we’ve come to love. That’s true community spirit.
Thank you to all of our 2025 sponsors:
Timber Ridge Lumber Mill - Fireworks 🎆
Morgan’s Carpentry - Co****le Boards labor
Cribs to Crayons Childcare - Small bounce house
Coppertop Kennel - Horse Awards for Parade
AKE Concrete - Inflatables sponsor and piglet delivery
Wayne & Susan Arrants - Sack races (even though I failed majorly and they didnt happen)
Haley Strout Equestrian Pony Posse - Pony Rides & Petting Zoo
Maple Lane Farms - Securing piglets
Blue Seal Feeds Inc - Donating pig catch bags
Perkco Supply - Loaning pig fencing
Ware Butler - Co****le Boards materials
Country Pumpkins - giant rolling tubes
🐖 Pig Sponsors 🐖
Hanson & Sons Earthworks
K.C. Custom Lumber
E & E Powerlines
Howland Car Wash & Laundromat
Jackson's Automotive
Belly of the Beast BBQ
Keenan Family Electric
Thermometer HVAC LLC
🟪 BINGO Sponsors:
Thank you to the generous businesses who donated prizes that helped us raise $1,000:
Sweet Frog
Milo Tradewinds
Emery Family Farms & Triple L Plumbing
Bangor Sports Arena
A.E. Robinson
Bangor Governors
McLaughlin Seafood
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Chases Family Restaurant
Hollywood Casino and Raceway
Maine Discovery Museum
North Country Rivers
🧵 To the Crafters, Direct Sale Vendors, and Food Trucks:
Thank you for bringing your energy, creativity, and passion to our festival grounds. Your booth fees helped sponsor our live music and your presence added so much color and community to the event.
🎉 To Everyone Who Attended:
Whether you live in town or traveled from away, thank you for choosing to spend your weekend at Bradford Days. Your enthusiasm and support are the reason we do what we do.
💪 Personal Note:
I logged over 54,000 steps between Friday and Saturday. My body is tired — but my heart is full. Thank you, Bradford. You made it all worth it.
— Courtney-Jo Arrants, Co-Chair of Bradford Days Committee
