By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

“Wow, what an event!”

Music on Main was such a big hit and major draw for Bridgton that leading point man Justin McIver asked town officials Tuesday night to give permission to use town property for a full year and streamline the permitting process. 

“It was very special to the community. Staff was outstanding and super helpful. It unified the community, exactly what the community needed at this time,” McIver told Bridgton Select Board. “Clearly, there is a big demand for this. Zero problems. The site was clean after it. It was safe. It was fun. Kids were dancing. The spirit was high. Pure joy. It was almost like people had won the lottery.”

McIver was present to seek approvals for the next show, set for Saturday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Entertainment will feature B. Positive and Catcha Vibe. In talking with folks, organizers plan to expand food offerings (from three to six food trucks) and make some adjustments to the beer tent area to reduce wait times.

McIver said financial support from businesses remains strong, noting that $15,000 has been raised, which includes a very generous $7,500 donation by Chet Homer and Shawnee Peak.

The first show was somewhat of a “testing the waters,” and based on the large turnout and talk of others planning to attend the next event, McIver is encouraged that Music on Main is the shot in the arm Bridgton needed. It also gave McIver pause to think how the site could be used for other specialty events, including trunk or treat at Halloween and place for Scouts or other groups to sell Christmas trees during the Festival of Lights. The property is targeted for commercial development with the permit to build set to expire in the spring, which would lead McIver to seek an extension.

Or, the success of Music on Main might spur the town to look at another site to continue the effort. For now, the Main Street property will be the venue.

Because the Music on Main effort is being operated by business leaders and volunteers, McIver sought some help from town officials to reduce some of the paperwork involved.

“The process is challenging, stringent for vendors, lot of paperwork. It’s a big undertaking, so if we could make it simpler and easier, it would be helpful,” he said.

Board Chairwoman Carmen Lone would like to see a schedule listing out events rather than give “cart blanche” to have events on town property.

McIver said the plan is to have at least one performance on the fourth Saturday of each month. There could be a sprinkling of an additional date, such as bringing in a comedian. He emphasized the effort is for and by the community, noting that non-profit groups are being given the chance to raise money through sales on show night, such as the Chamber served up tea and lemonade.

Community Development Director Linda Lacroix applauded McIver for giving up his land right now to host the performances.

“I’d love to see that kind of community space in this town; a place to replace his venue and not have him sacrifice (an extraordinary sacrifice),” she said. Lacroix called Music on Main a “terrific experiment.”

Town officials agreed. Selectman Bear Zaidman pointed to other communities that have signature events such as Rockland, Naples with the Blues Fest and Lewiston/Auburn with the Balloon Festival. A community needs a special draw, and Music on Main, officials believe, could be Bridgton’s ticket.

“It’s a wonderful idea,” Zaidman said. “Let’s grant them use of town property for a year, and we can always revoke if the Police Department says there is a problem. I’d like to see this continue in a very big way. I applaud them to no end; it’s a huge plus for the town.”

Selectman Bob McHatton will be interested to see how big a crowd future Music on Main events draw now that Labor Day has passed.

“I expect more. People on fence don’t want to miss next one. Word has spread. I am expecting the same or more,” McIver said. “Some of my clients that I built for are staying around. More people are working remotely and staying here.”

“It was amazing to watch tiny babies to 90-year-old people dancing and having a good time finally in Bridgton,” Zaidman added.

Town Manager Bob Peabody crafted a motion to allow Music on Main, LLC “to use town property for the year commencing Sept. 14, 2021 to Sept. 13, 2022 for monthly events, serving food and alcohol, subject to town’s discretion.”

The board approved the motion.

Up next, officials gave advance approval for the aforementioned timeline to allow “state licensed vendors, who must show proof of insurance and be additionally insured to cover the town; prior to each event.”