Invest Locally

For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city's tax base. For every $100 spent at a national chain or franchise store, only $14 remains in the community.

Beautification Program

Making Downtown beautiful year-round!


In addition to marketing and events that bring people and business to Downtown we run a comprehensive Beautification Program which promotes and encourages activities that improve the appearance of downtown; from flowers to holiday lighting.  The Beautification Program is a significant undertaking and we are extremely grateful to our Corporate sponsor Bangor Savings Bank.  They have made a four year commitment to support the downtown Beautification program (through 2014).

Bangor Savings Bank Website

We believe that community partnerships are essential for the growth of downtown and Bangor as a whole.  Downtown Bangor is a unique asset for the community as a business center, residential and arts and cultural hub.  Several thousand people work or visit the downtown district each day and there are 500 (and growing) residential units downtown. Our beautification program serves to enhance the aesthetic and business environment of downtown Bangor. 

Major elements of the downtown Bangor Beautification Program include:

Blooms on the Stream‐ Flower box program along the Kenduskeag Stream Canal; Sixty four flower boxes are planted with geraniums along the stream each season. The purpose of this program is to capitalize on one of downtown’s most unique assets, the Kenduskeag Stream Canal, which runs through the heart of downtown. The flower box program brings the feel of a European city to downtown and ads the value to downtown for property owners, businesses, employees and visitors. Walking paths line the canal on both sides so the boxes can be easily viewed and enjoyed by the community.

Street Side Planters‐ Flower planter program along the streets of downtown; 32 large planters with a variety of flowering plants are placed at major intersections and thoroughfares within the district. The planters ad to the atmosphere and value of downtown for property owners, businesses, employees and visitors.

Holiday Lighting & Decorations‐ Holiday lighting programs in West Market and Pickering Squares to supplement the City holiday tree. The lights are hung after Thanksgiving and are removed in late January and are well received by downtown business owners, employees, residents and visitors. The lighting program also supplements the downtown ice rink as several trees around the rink provide additional lighting for night‐time skating.

Avenue Banners Program‐ Colorful banners are displayed along Main, Broad and Washington Streets throughout the year. The banner program is being expanded to highlight the arts and cultural amenities of the downtown district that contribute to our unique identity.