FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE
Poland Heritage Day Returns Sept. 26 in Celebration of Poland Spring Preservation Society’s 50th Anniversary
POLAND SPRING, MAINE: (September 10, 2026) – Poland Heritage Day returns Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a celebration of community, history and hometown pride. This annual community event, held each year on the grounds of the Poland Spring Resort, Poland Spring Preservation Society and Poland Spring Preservation Park, is free and open to the public, with free parking.
“As the Poland Spring Preservation Society celebrates its 50th anniversary, Poland Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity to honor our rich history while bringing the community together for a day of fun, connection and celebration,” said Laura Brown, director of operations for the Poland Spring Preservation Society. “We are proud to continue this special tradition and invite everyone to join us as we celebrate both our past and our exciting future.”
Poland Heritage Day begins at 10 a.m. at the gazebo on the lawn of the Poland Spring Resort, with local performers Nora and Isla Haynes singing and signing the national anthem. A cruise-in organized by NAPA Auto Parts will begin in Mechanic Falls at 9:30 a.m. and make its way to Poland Spring Resort, where the vehicles will be on display near All Souls Chapel until 2 p.m.
“Heritage Day is a great event. It brings people together in a fantastic setting and provides something for everyone – crafts, great food, games and other activities,” said Matthew Garside, Poland Town Manager. “We hope to see you there!”
New this year, Chipman’s Pumpkin Patch is rolling in with the Pumpkin Patch Express, Professor Paddy-Whack will have families singing and dancing, and Mr. Drew and His Animals Too will offer families an up-close educational experience with rescued exotic animals, including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Returning favorites include the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society’s pet adoption event, along with a talented balloon artist, colorful face painting, and plenty of fun for all ages!
Activities & Attractions
- Food: Poland Fire Rescue Department will serve hamburgers, hot dogs and fried dough.
- Desserts: Poland Food Bank will serve pumpkin and apple desserts
- Mr. Drew & His Animals Too: An educational animal experience featuring rescued exotic animals
- Shuttle Rides: Northeast Charter will provide shuttle rides with stops at the Maine Inn front lawn, at the 1893 Maine State Building, and at the Poland Spring Bottling Museum.
- Classic Fair Games: Poland Recreation Department
- Pumpkin Patch Express: Chipman’s Pumpkin Patch
- Pet Adoption Event: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
- Cruise-In and car show: NAPA Auto Parts in Mechanic Falls will organize a cruise-in departing its location at 9:30 a.m. Classic cars will be on display near All Souls Chapel until 2 p.m. Participants can contact NAPA Auto Parts in Mechanic Falls to join the cruise-in.
- More than 35 local craft vendors & nonprofits
- Book Signing: Maine musher Jonathan Hayes of Poland Spring Kennels
- K-9 demonstrations
- Beer Garden: Nonesuch River Brewing
- Silent Auction and $500 Giveaway Raffle
Celebrating 50 Years of Preserving Poland Spring’s History
Founded in 1976, the Poland Spring Preservation Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The preservation society works to preserve and share Poland Spring’s history, which includes the historic Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel.
“Poland Spring Resort is proud to once again host Poland Heritage Day and welcome families, friends and neighbors to our historic grounds,” said Cyndi Robbins, Innkeeper of Poland Spring Resort. “This event captures the wonderful spirit of our community, and this year is especially meaningful as we join in celebrating the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s 50th anniversary.”
To mark Poland Spring Preservation Society’s 50th anniversary, guests can enter to win a Simon Pearce decanter, the second of a limited-edition matched set. This decanter features an etching with the Poland Spring Preservation Society logo, along with sketches of the Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel and the dates 1976-2026. The piece is hand-etched and numbered 2 of 2.
Raffle tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the Maine State Building or online through Poland Heritage Day. The winning ticket will be drawn at 3 p.m. on Sept. 26, with proceeds benefiting the Maine State Building slate roof replacement project.
Beneficiaries and Sponsors
Poland Heritage Day benefits the Poland Spring Preservation Society and other local nonprofits. Poland Heritage Day is supported by Poland Spring Water, the Town of Poland Community & Economic Development Committee and Poland Spring Resort.
For details and vendor applications, visit the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s website or reach out directly to Laura Brown, director of operations, Poland Spring Preservation Society by email at laura@polandspringmuseums.org or by phone at (207) 998-4142.
Connect With Poland Spring Preservation Society: Online | Facebook
About the Poland Spring Preservation Society
The Poland Spring Preservation Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the unique historical architecture of the Maine State Building and the All Souls Chapel. The Maine State Building is one of only five buildings and the only state building remaining from the Columbian Exposition of 1893. The All Souls Chapel opened in 1912 under the vision of Sadie Ricker for members of the staff at Poland Spring as well as the surrounding community.
For more information about this project, please contact the Poland Spring Preservation Society at PO Box 444, Poland Spring, Maine 04274, call (207) 998-4142, or via email at: contact@polandspringmuseums.org
Poland Heritage Day is Sponsored by:
The Town of Poland, Maine – Community & Economic Development Committee, Poland Spring Water,
and Poland Spring Resort.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly J. Poland, Poland Media Group – (401) 743-7272, kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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