Celebrating belonging and recovery, and honoring loved ones lost to overdose.
In 2025, we mark International Overdose Awareness Day with five community-centered events across Lincoln County. Taking place in Waldoboro, Wiscasset, Boothbay, and Damariscotta, these gatherings offer space for remembrance, resilience, and reflection—honoring lives lost, supporting those affected by substance use disorder, and celebrating the fellowship of the recovery community and its allies.
PROGRAMS
A Walk Through History: Overdose, Recovery & Remembrance
Join us for a two-part event that explores overdose, recovery, and remembrance—past and present—through the life and death of John H. Kennedy, a 19th-century shipbuilding financier who died of an overdose on the eve of the Civil War.
Part I: Overdose, Recovery & the Past
Friday, August 22 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Open House of History, 908 Main Street, Waldoboro, ME
This evening features a lecture by Michael Amico and a community conversation exploring the historical context of overdose and how the past can inform present-day healing. A remembrance installation honoring lives lost to substance use, provided by Maine Sharing, will be on view. Held during Artwalk Waldoboro.
John H. Kennedy of Waldoboro, who died of an overdose in the 19th century.
Part II: Overdose, Recovery & the Present
Saturday, August 23 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Open House of History, 908 Main Street, Waldoboro, ME
The evening begins with a community cookout and live music, followed by a short walk to Kennedy’s former home for dessert and reflection. We then return to the Custom House for a remembrance installation and a sharing circle for surviving loved ones. This gathering honors those impacted by substance use today while drawing connections to the past.
Detail of memorial image of Matthew Bailey from Maine Sharing’s Facebook page.
Vigil at the Sunken Garden, 2024.
Overdose Awareness Procession & Vigil
Thursday, August 28 | 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Wiscasset, ME
Presented in conjunction with the Wiscasset Art Walk, an evening to bring together the joy of public celebration and the weight of shared remembrance.
Wiscasset Art Walk
4:00 to 6:45 PM | Route 1
Art and resource tables related to substance use and overdose, presented in tandem with the joyful presence of Wiscasset Art Walk, featuring the Maine Youth Circus, whose juggling and performances celebrate community strength and resilience.
Railroad Avenue Procession
6:45 to 7:00 PM | Railroad Avenue Parking Lot
Make a sign, bring an image of a loved one you wish to honor, and meet at the parking lot at the end of Railroad Avenue right by the water, from where we make our way a quarter-mile to the Sunken Garden, our art in hand, and accompanied by music.
Sunken Garden Vigil
7:00 to 8:00 PM | The Sunken Garden
Decorated in candlelight and purple flags, filled with photos honoring loved ones, the Sunken Garden becomes a site for sharing remembrances, hopes, and gratitudes for those we love, and those we appreciate making the community better for all.
Requiem Trio: A Concert of Remembrance
Saturday, August 30 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church
125 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, ME
Join Studio B, Community Resource Council, and Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor for an evening of music, memory, and meaning as three performers (John Schindler, Sam Thomas, and Sara Trunzo) offer 20-minute sets of remembrance music honoring lives lost to substance use and the hearts that still carry grief. A reception with light fare and beverages will follow the concert, along with a display honoring Mainers lost to overdose and information about addiction treatment and recovery resources.
Sam Thomas, a pianist in recovery, performs at the event.
The Sirens perform from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
International Overdose Awareness Day 2025
Sunday, August 31 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Rising Tide Co-op
323 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME
In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, a free dinner concert and remembrance event hosted by Rising Tide Co-op for the recovery and harm reduction communities, and all those allied with those impacted by SUD and related challenges, or their affected others.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Newcastle Publick House for sponsorship of the August 23 Waldoboro event; Clark’s Cove Farm for sponsorship of the August 30 Boothbay Harbor event; and Medicini Trattoria for sponsorship of the August 31 Damariscotta event.
Thank you to Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor and Community Resource Council for additional support for the August 30 event, and Rising Tide Co-op for hosting and providing dinner for the August 31 event.
Do you have questions, or want to get involved?
Contact us at 207-800-1640 or peter@bruunstudios.com.