The Opera House has always been a big community center, if for no other reason than it’s one of Boothbay Harbor’s largest buildings, located smack dab in the middle of town on one of our main thoroughfares. The builders knew what they were doing – high visibility and easy access. Eventually, the building, constructed as a meeting place for the local chapter of the Knights of Pythias, has taken on many new roles, from public roller skating rink, to basketball court, minstrel shows, and now a vibrant and successful venue for a multitude of community events.

My first visit to the Opera House was during the Knights of Pythias era when asked by Lyndon Roberts if I would photograph a group of new members in the upstairs area now utilized as a bar and intimate space for meetings and performances. Eventually the Opera House was on its way to being transformed to a miniature mall type location envisioned by the late Dan DeRepentigny, then owner of the Boothbay Register. It was an idea that never quite took off and the building came on hard times until a local group circled the wagons and collected community support for restoration and upgrade.

Now, active and beloved, the Opera House, especially this time of year, welcomes thousands of visitors. Once again, the building is filled with many events and wonderful people who gather to celebrate music, art, theater and fellowship.

Between now and the first of the year the building is aglow with magnificent decorations engineered by the multi-talented keeper of the lights, Kevin Kiley. A small sampling of Kevin’s handiwork is seen in the photograph I have shared for this week’s adventure. Over many years, Kevin, along with many volunteers and other staff, has created beautiful displays for visiting entertainment, community gatherings and professional meetings. The Opera House has even hosted weddings, receptions and memorials. The upstairs gallery currently displays a magnificent collection of paintings created by local artist Rick Dickinson – 365 views looking north up Townsend Gut as seen from his studio – a daily reminder of our beautiful Maine.

Soon the downstairs main performance room will be transformed with the much anticipated, annual, “Gingerbread Spectacular” which brings amazing creations from all over and an opportunity for a visual feast. And the feasts continue with a community potluck, music with Barney Balch and his talented musicians, caroling and just plain warmth and celebration.

Stop by and take a look during one or many of the events which have been created for your viewing and listening pleasure. It’s an opportunity to enjoy our gifts and the good fortune we share here on the Boothbay peninsula. You won’t be disappointed.