Hot take: February is the best month to live in Portland. The chaos of the busy season has subsided; we (hopefully) get beautiful, fresh snow; and the Valentine’s Day bandit, one of Portland’s most unique and beloved traditions, makes its return.
This month, Portland Buy Local is collaborating with Portland Downtown on two events to celebrate our Love for Local!
LOVE NOTES
Have you fallen for the City of Portland hook, line, and sinker? Let our lovely city by the sea know how you feel with Love Notes, an initiative created to bolster our local community in this quieter season. Take the provided blank canvas and turn it into a love letter to your favorite business, restaurant, park, street, building, landmark… The possibilities are endless when love knows no limits.
Visit https://www.portlandmaine.com/love-notes/ to create your own love note. Don’t forget to tag Portland Downtown and Portland Buy Local so we can share the love!
207 DAY SCAVENGER HUNT
While we introduced Love Notes last year, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new event for 2022 also!
This February, Portland Downtown and Portland Buy Local are launching the City of Portland’s inaugural 207 Day. Much like how Milwaukee, Wisconsin turned its 414 area code into “Milwaukee Day” on April 14th, and how Chicago celebrates its city on March 12th each year, February 7th (mirroring Maine’s own 207 area code) will mark 207 Day here in Portland.
Easing into what is hoped to become an annual Maine-stay event is a citywide scavenger hunt! We’re calling on locals and visitors alike to explore and interact with the city and its businesses.
Players of this free event will view and/or print a list of 207 Day scavenger hunt items, available on the Portland Downtown website, and make their way around the city. Players will complete tasks and scan QR codes to prove it. Those who complete enough tasks will be entered into a raffle for prizes.
We hope you join in the fun and celebrate Love Local month with us!
PBL Searches for New Executive Director
I also want to note that this is my last month writing a column in this space. In February, I will be transitioning to a new job with Maine Association of Nonprofits. Check out Portland Buy Local’s website to view our job description and see if you or someone you know is the next leader of Portland’s amazing local economy movement!
Mary Alice Scott is Executive Director of Portland Buy Local. The West End News is a Portland Buy Local member and media partner.
