No place in America is unaffected by the impact of substance use and the opioid epidemic. That includes Lincoln County, Maine. Each year, our close-knit rural community sees loved ones dying from overdose, hundreds receiving treatment for substance use disorder, and thousands experiencing the negative impact of addiction, either themselves or through someone they love.
That’s almost everyone in the county.
Join us in doing something about it!
Presented by Healthy Lincoln County in partnership with multiple individuals, organizations, and businesses, 716 Candles is a series of free events taking place in Maine’s Lincoln County in late August 2023 to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day. With art, music, stories, remembrances, resource tables, speakers, and more, 716 Candles will:
- honor the lives of those lost to and hurt by substance use;
- de-stigmatize addiction by underscoring the humanity of those affected by it;
- build general awareness on matters related to addiction and the opioid epidemic;
- educate on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and paths to wellness;
- underscore that we are all in this together, and can all be a part of making things better.
Bringing joy and inspiration as an antidote to pain and sorrow, 716 Candles offers much-needed healing for us all.
Don’t miss out.
Public Programs
Lights of Lincoln County
NEW DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1:30 to 4:00 P.M.
Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust
3 Round Top Lane
Damariscotta, ME
A family-friendly program of music, visual art, speakers, and ceremony to celebrate “lights” of Lincoln County: those who are surviving substance use disorder and finding recovery, those who are working for the wellness of others, and those we’ve loved and lost.
Why You Matter
Sunday, August 27, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.
(Open Mic begins at 2:45 P.M.)
Cider Hill Farm
72 Medomak Terrace, Waldoboro, ME
(rain location: Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ, Waldoboro)
A youth-centered event presented in partnership with Medomak Valley High School’s Sources of Strength (SOS) and PAWS student clubs, celebrating the student-led #WhyYouMatter campaign, and featuring an open mic for story sharing and songs addressing the question: “Where do you find hope, health, and strength, and why do you matter?”
International Overdose Awareness Day
Thursday, August 31, 1:30 to 3:30 P.M.
Boothbay Common, Common Drive, Boothbay, ME
(rain location: American Legion Post 36, 25 Industrial Park Rd., Boothbay, ME)
In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day annually held August 31, a program of music and art, remembrance and resource information, and speakers including Governor Janet Mills as well as other local and statewide leaders, advocates, and individuals affected by substance use and loss.
Love & Remembrance
Thursday, August 31, 5:00 to 6:00 P.M.
The Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor
125 Townsend Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME
An intimate experience of remembrance for those we have lost, as individuals who have died from substance use or related causes are memorialized through music, poetry, and words. One by one, community members introduce loved ones before each is honored with a performance.
Wiscasset Art Walk & Parade of Candles
Thursday, August 31, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
(Parade of Candles assembles at 7:10 P.M. and begins at 7:30 P.M.)
Wiscasset Village & Sunken Garden
Main St. (Route 1), Wiscasset, ME
In partnership with Wiscasset Art Walk, a summertime celebration of art, music and performance, an evening of stories and sharing about the human side of substance use and the costs of the opioid epidemic. The event concludes with a Parade of Candles, a communal experience of love and hope dedicated to all whom we’ve lost and those still with us affected by substance use.
Join our community
Your support matters! Make a donation to Healthy Lincoln County today to support 716 Candles.
Our Community
Healthy Lincoln County
716 Candles is administered by Healthy Lincoln County (HLC). HLC supports thriving, healthy communities in Lincoln County by working with our partners to improve the health and well-being of our residents – from the youngest members of our communities to our seniors. HLC is a project of MCD Global Health, a Public Health Institute using evidence-based initiatives and strategies to improve public health. As a partner of MCD, HLC receives technical advice and assistance to help build the capacity of its network in order to implement policy, systems, and environmental changes that improve population health in communities throughout Lincoln County.
Our planning group
716 Candles involves multiple organizations and individuals from the region. It includes those who have lost family members and other loved ones to the opioid epidemic; professionals helping those with Substance Use Disorder; advocates, organizers, and others.
We are all stakeholders when it comes to challenging stigma, embracing compassion, and building awareness of substance use and the opioid epidemic. To join our planning group, contact Peter at peter@bruunstudios.com.
Our sponsors
Interested in joining us as a sponsor? Visit this link for information.
Join those we gratefully thank for their support helping us stand up to stigma, embrace compassion, and increase awareness about substance use and the opioid epidemic:
American Legion Charles E. Sherman, Jr., Post 36, Boothbay, ME, founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation’s veterans, its service members, their families, the youth of America and ordinary citizens.
Bath Savings, banking on the coast of Maine for more than 170 years.
Cider Hill Farm, a performance and event venue in Waldoboro.
Clark’s Cove Farm & Inn, whose owner, Tim Cheney, is founder of Chooper’s Guide, is in long-term recovery, and has been committed to harm reduction, social justice activism and advocacy since 1979. And Apples.
Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, caring for the lands and rivers you love in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region.
Colby & Gale, providing reliable fuel delivery and friendly professional service to the Midcoast since 1946.
commonspace (formerly known as Amistad), creating shared spaces of care, justice, and recovery in all its forms.
Community Resource Council (CRC), assisting people in need on the Boothbay peninsula by providing information, referrals, resources and programs.
Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, “Love Lives Here.”
First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Bath, a community savings bank serving the people who live and work in our communities.
First National Bank is an independent community bank with 18 offices in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, Washington and Penobscot Counties.
Griffin & Harris Attorneys has been helping clients with their real estate, estate planning, and small business needs since 1980.
Journey Magazine, “Media on Mission: making recovery from addiction visible.”
Knickerbocker Group, building and crafting the Maine way of life.
Lincoln County Commissioners, the government of Lincoln County, Maine.
LincolnHealth, providing a vast array of healthcare services in Lincoln County and is a member of the MaineHealth system.
Mexicali Blues, with the goal of responsibly bringing the wares of the world to our stores, empowering the cultures and communities that create them, and celebrating meaningful experiences with our customers.
Oranges from Morgan, raising funds to help support organizations that provide substance abuse prevention education and services for those in recovery.
Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor is a group of over 70 committed volunteers who have fun while serving others.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Growing in Mission, Rooted in Worship.
Contact us
For questions about 716 Candles, please contact Will Matteson at wmatteson@healthylincolncounty.org or Peter Bruun at peter@bruunstudios.com
Get involved!
Make a donation to support 716 Candles
Receive Healthy Lincoln County’s monthly Substance Use Prevention Partnership’s Newsletter
716 Candles Project 