We’re beyond excited about the success of our third annual Fall Festival at Good Will-Hinckley! With hundreds of attendees, our campus was alive with energy, fall-themed activities, and delicious festival treats. This has been our most successful event in recent memory, and we couldn’t be prouder!
This year’s Fall Festival was made possible thanks to the generous support of our Event Sponsors: Golden Pond Wealth Management and SAPPI.
The festivities kicked off on Friday night with our first-ever adult event, “Crafts, Drafts, and Laughs (And Pizza Too)”, sponsored by Valley Beverage. Alumni and friends gathered under the tent for an evening filled with entertainment—live music by Eric Lunt, a hilarious performance by Running with Scissors Comedy Improv, a craft fair, wood-fired pizza from Sabastian’s, beer and wine, a s’mores bar, corn hole, and plenty of laughter. Over 110 tickets were pre-sold, with additional tickets purchased at the door!
Saturday brought families from near and far to our campus for a day full of activities for all ages. Local businesses, community groups, and our Good Will-Hinckley programs came together to offer fun experiences, giveaways, and festival food. Attendees enjoyed a range of activities, from climbing the rock wall and playing inflatable games to competing in outdoor favorites like corn hole and soccer challenges. Families painted pumpkins, took hayrides, and indulged in tasty treats from food vendors—including a stop at the ever-popular Darling’s Ice Cream Truck.
The Arts and Crafts Fair was a major hit, offering shoppers a chance to find seasonal favorites and get a head start on holiday gifts. Our online silent auction featured many incredible items including ski tickets, Red Sox tickets, gift certificates, vacation rentals, and much more!
Our RAFFLE for a fully restored 1921 Old Town Canoe, with original bill of sale, design specs and refurbishment documentation will continue until late December, tickets are $5 each and can be purchased by calling Barbara Gourley at 207-238-4000 or emailing her at info@gwh.org.
Fall Festival goers enjoyed complimentary admission to the L.C. Bates Museum, thanks to sponsor Skowhegan Savings Bank, adding an educational element to the day. More than 200 visitors explored the museum (many for the first time), and we’re thrilled to have welcomed them to this Central Maine treasure.
“The Fall Festival, now in its third year, has quickly become a cornerstone event that unites the Good Will-Hinckley family with the surrounding community in a vibrant celebration of togetherness,” said Gary Dugal, GWH’s President and Executive Director. “I’m immensely grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous sponsors for their commitment and energy in bringing this special event to life.”
The festival also served as the perfect setting for our Alumni “Wel-Kum Bak” celebration and the 50th reunion for the class of 1974. Alumni started the weekend with Friday night festivities, followed by Fall Festival activities (craft fair, live music, food trucks, complimentary breakfast at the Visitor’s Center alumni lounge, and more) and a dinner that evening at the Heritage House Restaurant in Skowhegan. During the celebration, one alum generously donated $10,000 to Good Will-Hinckley! Preparations are already underway for the class of 1975’s 50th reunion at next year’s Wel-Kum Bak, with many from the Class of 1974 expressing their excitement to return.
“The Fall Festival truly captures the spirit of Good Will-Hinckley,” said Wayne Lobley, GWH’s VP/Director of Development. “It was inspiring to once again see so many people come together, not only for our community-wide celebration but also for the Wel-Kum Bak alumni event and the adults-only ‘Crafts, Drafts, and Laughs’ on Friday. The support for our mission and the appreciation for the positive impact we have on the community was heartening to witness.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors, without whom this festival wouldn’t be possible—with a BIG thanks to our Event Sponsors, Golden Pond Wealth Management and SAPPI, for their generous support. Additional sponsors and donors included Hight Chevrolet, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Prime Financial Inc., Valley Beverage, Fortin’s Home Furnishings, Ideal Electric Inc., Kennebec Savings Bank, United Insurance, Rob and Angie Moody, Gary and Michelle Dugal, Trueline, Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the Letourneau Family, Farm Credit East, the Abramson/Ladd Family, Central Maine Power, Fabian Oil Inc., Michael and Lorene Hinckley-Gordon, Hour Glass Company, Kennebec Valley Community College, MacKenzie Landscape and Supply Center, Pike Industries Inc., Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Flood Farm, and Linda Smith.
This unforgettable event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of over 100 volunteers and staff who dedicated their time before, during, and after the festival. We are so thankful for their commitment and effort.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at this year’s Fall Festival. Your participation and support make a huge impact on the children and families we serve. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2025! Together, we’re building stronger connections and creating lasting memories.
If you have photos from the 2024 Fall Festival, Crafts, Drafts, and Laughs (And Pizza Too) or Wel-Kum Bak celebration you’d like to share with us, please email them to info@gwh.org.
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