Shane Hall, the Program Director for Compass Project
- Volunteer our time
- Buy or commission a boat to be built
- Build a boat with family or business
- Spread the word
Join us for the first Biddeford Boatbuilding Festival on July 16 & 17 at the historic Pepperell Mill Campus in downtown Biddeford.
Six participant teams–corporate sponsors, families, or youth organizations–will each build their own Compass Skiff, a 10-foot motorboat, over the course of the weekend. All materials and supplies will be provided, no prior expeirence or skills needed. The festival will conclude with a celebratiory boat launching into the Saco River. Each team will then take their boat home to paint and use. Completed boats are great for fishing, using as a tender, or as the first boat for kids. They also make great gifts, donations for charity fundraisers or auctions.
The festival will also include nautical-themed exhibitors, local youth nonprofits, a Saturday evening event at Engine with special guests the Lowell Brothers, kids’ activities, food and music, and more.
Funds raised will support Compass Project’s year-round boatbuilding and rowing programs for at-risk youth.
The Biddeford Boatbuilding Festival will be a fun event, with artisans, vendors, and exhibitors, guest speakers, activities for kids, local food, and live music.
The cost per team is:
Family Team : $950 For families of 3-5 people, ages 8+
Youth-Led Team : $750 For youth groups of 3-5 people, ages 8-18, accompanied by an adult.
Corporate or Corporate-Sponsored Team : $2,500 Participants may vary throughout build. Great team-building exercise for businesses. Corporations may choose to sponsor another group or participate themselves.
WHEN: Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17
TIME: 8:30am-4:30pm
WHERE: 32 Main Street in the Pepperell Mill Campus next to Portland Pie in downtown Biddeford
FMI: Email Shane Hall or call 207-391-6830
Download the website sponsorship guide