On January 29, 2026, the Ferry Beach community will come together for a special evening that blends local history, shared stories, and a hearty meal. The Ferry Beach Community Dinner, themed Celebrating 125 Years of Ferry Beach, will feature an engaging presentation titled “A Historical Look at the Glory Days of Saco Bay.” This event will offer attendees a unique opportunity to experience the past while gathering with neighbors, friends, and visitors who share a love for Maine’s coast.
Hosted at the Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center at 7 Boardwalk Drive in Saco, the dinner will highlight the rich heritage of Saco Bay and the surrounding coastal communities through food, conversation, and a thoughtfully curated historical presentation. For longtime residents and newcomers alike, the evening promises to be both informative and memorable.
An Evening Designed for Community Connection
Community dinners have long been a tradition at Ferry Beach, creating space for people to connect in a relaxed and welcoming setting. On Thursday, January 29, doors will open at 5:30 PM, allowing guests time to settle in and enjoy appetizers before dinner is served. The meal will begin at 6:00 PM and the event will run until 7:30 PM.
Guests will enjoy a full dinner experience, with appetizers, entrées, drinks, and desserts included in the price of admission. The menu will feature comfort-style favorites such as chicken pot pie, cornbread biscuits, glazed sweet potatoes, and fresh salad options. Vegetarian selections will also be available. Seating will be communal, encouraging conversation and shared experiences among attendees. This format reflects the spirit of Ferry Beach itself—a place built on fellowship, tradition, and inclusivity.
A Historical Look at the Glory Days of Saco Bay
Following dinner, guests will be invited to settle in for the evening’s featured presentation, “A Historical Look at the Glory Days of Saco Bay.” The talk will be led by Anatole Brown, Archive and Special Collections Manager at the Dyer Library and longtime Museum Educator at the Saco Museum.
Brown will guide attendees through the evolution of Saco Bay and its surrounding coastal communities, including Ferry Beach, Camp Ellis, Ocean Park, and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Using rare archival photographs and historical materials, the presentation will highlight how these seaside destinations developed and how they shaped coastal life in southern Maine.
Attendees can expect to see images of early worship campgrounds, beachside neighborhoods, historic homes, grand Victorian-era resorts, and the ever-fascinating Dummy Train that once connected these coastal towns.
Stories That Shaped the Coast
Rather than focusing solely on dates and timelines, the presentation will emphasize the stories behind the places. Brown will explore how transportation, tourism, faith communities, and seasonal visitors influenced the growth of Saco Bay’s coastal towns.
From early seaside travel routes to the rise of summer tourism, the talk will reveal how the region became a beloved destination for generations of families. Attendees will gain insight into how places like Ocean Park and Old Orchard Beach developed distinct identities while remaining deeply connected to the broader Saco Bay story. These narratives help explain not only how the coastline looked in the past, but why it continues to feel meaningful today.
Why Saco Bay’s History Still Matters
Saco Bay has long been more than a scenic stretch of shoreline. Its beaches and neighborhoods have supported spiritual retreats, family traditions, and community life for generations. Understanding this history adds depth to today’s experiences along the coast.
When visitors walk the beach or attend local events, they join a story spanning generations. The Ferry Beach Community Dinner offers an engaging way to connect with that history. It makes the past meaningful not just for historians, but for anyone who loves the Maine coast.
Celebrating 125 Years of Ferry Beach
This year’s dinner marks 125 years of Ferry Beach as a place of gathering and reflection. For decades, Ferry Beach has welcomed individuals and families seeking connection, renewal, and community. The dinner and presentation celebrate the past while highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage.
More Than a Meal
While the food is a highlight, the true value of the evening is the shared experience. Community dinners create space for meaningful conversation, storytelling, and learning in a welcoming setting. Guests leave with more than a full plate and gain a deeper understanding of the region. Events like this strengthen the bonds that keep coastal communities vibrant and connected.
Event Details, Pricing, and Registration
The Ferry Beach Community Dinner – A Historical Look at Saco Bay will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (EST) at the Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center, located at 7 Boardwalk Drive, Saco, ME 04072.
- Ticket Price: $25 per person (dinner included)
- What’s Included: Appetizers, entrées, drinks, desserts, and the historical presentation
- Theme: Celebrating 125 Years of Ferry Beach
- Topic: A Historical Look at the Glory Days of Saco Bay
Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Tickets can be purchased online through Ferry Beach’s official website. Register here: https://www.ferrybeach.org/community-dinner.html
A Night Where History Comes Alive
By combining a shared meal with storytelling and archival imagery, the dinner brings Saco Bay’s history to life. It invites guests to slow down, gather together, and reflect on the people and places shaping Maine’s coastline. As January 29 approaches, the event reminds us that history is something we experience together.
Turn History Into a Coastal Getaway
As January 29 approaches, the Ferry Beach Community Dinner offers a special opportunity to gather, enjoy a great meal, and explore the rich history of Saco Bay. Whether you’re a local, a history lover, or simply enjoy Maine’s coast, this evening promises meaningful connection, fascinating stories, and a memorable celebration of 125 years of Ferry Beach.
If you’re planning to attend from out of town—or want to turn the evening into a relaxing coastal getaway—Seagrass Inn in Old Orchard Beach offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay just minutes away. With easy access to local events, dining, and the shoreline, it’s a great home base for enjoying everything the area has to offer before and after the dinner. Book now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this event suitable for people who are not familiar with Saco Bay history?
Yes. The presentation is designed to be engaging and accessible for all audiences. Whether you’re a lifelong local from the Town of Old Orchard Beach or a visitor discovering the history of Saco Bay for the first time. The storytelling approach and archival images make the experience approachable and enjoyable.
Will the presentation be interactive or allow time for questions?
While the evening includes a structured presentation, there is typically time for informal discussion and questions. This is to give the attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker. And also, reflect on how Saco Bay’s history connects to communities like Old Orchard Beach, Maine and neighboring coastal towns.
Can visitors staying in Old Orchard Beach easily attend the dinner?
Yes. The Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center is just minutes from Old Orchard Beach. Making it a convenient evening outing for guests staying in OOB hotels or vacation rentals who want to explore local culture beyond the beach.
Is this a good event for winter visitors to the area?
Absolutely. For those visiting Old Orchard Beach, Maine during the winter months, this dinner offers a warm, indoor experience. It highlights regional history, community, and culture—perfect for adding depth to a winter stay in OOB.
