Damariscotta Police Department

09/11/2026

We remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and a day America will never forget.

This photo is from a new memorial on top of Mt. Washington that will run from the 9th through the 12th. I hear it is spectacular and can be seen from more than 100 miles away on a clear night. The beams of light rise 4.5 miles into the sky.

A powerful and moving tribute to those we lost and those who courageously answered the call. Never forgotten!

09/02/2026

🦍 BIGFOOT CASE UPDATE — CASE CLOSED 🦍

Due to the unusually high number of calls received yesterday regarding a Sasquatch, Yeti, Bigfoot, or possibly just a very large and hairy individual roaming around town, we felt it necessary to provide an official update.

After a lengthy, exhaustive, and completely serious investigation, members of the Damariscotta Police Department have reached a conclusion:
Bigfoot is not real.

We understand this may be disappointing to some. Frankly, there were members of our department who were secretly hoping we had finally stumbled upon something that would make national news.

Sadly, no.

Officer Smith eventually located the elusive creature sitting peacefully on Main Street. Rather than immediately placing him under arrest for being suspiciously hairy, Officer Smith sat down and had a great conversation with him.

The conversation was pleasant.

There were photographs.

There were several interruptions from excited members of the public.

And, despite our best efforts to gather compelling evidence, not a single Bigfoot grunt was heard.

Our investigation determined that the mysterious creature was, in fact, a man in a costume.

There was no evidence of criminal activity, no indication of anything nefarious afoot, and unfortunately, no groundbreaking discovery of a previously unknown species.
Just a guy in a very convincing costume.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s excitement, curiosity, and willingness to keep an eye out for one another. We also appreciate all the calls and information that came in. Rest assured, we were on the hunt from the very beginning.

While we didn't find Bigfoot, we did find something almost as rare:
A town full of people willing to stop what they're doing to investigate a Bigfoot sighting and keep each other safe.

And honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you for keeping us informed, keeping an eye out for one another, and giving us something to talk about.

Case closed. Bigfoot remains at large… provided he puts his costume back on.

Stay safe!
Chief Josephson

08/31/2026

08/24/2026

🎃⏳ THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED!⏳🎃

It may still be August, but around here we’re already thinking OCTOBER!

The 2026 Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is coming October 9–12, and this year’s schedule is packed with everything that makes Pumpkinfest… well, Pumpkinfest.

🎃 Giant pumpkins taking over Main Street
🎨 Artists bringing them to life
🏁 The Pumpkin Derby
🥧 Pie eating and dessert contests
🚤 The one-and-only Pumpkin Regatta
🏃 Tour de Gourd 5K
💥 Pumpkin Drop
🎶 Buskers, food, family activities and so much more

And before the main festival even begins, our giant pumpkins take center stage at the Pumpkin Weigh-Offs October 3–4, followed by **Pumpkin Deployment on October 8.

This festival doesn't happen overnight. Behind the scenes, our volunteers, growers, artists, sponsors, local businesses and community partners are already hard at work getting ready to welcome everyone back to Damariscotta.

So start making your plans. Invite your friends. Bring the family.

Because before we know it, the giants will be rolling into town and Main Street will be Pumpkinfest again. 🎃🧡

📅 October 9–12, 2026

Check out the schedule below and visit our website for specific event times, details and updates.

The countdown is ON. Who's ready for Pumpkinfest 2026?! 🎃🙌

08/19/2026

Wise words from Officer Billy

🚔 A Friendly Reminder About Main Street Speed Limits

The Town of Damariscotta has well-posted speed limits along Main Street (Business Route 1). Those speed limits are there for a reason.

Every day, vehicles are pulling onto Main Street from businesses, side streets, parking lots, and driveways. Drivers entering traffic are making decisions based on the reasonable expectation that approaching vehicles are traveling somewhere near the posted speed limit.

If you’re traveling 5, 10, 15, or 20+ mph over the speed limit, that changes things considerably.

Someone pulling onto Main Street may appear to have “pulled right out in front of you,” when in reality, they simply couldn’t reasonably anticipate how quickly you were approaching.

More seriously, that difference in speed can result in a motor vehicle crash involving injuries or significant property damage. It can also lead to hard braking, horns, yelling, and occasionally an enthusiastic wave involving fewer than four fingers and a thumb. 😏

Before getting angry at the person who just pulled out, take a moment to consider your own speed.

Please slow down, obey the posted speed limits, and give people a reasonable opportunity to safely enter Main Street.

A little patience, and a little less accelerator, can make Main Street safer for everyone.

08/18/2026

School Bus Safety Reminder

Reminder: School is back in session on the 31st for Lincoln Academy and September 1st for GSB! 📚🚌

Please start preparing for your daily trips by allowing extra time for increased school traffic. Taking a few extra minutes can help prevent delays, reduce rushing, and keep everyone safe.

Never, for any reason, pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing. Our children deserve our full attention and protection.

Slow down, stay alert, and give yourself plenty of time.

Our future depends on these young minds!

08/14/2026

Come out and see some really cool equipment. Officer Billy will be there with your new Cruiser. We want to thank the Damariscotta community for your support in assuring we have what we need to be safe while keeping you safe.