The monarch fest bench, a colorful feature of Valentine farm that sits outside the garden. It is one of the many colorful benches of the Bethel area

BETHEL — On a casual walk around Bethel, a person might encounter a brightly colored bench, painted with a fun design. These little spots of color can be found all over Bethel if one knows where to look. But why are they there, who put them there, and how many can you actually find?

The benches are a large collaborative project between BAAM, the Age Friendly Community Initiative, and the Congo Crafters. The project is funded by AARP – the American Association of Retired Persons. Many of these benches have a plaque to thank the creators and funders, giving a glimpse at where they came from.

A commemorative plaque on a bench outside Bethel’s ice skating rink. The plaque reads: “A gift from the Age Friendly Community Initiative, funded by AARP and created by the Congo Craftsmen, Bethel Area Arts and Music, and Amanda Moran designs – 2021. Chaia Alford

While most of the benches are located in Bethel, one can be found in Newry, beside the town office. It, like the others, bears a plaque detailing it as a gift from the Age Friendly Community Initiative, from the same year – 2021.

Newry’s bench – a gift from the AFCI. Chaia Alford

The “Congo Craftsmen,” In the process of building on the of benches. From left: Bob Iles, Art Marshall, Dean Walker, Steve Lovejoy, Irv Robinson, Seabury Lyon and Jim Chandler. File Photo

In 2021 Bethel Citizen article, when these benches were first being built, the plan had been to put them either at the town hall or at Davis park. At this time, one of these benches has reached its desired location, placed out in front of the town hall in warmer weather for folks to enjoy.

One of the Congo Craftsmen’s benches, in its place outside the town hall. This bench is currently in storage for the winter

Many of these benches were painted not just by BAAM, but by members of the community as well. In 2024, more benches were still being added to the community. During Harvestfest, BAAM had a booth set up, allowing locals to come by and help paint one of their newest benches, themed for the fall festival.

It’s not just benches either. At the beginning of the project, craftsmen were planning that “Picnic tables will also be made, depending on what the town would like.” Well, it seems that the town would like picnic tables, because there are several that can be found all over town, including one outside the Bethel Public library that has a painted on chessboard – as long as players avoid in the gap in the middle of the table. The Bethel Common also holds one, while another can be found outside the Chamber of Commerce.

A painted picnic table, outside of the Bethel Methodist Church, features a ‘quilted’ pattern, with a large variety of squares. Chaia Alford

Next time you happen to be outside taking a walk around Bethel, keep an eye out! These benches and tables are all over, and are a beautiful spot of color and variety for the community.