The Town of Paris is alive with exciting events, meaningful initiatives, and opportunities to connect. Whether you’re seeking family fun, civic engagement, or ways to give back, there’s something for everyone in this edition of Paris Pulse.

Events, Activities

Yoga Kids with Three Eyed Raven: (ages 2–6) takes place Mondays from 9-10:30 a.m. through May for free in Moore Park thanks to a sponsorship by Consulting By Numbers. Join us May 19 and 26.

Touch-a-Truck & May Day Play Day: On Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School will host the second annual Touch-a-Truck event. Families can explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more. The Paris Fire Department will provide safety demonstrations, with a quiet hour from 9 to 10 a.m. for a calmer experience. Activities include crafts, LEGO building, bounce houses, outdoor games, community tables, and live music. Enjoy free food and family fun, supported by Community Concepts, the Oxford Hills Rotary Club, and the OHCHS Interact Club.

Pickleball on Paris Hill: Celebrate the new pickleball/basketball court on Paris Hill. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Morin, Charles B. Frost, Dennis Fournier, Garrick Frost, Grant Frost, and Bancroft Contracting, this space now serves as a vibrant recreational hub. Free pickleball instruction will be offered on June 14 from 9-10 a.m. There is limited space- first come, first served.

Family Movie Night: Paddington in Peru: Join Paris Parks & Recreation and Oxford Federal Credit Union on Saturday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station for a cozy movie night. Enjoy free popcorn and sweet treats while watching Paddington in Peru.

Free Golf Workshop for Women Impacted by Cancer: On Thursday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine will host a free golf workshop at Paris Hill Country Club and Paris Hill Academy. Open to women affected by cancer; no prior golf experience is necessary. Limited to 18 spots. To register, call 207-890-0329.

Paris Vendor Fair: Support local businesses and youth entrepreneurs at the Paris Fire Station on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor tables cost $10 and are free for youth vendors.

Exciting Summer Wednesdays Coming to the Town of Paris. Please note: There will be no monthly vendor fairs for July and August. However, the Town of Paris is excited to present Fun-Packed Wednesdays for people of all ages.

Mornings will feature the Kids Summer Series in Moore Park, with a variety of fun and engaging activities for children. In the evenings, head over to the Paris Fire Station for the Summer Concert Series, featuring live music, local vendors, and delicious food trucks.

Kickoff Event, Wednesday, July 9:
Start your day at 10 a.m. with Slime Making in Moore Park, then join us at the Paris Fire Station at 5 p.m. for local vendors and the Cruzin’ Slice Food Truck. The day wraps up with a live performance by the Delta Knights Band at 66. For more information or a complete schedule of the series, please contact Paris Parks and Recreation.

Paris Hill Events for July: Mark your calendars for a vibrant week of entertainment and history in beautiful Paris Hill.

July 17 – Comedy Night on the Common
Get ready for an evening of laughter as New England’s own Juston McKinney takes the stage at Paris Hill Common. Tailgating with food and drinks begins at 5:00 PM, followed by the show at 7 p.m.. Bring your chairs, friends, and sense of humor. Tickets are available at parishill.org.

July 19 – 46th Annual Founders Day Celebration
Don’t miss this cherished tradition honoring the founding of Paris Hill and supporting the Hamlin Memorial Library and Museum, located at the birthplace of Hannibal Hamlin—Abraham Lincoln’s first Vice President. Highlights include the stunning Bob Bahre Classic Car Collection, featuring iconic American classics like Duesenbergs and Cadillacs, as well as elegant European models such as Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo. For more information, visit www.hamlin.lib.me.us or call (207) 743-2980.

Dog Training Classes – Obedience Through Agility: HeartSong Kennel offers dog training sessions every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station. Classes cost $25 each or $90 for four sessions.

Civic engagement, Town business

Town Elections – Tuesday, June 10- Elections will be held at the Paris Fire Station from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Absentee ballots are available from May 12 through June 5 at the Town Office.

On the ballot:
Selectmen (2 seats, 3-year term): Stephen J. Cronce, Roland R. J. Hebert, James D. Labbe, Patricia A. O’Brien, Tara L. O’Leary, Ronald R. Ramsey III, Robert R. Ripley

MSAD 17 Director (1 seat, 3-year term): Nancy V. Drew, Jennifer L. Russell
PUD Trustee (1 seat, 3-year term): Kyle E. Lamb
PUD Trustee (1 seat, 1-year term): Keith A. Rudman

Town Meetings: Make sure to watch the Town of Paris website for approved dates for ordinance hearings coming up. Hearings to include Paris Fire Department Cost Recovery Ordinances, Food Sovereignty Ordinances, and Planning Board Ordinances.
Select Board Meeting – May 26 at 6 p.m. (Town Office)
Planning Board Meeting – May 28 at 6 p.m. (Town Office)
Annual Town Meeting – June 16 at 6 p.m. (Paris Fire Station)

MSAD 17 Budget Timeline
District Budget Meeting – May 20 at OHCHS
Budget Referendum – June 10 at Paris Fire Station

Volunteer Opportunities: The Town of Paris is looking for civic-minded residents to serve on town boards: two full-member seats on the Appeals Board and one seat on the NPC-TV Board. Applications are available online at www.parismaine.org.

Announcements, Notices

Fire Safety reminder: With the return of the outdoor fire season, Paris Fire Chief Mark Blaquiere reminds residents to burn safely and acquire proper permits. Visit maineforestservice.gov or contact your local fire station for more information.

Town-wide Property Revaluation: Beginning in September 2025, the Assessor’s Office will launch a four-year property revaluation process. This update, the first since 2014, aims to ensure fair taxation. Questions may be directed to the Town Manager or Assessor.

Paris Maintains Certified Ratio at 100%-The Maine Revenue Service (MRS) Property Tax Division has approved the declaration and supporting analysis documentation from the Assessor, allowing the town to maintain the Certified Ratio at 100%. This accomplishment follows the Market Adjustment conducted last year, which played a crucial role in preserving this ratio.

The Certified Ratio is essential for determining property tax assessments and is particularly significant for the town’s homestead exemption program. Maintaining a 100% ratio ensures that exemptions, such as the value of acres in the tree growth and farmland program, the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE), and veterans’ exemptions, are applied accurately.

Had the market adjustments not been implemented last year, the town would have faced a reduction in the Certified Ratio to the maximum allowed by the MRS—77%. Such a decrease would have required adjustments to exemptions and impacted property tax calculations across the municipality.

The Assessor expressed satisfaction with the approval, noting that the ongoing efforts to keep the ratio at 100% reflect the town’s commitment to accurate and fair property valuation.

Town Office

Town Office hours are Mon, Tue, Thu: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wed: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Fri: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Closed daily from 12:30–1 p.m., Mon–Thu). Holiday Closure: The office will be closed on May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. For more information, visit www.parismaine.org, call 207-743-2501, or email [email protected].