Paris is set for a bustling month filled with exciting events, community activities, and essential local services. Here’s everything you need to know:

Paris Cape Historical Society Fundraiser: The fourth edition of the Paris Hill Commemorative Egg is now available for purchase. This year’s egg honors the memory of Ben Conant, the esteemed founder and beloved curator of the Paris Cape Historical Society. Ben’s dedication to preserving local history has left an indelible mark on the community, and this tribute ensures his legacy lives on.

Each egg is available for a $10 donation, with all proceeds going toward the development and maintenance of a dedicated website preserving the history of Paris, Maine. To place an order, contact Linda Richardson at [email protected]. Your support is greatly appreciated in celebrating Mr. Conant’s contributions and keeping Paris’s history alive.

Upcoming Events & Activities

•  Easter Scavenger Hunt: The Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to participate in a community-wide Easter Scavenger Hunt from April 14 to April 18. Six wooden eggs will be hidden in various local businesses across Paris. Participants can collect stamps for their scavenger cards, which will be available at the Town Office on April 10 and 11 or via email at [email protected]. The hunt concludes on April 18 with prize distribution at the Paris Fire Station at 5 p.m., followed by a rescheduled screening of Peter Rabbit at 6 p.m.

•  Rescheduled Family Movie Night: Peter Rabbit. Paris Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with Oxford Federal Credit Union, will host a free screening of Peter Rabbit on Friday, April 18, at 6 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station. Complimentary popcorn and treats will be available—bring a blanket for a cozy viewing experience.

•  May Day Play Day/Touch a Truck: The Paris Fire Department will be participating in the second annual Oxford County Touch-a-Truck May Day Play Day event at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Quiet Hour 9-10). Hosted by Community Concepts, the Oxford Hills Rotary Club, and the Oxford Hills High School Interact Club, this family-friendly event offers a chance to explore trucks and emergency vehicles while enjoying free food and games.

Firefighters will be on hand to answer questions, provide fire safety tips, and offer interactive demonstrations, including a hands-on experience with firefighting equipment. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet local heroes and learn more about fire safety in a fun and engaging environment.

•  Yoga Classes: Support the Town of Paris Food Pantry by bringing a small bag of non-perishable food or personal care items to receive your first yoga class free.

•  Toddler Yoga with Three Eyed Raven – Mondays, 9-10:30 a.m. at the Paris Fire Station for children ages 2-6. The cost is $8 per child, $5 for siblings.

•  Beginner Yoga for All Ages – Mondays, 6-7 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station. Cost: $10 per participant.

•  Paris Vendor Fair: Support local businesses at the Paris Vendor Fair on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station. Vendor tables are available for $10, with free participation for young entrepreneurs.

•  Dog Training: Obedience Through Agility: HeartSong Kennel offers obedience and agility training every Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 PM at the Paris Fire Station. Cost: $25 per session or $90 for four classes.

Community Involvement

Elections – Elections will be held on June 10 at the Paris Fire Station. Absentee ballots will be available from May 12 to June 5 at the Paris Town Office and must be returned by June 10 at 8 p.m.

MSAD 17 Budget Meetings – The MSAD 17 school district has scheduled key budget meetings:

Board Approval of Budget: May 5 (OHCHS)
District Budget Meeting: May 20 (OHCHS)
District Budget Referendum: June 10 (Paris Fire Station) Residents are encouraged to participate and vote on the proposed budget.

Volunteer Opportunities: The town is seeking volunteers for the following: Two full-member seats on the Appeals Board and one seat on the NPC-TV Board

Local Services & Notices

New Commuter Bus Service: Western Maine Transportation Services has launched the GoldLine L~A – Norway/South Paris commuter bus pilot program, operating Monday through Friday with three round-trips daily. Evening service runs from 4-8 p.m. The pilot runs through May 30, and riders are encouraged to provide feedback at 800-393-9335. Schedule updates can be found on the Western Maine Transportation Facebook page.

Property Tax Fairness Credit: Paris residents who own or rent property may qualify for the Property Tax Fairness Credit. More details are available at www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/income-tax-credits/property-tax-fairness-credit.

Town-Wide Property Revaluation: Beginning in September 2025, the Assessor’s Office will conduct a phased, four-year property revaluation, concluding in 2029. This revaluation, last done in 2014, ensures fair and equitable property tax assessments. For inquiries, contact the Town Manager or Assessor.

Building & Solar Panel Projects: Residents planning construction or solar panel installations should consult Code Enforcement Officer Chris Summers at the Paris Town Office for guidance.

Road Postings & Weight Limits: Until May 15, the following roads in Paris have a 10-ton weight limit, unless lifted earlier by the town:

Alpine Street, Bisco Road, Brett Hill, Christian Ridge Road, Corbett Road, Cottage Street, Cross Street, Durgin Road, East Oxford Road, Ellingwood Road, Elm Hill Road, Farm View Lane, Halls Pond Road, Hill Street, Hooper Ledge Road, Inman Road, Jackson Crossing, King Hill, Lovejoy Road, Military Road, Mount Mica Road, Old Route 26, Nichol Street, Nishell Drive, Paris Hill Road, Parsons Road, Prospect Street, Reservoir Road, Ryerson Hill, Stearns Hill Road, Stock Farm Road, Streaked Mountain Road, Swallow Road, Sumner Road, Sunrise Drive, Thayer Road, Upper Swallow Road, Oxford Street, Western Prom. For details, contact Road Commissioner Jamie Hutchinson at 743-2547 or 462-7200.

Town Office Information

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:30 – 1 p.m., Monday-Thursday)
Closed on April 21 in observance of Patriots’ Day

Upcoming Meetings:

Select Board Meeting: April 14 at 6 p.m. – Paris Town Office
Planning Board Meeting: April 23 at 6 p.m. – Paris Town Office
Town Meeting: June 16 at 6 p.m. – Paris Fire Station

For more information, visit www.parismaine.org, call 207-743-2501, or email [email protected].

Stay engaged—Paris thrives when its residents participate.