Beating the heat at community events | Column

Maine Braces for Heat Wave – Communities Turn to Cooling Centers and Local Events for Relief

By the Maine News Now Staff

September 7, 2026

A relentless heat wave has settled over the state, prompting local leaders to mobilize cooling resources and encourage residents to seek shade at community events. Sagadahoc County officials are opening public buildings as cooling centers, while the upcoming Heritage Days festival in Bath offers plenty of shaded venues and downtown shops as makeshift cool spots.

Cooling Centers Go Live

The Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency, led by Phil Davis, is coordinating the use of public buildings as cooling centers on the hottest days. “Where are there buildings with cooling systems in our region that could be used as cooling centers on extremely hot days?” Davis asked the county’s news outlet. He pointed out that the Shiloh Chapel in Durham will be open as a cooling center today and tomorrow.

County residents can help expand the list of available spaces. Davis invites building owners or managers who would like to serve as cooling centers to email the agency at [email protected] or call 207‑443‑8210. The agency is also willing to share information with counterparts in other counties, ensuring a statewide network of cooling sites for people who may not have air conditioning or who find themselves too warm while out and about.

Heritage Days Offers Shade and Comfort

The Heritage Days festival in Bath, running this weekend, is a welcome respite for locals seeking relief from the heat. Amanda McDaniel, executive director of Main Street Bath and chief bottle‑washer for the event, emphasized the importance of shade. “Shade, shade, shade; find some shade, and there is plenty of it,” she said. She added that Library Park, where artisans will set up canopies, and Waterfront Park both offer shaded areas. Even the parade route has spots where participants and spectators can cool off.

Heritage Days encourages visitors to stop by downtown Bath, where many shops have cold drinks and ice cream on hand. The festival’s website, visitbath.com, provides full details about schedules and locations.

Tips for Staying Safe

• Bring water. Hydration is key; a reusable bottle is preferable to single‑serve options.
• Seek shade. Many events offer shaded stages or canopy‑covered vendors.
• Use cooling centers. If you have no air conditioning at home, head to a local cooling center.
• Watch out for dogs. Pet owners are reminded that animals can overheat quickly. They need water, shade, and a functioning AC if they are in a vehicle. A hot dog can become irritable and dangerous.
• Mind your surroundings. Overly hot pavement can increase body temperature; avoid walking barefoot in the heat.

Community Spirit

Cory King, executive director of the Bath‑Brunswick‑Topsham Regional Chamber of Commerce, praised the community’s willingness to share resources. “It takes all of us to support the community, and if some citizens cannot afford air conditioning or they just find themselves too warm while they are out and about, this support can be critical,” he said. King urged residents to help promote any building willing to serve as a cooling center.

Looking Ahead

The Great State of Maine Air Show is scheduled for next weekend, a highlight that will also draw crowds in the heat. Organizers and visitors alike are encouraged to use the cooling centers and shaded event spaces already in place.

For those needing more information about cooling centers or wishing to volunteer as a cooling site, contact Phil Davis at [email protected] or 207‑443‑8210. Meanwhile, enjoy the festivities at Heritage Days and the local shops—remember, staying cool is just as important as having fun.