Local Fashion Designer ROXI SUGER organized this event with the goal of building a new green space and playground in downtown BIDDEFORD. Suger is one of the many entrepreneurs, organizations, leaders, individuals and small businesses that have spurred the revitalization of this once again thriving Mill Town.

Biddeford, Maine features 5 breweries, 2 distilleries, a famous Diner, a James Beard chef, a luxury hotel, shopping, elegant dining and so much more yet has NO DOWNTOWN PLAYGROUND. Biddeford features the youngest demographic in the state with an increasing number of young families that need a place to play.

Suger envisions a centrally located green space with a MAINE made playground structure by CEDARWORKS, a rainwater harvesting small water feature, progressive amenities for trash, recycling, and composting along with a dog doo service station with bags + sanitizer. Additionally Roxi is has partnered with the ECOLOGY SCHOOL to plan an educational aspect to the park with a small garden and interactive design details. Finally, Suger is working with HOB and the BIDDEFORD SCHOOLS to include an appealing space for middle school and high school students while also creating a program with the schools and the center of technology for tending and maintenance. Landscaping will be selected to be as easy care as possible while adding peace and beauty to the downtown.

The 2023 BIDDEFORD BALL took place in the historic PEPPERELL MILL. Specifically building 13-2W, a vast and lofty 25,000 sq ft open mill floor. This was one of the last undeveloped open spaces in Biddeford and Saco Mills. Generously sponsored by Presidium, the new owners of this incredible complex. The theme for this event was WHITE+CREAM. This was the dress code but looks could be formal or casual, street or costume. Light tans, khakis, flesh tones along with gold, silver, pearls and sparkle are all on theme. YOU do YOU.

We just hoped to see a zen palette of beauty.

One of the hallmarks of the Biddeford Ball has been to share these historic spaces with the community before they are subdivided for modern use. This was the 3rd Biddeford Ball to be held in the Pepperell Mill with the 2016 Black+Tan event held in Chinburg Properties Saco Mill #4 in 2016.

This spectacular event will featured food + drink from a wide range of local brewers, chefs, makers and bakers. After settling in to meet and greet, the Ball kicked into high gear with Guinean MASTER DRUMMER NAMORY and friends. Various dancers and performers hit the floor to inspire the crowd to move and groove.

Next was a jaw dropping runway show from Roxi Suger featuring her ANGELROX collection styled with vintage pieces honoring her Momma along with other local designers. Suger proudly crafts her sustainable comforting plant based clothing in the Pepperell Mill but as this show will prove her roots were planted in NYC.

Following the runway show was live Salsa music by PRIMO CUBANO. In between sets there were special performances of Bubble Burlesque and redesign.

The Heart of Biddeford was the Ball’s non-profit 501-3C sponsor. The vibrant downtown development group led the way in courting creative talent and new businesses to Biddeford. The tireless efforts of HOB’s director, Delilah Poupore, and her sweet volunteers led to Biddeford receiving the prestigious Great American Main Street Award in 2022. This coveted award recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. “Biddeford proved that equity and inclusion are the future of the Main Street movement,” said Main Street America President and CEO, Patrice Frey.

Ball attendees were picked up from nearby parking by white limos and brought to the door of the mill to save feet for dancing. Many out of town attendees stayed at the newly opened Lincoln Hotel.

Sponsors came from up and down the coast. Major contributors included Portland’s Coffee by Design, New Hampshire based Chinburg Properties and Jim Godbout Plumbing. Dannah from Kennebunkport, Bangor Savings Bank, M+T bank, Fathom Industries, Ocean View Properties and Equilibrium also helped to make this event possible along with generous assistance from Transformit, Biddeford Painting, Sherwin Williams Paint, and the Lincoln Hotel.

Food and beverage partners included Batson River Brewing, Quiro's Cafe, Reiley's Bakery, Otto Pizza, Dizzy Bird's, Nono's Gluten Free, Banded Brewing, Lucky Pigeon, Round Turn Distilling, Blaze Brewing, Sopo Wines, Crush Wines, The Remedy Cocktails.

Delilah from the Heart of Biddeford said “We were thrilled to see the return of the Biddeford Ball! Biddeford is special because people like Roxi share their passions and unique talents. I can guarantee that this Ball, like the first three, was an unforgettable evening. And it’s exciting that together we’ll be contributing to creating play space in the downtown!

And the new city councilor of Ward 5 in Biddeford, Julian Schlaver, shared “ The Biddeford Ball brought together businesses and residents and showcased the creativity of the community. It helped trigger a transformation that has led to the downtown being recognized nationally. This year’s event promises to be the most exciting and inspiring one yet and is sure to bring joy for a long time to come.

Follow the Biddeford Ball on Facebook and Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/biddefordball/

https://www.instagram.com/biddefordball/