Bangor Business Plans Birthday Block Party For Maine’s Most Famous Horror Writer

In exactly one month, Maine's most famous horror write will turn 78 years old.

Stephen King has certainly spent his fair share of time in the Queen City, and while he may not live here anymore, he is known for giving back to the community.

One local business owner, who also happens to be a fan of the author, thinks it's time the community shows it's love for King's special day with a proper party. So she's planning a giant Bangor Birthday Block Party in his honor.

Nit-Noi Ricker is the co-owner of 2 Feet Brewing on Colombia Street in Bangor.

Ricker says she's been an avid reader her entire life.

And one of her favorite authors just so happens to be Mr. King.

"A town in Southern Maine held a Stephen King day earlier this year, which made me wonder ‘Why isn’t Bangor i.e. Derry, Maine doing something.' "

"I looked up his birthday...discovered it was coming up in September and decided 'let’s get this done. Let’s throw him a 78th birthday party. ' "

Ricker says she started to brainstorm ideas, and reached out to some other local businesses/Stephen King fans for ideas and help.

"First people I called were SK tours Of Maine and they jumped at the idea of being a sponsor."

What came out of those brainstorming sessions was the idea to throw a Stephen King Birthday Block Party, with an old school carnival theme on Sunday, September 21st (King's actual birthday) in the area of Colombia Street.

"Expect creepy clowns, gunslingers, and bloody prom dresses, along with some Stephen King-themed amusements. There's something for every King fan."

"Dress up as your favorite Stephen King character and join us for a day of festivities, carnival games, food and fun under the Umbrella Sky Project on Cross Street, 2-4 p.m."

"A 'Pet Sematary' Pet Parade is scheduled to take place on Columbia Street at around 3:30 p.m."

There will be a Stephen King-themed carnival and Derry, Maine Beer Garden in the parking lot across from 2 Feet later that afternoon from 4 PM  to 8 PM.

Ricker says a number of local brewers will be represented in the Derry, Maine Beer Garden.

"2 Feet Brewing, Geaghans, Naiad, Sea Dog, Blaze, along with other Derry-local beers will be on tap and everyone in the garden gets a one-of-a-kind souvenir Derry, Maine
goblet."

"Stephen King-themed appetizers will be served, along with birthday cake for the city's most famous resident."

Ricker says she has even invited the birthday boy in person, and that whether he shows up or not, at least he now knows that the folks of Bangor, AKA Derry, will be celebrating him that day.

"Mr. King was in town on Tuesday, and I spoke to him and invited him and Tabby [his wife] to the party. He responded by saying, “We probably won’t make it, “ but I’m happy he knows, and you never know...I also sent him a birthday card invitation letting him know the details."

You can get your tickets to the birthday bash and find more info about it by clicking here.

Ricker says she's not sure what kind of crowd to expect, but hopes to make this an annual event.