On Sunday, September 18^th, the Sixth Annual Western Maine Recovery Rally will bring people from across Western Maine together to support and celebrate recovery from addiction. As a part of National Recovery Month, the rally will be a show of community support for those impacted by substance use, an opportunity to learn more about addiction and recovery, and a chance to connect with local resources providing support to those already in or looking for recovery.

The Recovery Rally will feature a unified march from downtown Norway, where people will gather at 11:00 am at Longley Square at 413 Main Street. Free rally t-shirts and signs to carry during the march will be available upon arrival. At 11:30, the crowd will begin a march, with police escorts, to Moore Park in South Paris, where a rally will be held with free food, resource tables, and speakers starting at 1:00 pm.

Speakers will share powerful personal stories about how their lives have been impacted by addiction and recovery. Over the history of this event, rally speakers have demonstrated that substance use impacts every corner of our communities and people from all walks of life. They’ve also shared stories of remarkable strength, compassion, and inspiration. Speakers will also include local legislators and legislative representatives. For many attendees, the speakers are the highlight of this important event. This year we are honored to welcome Jacinta, the subject of a recent documentary that shines a light on her journey with substance use disorder, incarceration, and recovery.

Following the speakers, the family-friendly celebration will continue with lawn games, children’s activities (in our new Kid’s Zone*), and more. The event will conclude at 3:30 pm, with transportation to take people back to their vehicles in Norway or the River Valley. This event will be held rain or shine.

The event is being coordinated by the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI), a nonprofit organization devoted to providing a compassionate response to the crisis of substance use in Oxford County and the surrounding area. Please consider donating to help fund the expenses for the rally.

*Kid’s Zone is an area that will be set up to entertain kids with a tattoo parlor, bubbles, stickers and more!