DAMARISCOTTA, Maine — The community in Damariscotta is still coming to terms with the loss of what locals considered the town's centerpiece. The popular seaside dining spot, Schooner Landing was destroyed in a fire early Sunday morning.
"It was like I lost a good friend suddenly, and it was just, it’s just I don’t know if I’ve got over it," Larry Sidelinger, community member and president of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce said.
While many in town, including owner Scott Folsom, are still mourning the loss, they continue to keep their spirits high. The building is irreparable, but Folsom's dream isn't.
"We want to rebuild back that sense of community that this place provides for the town, and that’s really the whole soul of the place," Folsom said.
Folsom said his employees helped create that sense of community, so he's decided to hold a fundraiser to support the nearly 50 employees who are now out of work.
"Schoonerfest" will take place on Sunday, Sept. 22 in front of where the restaurant once stood, Folsom explained. The restaurant will set up a stage and have live music and food trucks starting at noon.
"They're going to be on the receiving end of the outpouring of love. Everybody wants to do something to help, and it's early on the road to a long journey," Sidelinger said.
Folsom said he would love to reopen the seasonal restaurant next summer, but he's uncertain if that timeline is possible. The restaurant typically closes at the end of October every season. Folsom said will redesign the restaurant and is planning to incorporate the view of the Damariscotta River.
"[We'll] try to make it as intimate and as much like Maine as it should be, you know? That’s really the primary focus in any design, is to keep that feel that we’ve had here for so long," Folsom added.
The community is saddened and shocked by the loss, but many people said they are eagerly awaiting the rebuild.
"My biggest hope is that the vibe comes back that was 'Schooner Landing.' The vibe comes back 'Going to Schoon tonight, gang? Anybody going to Schoon tonight?'" Sidelinger said.
