BANGOR, Maine — Colorful floating umbrellas have made their way to Cross Street in Bangor once again.
This year, the Umbrella Sky Project includes more whimsical features, like an extended canopy and upside-down umbrella seating and planters.
"It's a great way to bring in light and joy to Bangor and celebrate so much of the art history that is part of this community," local resident Taylor Ward said.
Ward stopped by to see the project with her young daughter.
The project is a collaboration between the Downtown Bangor Partnership and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. The mission is to connect to the community and promote public health as part of the hospital's "How Are You?" campaign.
"The Umbrella Sky Project is an international program that is intended to bring people together," Ali Worster, the vice president of human resources and patient experience at Northern Light Health, said. "It’s kind of a sense of joy and happiness."
Local business leaders say the project isn't just making people stop and smile, but it’s also helping to bring in customers.
"The businesses up on the street report that it has done wonders for drawing people up the street," Betsy Lundy, the executive director of Downtown Bangor Partnership, said.
Lundy said the hope was to bring in foot traffic from Main Street to the surrounding businesses.
"This is kind of that passageway that creates economic opportunity up on Columbia Street while also creating a space to enjoy art," Lundy said.
Nit-Noi Ricker, owner of 2 Feet Brewing on Columbia Street, is seeing how the additions to the project are attracting customers.
"It has completely changed how many people come up to Columbia Street," Ricker said. "It has definitely helped bring people here."
While also giving small business owners a sense of joy right outside their shops.
"Right at noon it gives like this fluttery—it's beautiful just the way you drive under it and the reflections. It’s really cool," Ricker added.
The Umbrella Sky Project first started in 2011 in Portugal, and now there are more than 170 installations worldwide.
Bangor’s experiential art installation will conclude in mid-October and return next May for its third and final installation.