Umbrellas Go Up As Bangor Readies To Get Down And Celebrate A New Art Installation

Last month, the Bangor City Council set in motion to join Bangor, Maine with the likes of Bahrain, Portugal, and France, by approving the installation of a Mary Poppins-inspired art piece called "Umbrella Sky."

This week, that installation is becoming a reality, as the metal cables are positioned and the umbrellas opened and hung along Cross Street in Bangor.

With the help of a boom lift, workers spent the first part of Tuesday, hoisted high in the hot sun, drilling anchors into the historic buildings that line Cross St. and placing the wire cables that umbrellas would eventually hang from.

By late afternoon, the first umbrellas were opened up and hung out along the lines.

The installation, which is being funded by Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, is in part an effort to drive more foot traffic to that area of town, but also to create a picturesque space of whimsey, worthy of being an Instagrammable destination.

Once all of the umbrellas have been placed, the City plans to hold a celebration.

This coming Monday, July 31st from 4:30 PM to 7 PM, folks in the Bangor area are invited to come have some fun!

According to the Event Facebook Page,

"Join Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and Downtown Bangor in celebrating Bangor's newest art installation Umbrella Sky with a launch party featuring snacks, a performance by Maine Street R&B Review, and some top-notch Instagramable moments. Be sure to hashtag yourself #HowAreYouBangor."

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The original proposal also included the addition of some upside-down umbrella benches to be placed along the path surrounding the installation, but there's no word yet on when those featured will be added to the installation.