Bowl in the PinesRenovated 2022Bowl in the Pines Renovated

One of the largest amphitheaters in the nation, Snow Pond Center for the Arts’ historic Bowl in the Pines (re)opens this summer for national touring artists. Recently completed major renovations enhance the experience for the audience and artists alike — making the Bowl one of the best performance venues in New England.

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Sidney arts center to host inaugural beer festival, signaling return of food-drink gatherings

May 23, 2021 - Sidney - As the Snow Pond Center for the Arts plans its first craft brew and music festival for Sept. 11 on Messalonskee Lake, other annual gatherings are planning returns as COVID-19 pandemic precautions are eased.
KENNEBEC VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL AWARDS $1,662.50 IN SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT TO SNOW PONDKV Tourism
May 17, 2021 - Augusta, Maine –Kennebec Valley Tourism Council (KVTC) has awarded Sponsorship Support funds in the amount of $1,662.50 to Snow Pond Center for the Arts to be used for a Marketing Video. This funding will assist in the growth of tourism in Maine's Kennebec Valley and produce a positive economic impact on the region.

maine arts logo smallSnow Pond Center for the Arts & The Maine Arts Commission Partner To Increase Awareness in Regards to the Importance of Arts Education

March 18, 2021 - Sidney, ME - Snow Pond Center for the Arts is proud to announce it has been awarded the Large Partnership Grant from the Maine Arts Commission. The funds, totaling $8,500, will support Snow Pond’s Outreach Programs, which are aimed at providing access to arts education to students in the community-at-large. This generous grant will allow Snow Pond to invest in program marketing to increase awareness of the importance of the arts and to build capacity within its programs to serve even more students. Kerstin Gilg , Maine Arts Commission's Director of Grants & Accessibility noted, “The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to be able to support the good work of Snow Pond Center for the Arts with a Partnership grant. The arts education programming that they are providing to central Maine communities is especially valuable during the difficulties created by the pandemic and its impact on schools. “

CulinaryMaine Arts Academy's Pilot Program in Culinary Arts, a Hit with Students and Staff

March 11, 2021 - Lindsay Knapp presented two options regarding sweet potato preparation to the six Maine Arts Academy students gathered around her. “You can peel them and chop them,” Knapp said, “or roast them off.” “Oh, yeah,” responded Kadence Reynolds.  Roast them it was.

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Renovated Bowl in the Pines Amphitheater Looks to Draw National Acts to Sidney

February 15, 21 - SIDNEY — After undergoing over $1 million in renovations, Snow Pond Center for the Arts
officials hope to attract national musical acts to the Bowl in the Pines Amphitheater.

071320 Snowpond Center 3 optNot-so-happy camping, but some Maine businesses keep economic embers burning

July 13, 20 - Any Maine summer camp brochure will tell you that the weeks spent at camp are magical. The numbers are magical, too. Maine’s summer camps, many more than a century old, have grown into a $200 million industry, with more than 150 camps, drawing 40,000 campers and 12,000 employees.

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Snow Pond Center for the Arts receives $2,500 grant to promote Kayak 2020

Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney has been awarded a grant of $2,500 from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council to promote Kayak 2020, according to a news release from the center.

bowl renderingBowl in the Pines amphitheater renovation gets $475K USDA loan

June 25, 2020 - The ongoing renovation of the historic Bowl in the Pines ampitheater, at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney, will be completed this year with a boost from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Winter Carnival 2020 NewsWinter Carnival, Ice Fishing Derby, Fat Bike Rally set for Feb. 29 in Sidney

Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Northern Light Inland Hospital and Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness will host its Winter Carnival, Ice Fishing Derby and Fat Bike Rally on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, at 8 Goldenrod Lane, Sidney, according to a news release from Mike Guarino, fishing derby coordinator and community relations specialist for Snow Pond.

Building Tomorrow TodayThe Betterment Fund Says “YES” ...

October 1, 19 - The Betterment Fund Says "Yes" to Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Support of a Comprehensive Community & Economic Development Planning Project for the Belgrade Lakes Region

CIRDSnow Pond Center gets backup to spark regional development effort

September 13, 19 - One of 23 designees nationwide for the National Endowment of the Arts program, the Sidney arts center says the initiative is the starting point for a Kennebec County collaborative economic development strategy.

Childrens MuseumSnow Pond Center for the Arts to offer music lessons for people of all ages at the new Children's Discovery Museum starting this fall

August 18, 19 - Those touring the future home of the Children's Discovery Museum on Thursday viewed space inside the building on Eustis Parkway and got to interact with museum exhibits on the lawn outside.

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Bowl in the Pines renovation gets boost from Kennebec Savings Bank

July 8, 19 - Upgrades to the Bowl in the Pines amphitheater at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney, seen here before recent upgrades, are expected to boost the economy of the Belgrade Lakes region and nearby Waterville and Augusta.

Beautiful Belgrade Lakesbowl purple

6/27/19 - Snow Pond Center for the Arts and New England Music Camp announce their 2019 summer Music Series

 

caribbean jazzCaribbean jazz, home-cooked brunch rock Snow Pond Center for the Arts audience

6/22/19 - Students at the 10-day intensive Caribbean Jazz Institute at the Sidney-based arts camp performed for a central Maine audience Saturday morning.

Once more across the lakeOnce More Across the Lake

June '19  - Pond ponderer Jennifer Finney Boylan offers a local’s tour of the Belgrade Lakes — and a heartfelt ode to living where others vacation.

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Snow Pond Learning & Innovation Center finishes with a flourish

10/17/18 - The Snow Pond Learning & Innovation Center is the newest building on the campus in Sidney, and will be the center of its distance learning program. The building was officially dedicated Tuesday.

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Snow Pond Center for the Arts continues to develop its mission

4/4/18 - A major renovation to the historic Bowl in the Pines outdoor amphitheater at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts is expected to be an economic boost for the area.

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Frozen Face-Off

January 2018 - Camaraderie abounds as skaters brave the elements at the annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic

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Snow Pond Center for the Arts receives $16,000 grant

January 2018 - Robbin-De Beaumont Foundation award to provide music and performing arts education to children in rural Maine communities.

Trail Map

Trail Notes

  • This trail system requires some short-term effort, but it will give back for generations because it's done in a way that's sustainable. Sustainable trails are built to have as little impact on the environment as possible and to integrate with the surrounding landscape. Snow Pond Community Trails are built to make trail use and maintenance as simple and low-cost as possible.

A sustainable trail is one that:

  • Supports recreation today and tomorrow with minimal impact on nearby ecosystems.
  • Leaves soil intact, allowing vegetation to inhabit the area.
  • May requiring pruning or removal of nearby plants to ensure proper trail construction and maintenance.
  • Doesn't harm wildlife.
  • Requires a minimal amount of trail maintenance.

These trails circle around the land's natural features. It meanders through the wilderness and affords spectacular views. It takes advantage of existing logging roads, very few trees need to be removed. All trees removed will be reserved for use as mulch, board walks, retaining walls. All small vegetation and trimmings will be piled in the woods so they can decompose and return to the soil. Some stones may be rolled to the side with a shovel to reduce hazards in the trail. Some areas need bridges over waterways and over low, wet spots. All foot bridges will be designed to have low impact on the environment. Trails may be marked with signs, ribbons or paint blazes. Scaled Aerial images of Trails and property will be provided to hikers.

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63353567676 8EC7D9C3 B4ED 4BA5 8E0D 95B5691FB4BEThe Snow Pond Community Trails provide residents and visitors with over 2.5 miles of groomed trails that take you around a beautifully wooded wetland habitat. Located between Waterville and Augusta off the Pond Road (Route 23), straight across from the Snow Pond Center for the Arts entrance. The trails offer individuals of all ages and abilities access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, walking, and running.  

Trail Map

Snow Pond’s Maine Recreational Guide offers scheduled educational opportunities through planned discovery walks along the trails that surround the designated wading bird habitat. Participants learn about flora and fauna, wild mushrooms, and general wildlife including beaver, muskrats, fox, deer, wild turkeys, and more.

When you come to campus for a dinner and summer concert, a week-long camp, or a community event, these recreational opportunities in this natural landscape will enhance your overall experience!

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Dogs are welcomed on the Snow Pond Community Trails.

Current Trail Conditions

The Snow Pond Community Trails system is open year-round.  Trails are groomed in the winter and offer excellent snowshoeing and fat biking.  Information is available at the trailhead kiosk and inside the Snow Pond Visitors Center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, except for holidays. 

Snow Pond Center for the Arts is privileged to have the support of community partners who make it possible for us to present the artistic and cultural programming that enriches the quality of life in central Maine.

Sponsors receive a limited number of complimentary tickets to a Snow Pond Summer Series Concert and may also elect to host a private reception at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, prior to or after a performance.

If you are interested in reviewing our sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christine Durgin at (844) 476-6976 ext. 804 or by email at . Sponsorships are available for a minimum of $100.

Please visit Snow Pond’s sponsors below.

Snow Pond Center for the Arts