EVENTS

 The RSU22 Education Foundation invited local businesses and organizations to participate in the new and improved 2026 RSU22 Education Foundation Community Expo & Kids Carnival —designed to encourage families to stay longer, explore vendor booths, and engage meaningfully with the community! 

All types of businesses and organizations were welcome - large, small, and part-time as well as nonprofits!  Several businesses in food, crafts/handmade goods, health-related services, technology services, financial services, construction/landscaping, and real estate as well as several nonprofits registered (see list below).  

Exhibitor Only Deadline - CLOSED: 

Friday, March 13, 2026. 

(as of 3/21/26 - 38 Exhibitors and 46 Orgs total registered! See list below by category.)

Sponsor Deadline - CLOSED: 

Friday, February  27, 2026  - we had 13 wonderful sponsors - well exceeding our goal of 10! (Come back next year for Premier @$1,500, Community @$500, Supporting @$250 and In-Kind Sponsor Levels. )

Register here as a local small business or nonprofit Exhibitor/Vendor or see below for more details next year. 

A major highlight of the event was the Kids Carnival, led by RSU22 students:

• Students from each grade level, along with school clubs and athletic teams, hosted carnival games and activities
• This built school pride, student leadership, and authentic community involvement
• Families were encouraged to stay longer, participate, and visit vendor booths throughout the event

The result was a lively, interactive atmosphere with built-in enthusiasm and steady foot traffic.

Proceeds from the game tickets sold will be shared between the clubs and RSU22 Foundation to support our teachers and classrooms.  

18 games and activities were held by Hampden Academy high school student clubs, RSU22 staff & programs, and local community organizations including: 

• Art Club 
• Beekeeping Club
• Bronco Little League
• Girl Scouts of Maine
• Hampden Academy Cross Country
• Hampden Academy Hockey
• Key Club
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• Robotics Club
• RSU22 Education Foundation
• RSU22 Education Outreach Coordinator
• RSU22 Nutrition Program
• Unified Club
• United Technologies Center (UTC)

We also introduced a dedicated Wellness Area to expand the audience and add value for attendees, featuring:

• CPR and life-saving skills certificate courses (pre-registration required)
• Wellness-focused organizations and safety resources
• Select free services and educational opportunities for families and caregivers

Participants just dropped-in without signing up for most of these programs, except Stop the Bleed and CPR/First Aid. 

• Kid's Dental Health - Bangor Children's Dentistry - 10-11 AM
• Balance Assessments - Saco Bay Physical Therapy - 10 AM - 12 PM
• Car Seat Checks - drive thru/drop-in outside HA building - UMaine/UMA-BGR Police, 10 AM - 12 PM
• Stop the Bleed Certification - Hampden Public Safety, 10-11 AM (pre-register here - 20 participants max - free/$0)
• AHA CPR and First Aid Certification - RSU22 Nurses, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM (pre-register here- 16 people max - $35)
• Nutrition & Healthy Eating  - Hannaford
• Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment - Bangor Public Health
• Early Childhood and Elderly Care - Maine CDC

Register here next year for CPR/First Aid and Stop the Bleed due to space limits.