News

The 3rd Annual Island Connections Sugar Showdown, was held on February 8th at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel in Bar Harbor. The event was another success, with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan (BHSLA) proudly serving as the Title Sponsor. Over 300 guests attended, enjoying a wide variety of baked goods, including cakes, cookies and other treats.

David Cohen, President & CEO of BHSLA expressed his support for the event, stating, "This is a great event for the community, bringing people together to raise funds for Island Connections. BHSLA is honored to support Island Connections in all they do." Cohen also highlighted his pride in serving on the board of Island Connections, which plays a vital role in assisting seniors and individuals with disabilities by providing transportation to medical appointments, delivering Meals on Wheels, and facilitating grocery shopping for neighbors in need.

Participants competed in four categories: Sweet Surprise, Cookie Creations, Showstopper, Community Choice and Most Dazzling Cake, with the community also voting for their favorite samples using tokens purchased with their tickets. The judges tallied both the community votes and the top entries in each category.

The winners of the competition were as follows:

SWEET SURPRISE

1. Nanaimo Bars by Della Kiers
2. Two Taste Eclairs by Michelle Brzezowski
3. Signature Cinnamon Rolls by The Maine Crumb

COOKIE CREATIONS

1. Ube Crinkle Cookies by Baked by Joy
2. Millionaire Shortbread by Kelly O’Laughlin
3. Taylor Swift Chai Cookies by Elizabeth Barnhart-Sweeney

SHOWSTOPPER

1. Hazelnut Bliss by Rylee Goller / Slice of Eden
2. The Enchanted Forest by Mary de Koning
3. Joyful by Carol Schaefer

COMMUNITY CHOICE

• Joyful by Carol Schaefer

MOST DAZZLING CAKE

• Memento Mori by Beyond Scraps of Flour

The event featured entertainment by the Washboard Rebellion, further enhancing the lively atmosphere. In addition to Bar Harbor Savings & Loan Association, event sponsors included the Atlantic Oceanside, Star 97.7, Rotary International, the Knowles Company, Bark Harbor, and local community members. Proceeds from the event will benefit Island Connections, supporting their mission to provide essential transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities on Mount Desert Island.

Last year was a record year for Island Connections, we coordinated 150 more rides to grocery shopping and medical appointments than ever before, and the support we see at events like the Sugar Showdown reminds us just how much this community shows up for one another. We want to keep showing up for our neighbors all year long, so our need for volunteers right now is critical,” Carissa Tinker. Executive Director said.

For more information about Island Connections, visit islconnections.org.