Local Spotlight: Angie Presby

Downtown organization Saco Main Street is under the helm of Executive Director Angie Presby, who leads with energy and a collaborative spirit. Angie is also a busy mother to two daughters--Natalie 18, Gabby 14, -- and always on the move, whether it is handing out flyers for Saco Main Street’s next big community event, gathering pumpkins at the patch or attending the Main Street America national conference. As a lifelong resident of Saco, Angie has deep roots in the community. I asked Angie about her journey.

When our paths first crossed, we were both volunteers for Saco Main Street. That led to becoming a board member and now, full circle, you are Saco Main Street’s Executive Director. Talk to me about what growing with Saco Main Street has meant to you.

I began volunteering in 2019 after seeing a call for volunteers for the Pumpkin Harvest Festival planning committee. At the time, I was working a job in corporate America that had grown repetitive, focused on data entry, and I felt the need for a creative outlet. Joining the Pumpkin Fest planning team was such a rewarding experience that I quickly signed up to help plan the Parade of Lights. My enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed; the board invited me to join, and I eventually became President. When the Executive Director position opened, I pursued it wholeheartedly. I felt at my best while contributing to planning meetings, brainstorming, organizing events, and engaging with the wider community. I officially took on the role in August 2023.

As a leader, my approach is rooted in collaboration. I strive to ensure each of our board members feels purposeful and heard as we work toward the progress of Saco Main Street. I’m thrilled to share that our current board is doing outstanding work, helping me refine our organization. They’re incredibly energized and passionate about downtown, and it’s an honor to work alongside them.

You are a busy mom with accomplished kids, any advice for other busy parents? How do you find work/life balance? What are your favorite things to do in your free time with your family?

Thank you, Amanda, that is a very kind complement. I am so lucky. My girls have been my biggest cheerleaders. They are smart, athletic, motivated, and hilarious. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I work downtown and am close to TA to get the see my girls’ lacrosse or volleyball games. I can be flexible with my hours, where I know not everyone can do that. My advice: Set limits. Know when you’re being stretched too thin and give yourself some time back to do things that make you happy. 

What makes Saco special?

Saco is an incredible place to call home, with its rich variety of landscapes—from a historic downtown and the scenic Saco River to beautiful trails, beaches, and farmland. It’s comfortable, welcoming, and full of character. There’s so much here to appreciate and enjoy, and the community is truly one of a kind. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with classmates who have also chosen to stay and raise their families here. The more I engage with the community, the more meaningful it feels.

Being a director has ups and downs (especially when it is time to put up the lights on Main Street). Tell me some of the things that have made you smile the biggest and feel the most proud.

Ha! Up the ladder, down the ladder… that’s a good one. (We’ll be putting lights up on November 16^th if anyone is interested in the ups and downs)

I learned that we had won the T-Mobile Hometown grant once I landed in Portland from our Main Street conference. As I read the news, I was smiling so big and dancing and clapping in my seat on the plane. I thought, ok! We are ready to do big things for downtown. Saco Main Street reinvests back into the community. $49, 279 for the Riverfront Revitalization Project is just the beginning. We’ve been awarded $113,000 to continue working on activating the Saco River Riverwalk, and are working on another grant project that focuses on activating the Saco River in Saco.  In addition to these exciting projects, I’m incredibly proud of our staff and volunteers. They’re just as invested in Saco as I am, always willing to put in the long hours needed to make each event and program a success. I love that Saco Main Street brings people together, creating a welcoming space to form friendships and connections.

I know you are a busy mom who is always giving time volunteering in some capacity. Allow me to toot your own horn for you, please tell me all the ways you give back to our community:

Oh, thank you! I serve on many boards and commissions either as a resident, or as a Saco Main Street liaison including Thornton Academy Alumni Association, Saco Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission Long Range Planning Committee, The Arts Commission, Economic Development Commission, and the Maine Beaches Board. We also volunteer yearly at Saco Earth Day clean up and with Stewards of the Park. If I could volunteer more I would.

If we could transport you anywhere for a much needed vacation, where would the transporter drop you off and why?

 A few ideas come to mind. First, Ocean Park because I love our beaches and have always wanted to ‘vacation’ there. Second, I would love to take a road trip across the country to visit other Main Streets. And I would do a spiritual retreat - location wouldn’t matter.

One of Saco’s favorite events is the Harvest Pumpkin Festival. Thoughts from this year? Highlights?

Pumpkin Harvest Festival was a phenomenal success. We estimate 8,000 people visited Main Street. I was so happy to see so many people enjoying Main Street. We have a gorgeous downtown, and right now with all the fall foliage it’s picture perfect; I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I am incredibly impressed with all the vendors, performances, volunteers, Saco Main Street board members, event sponsors, Main Street businesses and city staff; everything went so well. We work closely with all the departments in the city to ensure a smooth and safe event, and we couldn’t do it without their support so thank you to the City of Saco.

Saco has a few ways to support local businesses during the holiday season, tell us how we can shop and support local businesses.

We have exciting ways to support local crafters, makers and businesses in November.  First up is The Main Street Market on Sunday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thornton Academy Gym. https://sacomainstreet.org/event/main-street-market/

The next week is Saco Bucks Saturday on Nov. 30 where we’ll distribute $10 “Saco Bucks” which can be redeemed at our participating businesses, see our website for more details:  https://sacomainstreet.org/event/small-business-saturday/  

One of the community’s favorite parades is the Christmas Lights parade. What else is happening this season and how can we get involved?

As for December, the lighting of the city tree will be the evening of December 6th adjacent to the Saco Transportation Station. To conclude our event season, Saturday Dec. 14 is our popular Holiday Festival and Parade of Lights. During the day on the 14^th, we’ll have multiple activities going on including Storytime with Santa at City Hall with the parade starting at 6pm. New volunteers are always welcome and sign-up spots are on our events page: https://sacomainstreet.org/calendar/ . Our motto is “it’s a great day to be on Main!”—I invite you to join us, get involved and see why.

Contributing author Amanda Zimmerman

-Amanda is a Saco Resident who considers herself to be the “World’s Okayest Mom” to two terrific teenagers, a boyfriend who is the bee’s knees, and a cavalcade of pets ranging from furry to scaly.