Local Spotlight: Anonymous creator of Biddeford Instagram page

Many locals scrolling through Instagram have somehow or another found their way to the page Balls Deep in Biddo. Once you land there, you’ll want to stay a while.

Balls Deep in Biddo is an unfiltered, honest look at the city of Biddeford, an ongoing photo essay lovingly portraying the city, and showcasing the beautiful and the not-so beautiful parts. The creator of the page remains anonymous, though they did agree to answer some questions via a private chat on Instagram.

First and foremost, do you live in Biddeford?

Absolutely, right in the meaty core of the city.

Did you grow up here, or are you a transplant?

I’m from here. I haven’t necessarily always lived in Biddo, but definitely not “from away”.

Tell me about Balls Deep In Biddo. How would you describe it?

It’s a heartfelt ode to my favorite place in the world. A low-brow, high-quality, honest observation of the culture, experience, hilarity, and pain of the city. You can find photos of haphazardly-discarded used needles and dentures, as well as arts and cultural events featured on the page. It was born out of my crippling depression, and my severely uncomfortable itch to do something creative. I made it for my own entertainment, but am elated that others have enjoyed and appreciated it as well.

How did you come up with the name?

I feel Balls Deep in Biddo from the innermost depths of my soul. Actually, when I first created it and told my closest friends about it in our group chat, I think I said “It’s a really dumb name; I’m pretty sure I have the ability to change it if I think of something better.” Turns out, there is nothing better.

What sorts of things strike your fancy and become, in your eyes, Instagramable?

Stolen shopping carts parked next to a dumpster. Pop-up memorials of the recently deceased young street people (RIP Serina and Ian). Vibrant awe-inspiring sunsets. Illegally dumped bed bug mattresses.

You have about 800 followers. Did you think when you started the Instagram page that many people would follow you?

Nope. Nor did I think a newspaper would interview me. Life is funny sometimes.

Why do you think your page is popular with the locals?

It’s relatable. We’re all living the same weird experiences & in on the same inside jokes. I created two “Biddo Bingo” games, which each Bingo square has a reference unique to the city, and you mark it off if you can personally relate. It was a big hit; players shared their multiple wins. I actually mailed one winner a victory prize, which included a scratcher from Three D’s and a filled punch card for a free Element’s drink. Check it out if you haven’t already!

Why do you prefer to remain anonymous?

The page is about the city, not the jabroni posting about the city.

I’ll respect your desire to be anonymous, but is there anything you can tell us about yourself. Like, what do you do for a living, do you have any pets? What’s your favorite color?

I appreciate you respecting my anonymity! My top-secret identity keeps the magic alive. I work a boring desk job (which, I actually enjoy boring monotonous things). I have an old obese kitty. Blue. I think? Damn, asking the real hard-hitting questions now, huh?

What’s your favorite restaurant in Biddeford and what do you typically order?

I could eat pizza everyday & be content. The best is Coletti’s. Go for the margerita, stay for the multiple framed photographs on display of 90s prop-comic, Carrot Top.

Favorite bar and drink?

Round Turn Distilling (“The Gin Bar”), absolutely nothing compares. Their Saturn is out of this world, as are the Bramble, Tom Collins, and the gin-tenders serving them. & everyone knows that a REAL Biddo night out ends at Champions Sports Bar (“Champs”).

How would you describe Biddeford to someone “from away?”

A mill town that has always known struggle and judgement, but has persistently and proudly carried on, & is now getting national recognition as a worthy destination. Thanks to its impressive arts & culinary scene, clean picturesque beaches, fascinating history and architecture, small-town feel with big-time character, outsiders are finally starting to see what we have known all along: being balls deep in Biddo is something worth boasting about.

What makes Biddeford special?

Its grit. How unapologetically real it is.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.