About 65 people marched up Main Street Thursday, Aug. 31 in Wiscasset in remembrance of loved ones lost to overdoses.

The 716 Candles Project was a weeklong series of events throughout Lincoln County, surrounding International Overdose Awareness Day and culminating with the Parade of Candles at Wiscasset Art Walk; 716 represents the number of lives lost in Maine in 2022 to overdose.

Parade participants gathered in the Sunken Garden, lit with 716 purple tea lights, and shared personal stories, expressing support for one another and the cause. Selectman Terry Heller gave opening remarks before turning the floor over to anyone who wanted to share.

Artist Cecilia Ludwig painted recovery-themed rocks and placed them in the Sunken Garden. “I have been placing painted rocks in the garden since I moved here. I hope they give people joy,” she wrote.

Photographer Charles Richards displayed a series of black and white photos of people affected by substance use. “I wanted to display photos that would help get rid of the stigmas, to remind us that these are real people,” he said.

A complete list of artists who participated in the 716 Candles Project in Wiscasset can be found at https://716candlesproject.wordpress.com/wiscasset-art-walk-parade-of-candles/

Healthy Lincoln County with support from 20 local businesses and nonprofits, individual donors and volunteers hosted the event. They work to build awareness on matters related to addiction, educate on prevention, build communities of supporters, and de-stigmatize addiction. Earlier that day in Boothbay, a forum of local addiction experts, politicians including Gov. Janet Mills, and community stakeholders addressed regional concerns and strategies.