Bucksport’s longtime paper mill closed late last year. Now, an offensive is well under way against the idea — put forward by some after the closure was announced in October — that the mill closure means there’s not much going on in this town anymore.

A group of residents, officials, organizations and businesses from around the area have been working to ensure Bucksport can reinvent itself, as other municipalities farther down the coast have, when their economic engines stalled.

To do so, they’re looking to one of Bucksport’s finest assets: its Main Street, nestled just above the mouth of the Penobscot River and offering views of Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

PHOTO BY CHARLES EICHACKER

To draw people downtown to enjoy those vistas this summer, a weekly series of performances and programs is in full swing. Called Wednesdays on Main, each takes place on Main Street, complementing the small eateries, shops and arts and culture offerings already there.

The program kicked off in early June, with a performance by Bar Harbor’s Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers at the Alamo Theatre.

The Wednesdays on Main performers also include blues, jazz and country players, the political newspaper cartoonist George Danby, children busking their hearts out and more.

Each event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. The series lasts through Labor Day.

Some of the events are free, while others charge a modest admission fee, according to organizer Paula Kee. Downtown merchants and restaurants have been encouraged to stay open during the programs, Kee said.

Supporters of Wednesdays of Main include the town of Bucksport, Camden National Bank and Bangor Savings Bank.

More information about the programs can be found at www.bucksportwom.com.