One of the many fireworks on display at the celebration in Farmington last year. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Several Independence Day festivities are planned in central Maine. Parades, music, festivals and fireworks are a few options for those seeking to celebrate the holiday.
BETHEL: Fourth of July picnic and concert
Come to the lawn of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Dr. Moses Mason House, 10 Broad St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday for a concert of patriotic songs performed by the Portland Brass Quintet. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a musical ensemble.
This year will feature a very special guest, Team USA bobsledder and Army World Class Athlete, Bethel’s own Frankie Del Duca.
FARMINGTON: July Fourth parade
The Farmington Rotary Fourth of July parade is set to start at 10 a.m. on Broadway in Farmington. The staging area for all participants will be at the Olsen Student Center parking lot on High Street. Lineup and judging is at 9 a.m. and the theme of this year’s parade is America the Beautiful.
Chamber Bucks will be awarded to the top two entries in each category: $50 and blue ribbon; $25 and red ribbon. Third place will receive a white ribbon. The five categories are: Agriculture/Animal, Band/Music/Walkers, Antique (Car/Truck/Tractor), Military Service/Patriotic, and Float.
For more information contact Dennis O’Neil 207-500-0245 or deo45@yahoo.com.
JAY: Fourth of July parade and fireworks
The parade organizers are still looking for veterans who would be interested in riding on a float during the parade.
The annual parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 3; lineup starts at 4 p.m. at the Memco parking lot at 102 Main St. and will end at the cannon by the railroad tracks in Livermore Falls. Organizers are looking for parade participants — bikes, strollers, wagons, power wheels, jeeps, four-wheelers, tractors, golf carts — anything goes.
For more information email tritownparade2024@yahoo.com or call 207-320-1191.
LEWISTON: 27th Annual Liberty Festival
A three-day event is set for Thursday through Saturday, July 4-6, along the banks of the Androscoggin River in Lewiston-Auburn. With a focus on the Great Falls, the festival an example of two communities rich in heritage working and celebrating together. For a full schedule of events, visit libertyfestival.org.
MEXICO: A daylong festival
Mexico’s festival will be held at the Recreation Park off Roxbury Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature more than 20 vendors, a bouncy house, dunk tank, face painting, obstacle course and carnival games with prizes for kids. All children’s events will be free, thanks to sponsors.
There will be a cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., pony/horse rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., music by Monsta from noon to 3 p.m., the Great Stephan Balloon Twister from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., IE The Entertainer (clown on stilts) from 1-2 p.m. and Sparks Art (animals) from 2:30-3:30 p.m. A caricature artist will be available from noon to 3 p.m.
OTISFIELD: Parade, ceremony, cookies and pies
The annual Fourth of July parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Route 121 at the intersection of Sherwood Drive and led by Grand Marshal Frank Blauvelt. It proceeds along the state highway to the Spurrs Corner Fire Station for a ceremony that includes playing the national anthem and a presentation to Blauvelt. There will be a cookie contest and those judged the top three will be put up for auction. All the others will be for sale, along with a variety of pies.
RANGELEY: Parade and fireworks
The Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce says come celebrate our country’s independence on Wednesday, July 3. This is Rangeley’s 4th of July celebration. Events start at 10 a.m. with a Doll Carriage Parade at the Rangeley Inn & Tavern and ends at the Town Park. There is a dog parade at 1 p.m. The day concludes with fireworks being shot off from the Town Park around 9 p.m.
RUMFORD: Fun and fireworks at Hosmer Field
According to the town of Rumford’s website, there will be Fourth of July festivities that include food, music, a dunk tank, and fireworks at 9, with action starting starting at 4 p.m. at Hosmer Field.
TURNER: Celebration on the Green
There will be a parade in the morning followed by live music at the local gazebo, strawberry shortcakes for sale (proceeds go to the library), a bounce house, food sold by the American Legion. Annual book sale at the Leavitt Institute building. The location is 98 Matthews Way. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Thursday.
WATERFORD: Breakfast, parade, crafts and food
The Fourth of July celebration Thursday begins with a breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Wilkins House next to the Waterford Congregational Church on Plummer Hill Road, which is off Route 35 in Waterford Flat village. The menu is pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins, coffee and juice. The annual parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Waterford Memorial School and proceeds along Route 35 to Waterford Flat. The lineup traditionally is led by Alan Struck, Kim Struck, Denny Raymond and a drummer, all dressed in patriotic garb. The procession usually includes floats, antique cars and trucks, 4-wheelers, horses and wagons, summer camp youths and staff, dance groups, bikes and wagons, police, fire and rescue vehicles, and tractors. Anyone interested in being in the parade is welcome, organizer Alan Struck said. Before and after the parade a variety of vendors offering foods and crafts will be set up on the Common.
If you know of an upcoming concert we should add to this list, please send a schedule of events to happening@centralmaine.com.
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