WINSLOW — Organizers of the 22nd annual Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration are preparing to throw a party for 80,000 guests.
Beginning Saturday and continuing each day through Independence Day, the planning committee has scheduled dozens of events — a beauty pageant, wrestling matches, street dancing, a parade and more — culminating with one of the biggest fireworks displays in Vacationland.
“It’s a $15,000 fireworks show,” said committee co-chairman Kevin Douglass. “It should last anywhere from a half-hour to forty-five minutes.”
The final explosion will mark the end of a year’s worth of planning and fundraising by the 24-member committee. During that time, the group raised about $22,000 for the event, Douglass said,
“A lot of people gave, and it just showed us that the community really appreciates what’s being done down at the park.”
The fundraising also means the five-day event is largely free. Aside from a baked-bean supper and vendor booths set up next week at Halifax Park, all events are free.
The first event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Winslow Junior High School. Nearly 40 girls, ranging in age from 3 to 18, will compete in a pageant.
“We’ve had a tremendous turnout this year,” Douglass said. “We’ll have more contestants than we ever have before. It’s going to be the best pageant we’ve ever had.”
Winners will receive a trophy, a spot in the parade and hosting duties in the park, he said.
On Sunday, from noon to 9 p.m., nine bands will compete in a nine-hour Battle of the Bands event at Fort Halifax Park. Douglass said this year’s performers are all new to the event.
Monday’s schedule features one of the event’s most enduring traditions. From noon to 2 p.m., the park will host the Golden Afternoon Bean Supper, featuring roasted pig and baked beans. Meals cost $8 per person.
Later Monday, the Fourth of July Idol Competition will take place at the park.
“It’s basically just like ‘American Idol,'” Douglass said. “There’s going to be some great judges and great talent coming into the park.”
Douglass said contestants paid a $10 fee to enter the singing contest, which features a mix of karaoke performers and more traditional musicians.
“These are local entertainers who usually fly under the radar, and all of a sudden they just flourish on that night,” he said.
The celebration’s newest event is set for Tuesday. From 2 to 4 p.m., a mix of 14 professional and amateur wrestlers will grapple in front of an audience at the park. The matchups include pro-wrestling legend Tony Atlas.
Wednesday is day of the main event. Beginning at 9:45 a.m., one of Maine’s larger parades departs from Winslow High School on Danielson Street, travels down Garland Street, doubles back toward the school on Lasalle Street, then turns toward the park down Benton Avenue and Bay Street. The parade will feature more than 50 floats, a marching band, firetrucks and more.
“We are still striving to be the largest parade in Maine,” Douglass said. “If you want to see firetrucks, you have to come to our parade. We’ll probably have more firetrucks than any other parade in New England.”
When the parade arrives at the park, a full day of activities begins, culminating with the fireworks display.
Douglass said the event prohibits people from bringing dogs, alcohol and consumer fireworks into the park. Also, for the first time, no smoking is allowed.
For more information, visit www.winslow4thofjuly.com.
Ben McCanna — 861-9239
bmccanna@centralmaine.com
SELECT LIST OF 4TH OF JULY EVENTS IN MAINE
AUGUSTA
Capital City Riverfront Fourth, Riverfront in Waterfront Park.
The 4th at the Fort Old Time Independence Day, 1-5 p.m. Parade, State Capitol to State Street to Water Street to Fort Western, 4 p.m. There will be vendors, bounce houses and more, 6 p.m. Hayrides and trolley rides, Upper Water Street, 6 p.m. Concert series at Mill Park with Emerald Sky and Sun Dog, 6 p.m.
Fireworks, east side boat landing, dusk.
BELGRADE
Fireworks, 9:20 p.m., peninsula part of Long Pond, Wednesday, July 4 (rain date: July 5).
DEXTER
Fireworks, 9:15 p.m., July 3, Dexter High School football field.
FARMINGTON
Farmington Rotary Club Independence Day parade, July 4, downtown. Theme: celebrating summer in Maine. Organizers seek parade participants. There is no fee to participate, and first-, second- and third-place ribbons will be awarded to entries in different categories. Parade begins at 10 a.m.; participants should arrive by 9 a.m.; 645-4320 or email lhawkins@fchn.org.
FREEPORT
L.L.Bean 100th Anniversary Hometown Celebration, July 4-7, L.L. Bean Discovery Park, Main Street. Free outdoor concerts every evening, climbing wall; bit.ly/KtxFdX.
L.L. Bean 10-kilometer road race, parade, free concerts and more, July 4, Discovery Park.
Fireworks, 9:15 p.m., Saturday, July 7, Ballfield at Pine Tree Academy (rain date: July 8).
JACKMAN
Fireworks, about 9:15, July 4, at the field behind the Town Office (rain date: July 7).
JAY
Fireworks, 9 p.m., July 3, Spruce Mountain Ski Area (rain date: July 5).
WINTHROP
Fireworks, around 9 p.m., July 4 (rain date: July 5), Norcross Point; 377-8020.
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