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 45 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 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.
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.
For more information, visit www.winslow4thofjuly.com.
Ben McCanna — 861-9239
bmccanna@centralmaine.com
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