Area communities plan celebrations, fireworks to mark July 4

Independence Day-related events throughout the state are scheduled for this weekend and into next week, with the Fourth of July on Tuesday. Below is a partial listing of area events:

AUBURN

Fireworks planned for the Lewiston-Auburn Liberty Festival are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Veterans Memorial Park, 2-20 Main St.

AUGUSTA

Fort Western (1754) National Historic Landmark and Living History Museum on the Kennebec River in Augusta, in conjunction with the city of Augusta, plans to host an Independence Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The city of Augusta’s Independence Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Maine State House. The parade is to proceed from Capital Street to State Street, then through Memorial Circle to Water Street, then turning onto Cony Street and ending at the entrance to Old Fort Western, according to Linda Novak, director of the fort.

Immediately after the parade, Augusta Mayor Mark O’Brien is to read the Declaration of Independence, while wearing 18th century garb. A feu de joie (musket salute) by members of the fort’s staff is to accompany the reading, followed by a special ceremony to include George Washington’s orders of July 4, 1778, for the “firing 13 Pieces of Cannon” to honor the original colonies, and then the lowering the Grand Union Flag and raising of the new American flag.

Throughout the day, tours are planned for visitors to walk the fort, store and house to view period rooms and exhibits, and speak with historical interpreters about daily life in the 18th century and the history of the fort. Period music by The Holdfast is planned for 1 to 3 p.m., and this year marks the return of the Independence Day hot dog fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. New this year, Le Club Calumet is planning a chicken barbecue at the fort grounds.

The city of Augusta’s Independence Day event is to begin at 1 p.m. at Mill Park, with activities for children, hayrides, music and food vendors. Festivities are scheduled to finish at 9:15 p.m. with the traditional fireworks display.

For more information, call 207-626-2385, email oldfort@oldfortwestern.org or visit oldfortwestern.org.

BELGRADE LAKES

Fireworks hosted by Belgrade Boat Shop and Bill Redvelski are to begin at 9 p.m. Monday for behind Day’s Store at 182 Main St. and over Long Pond. For more information, call 207-495-2205.

BRIDGTON

An ice cream meet and mingle social is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at The Firehouse Museum, 5 Gibbs Ave., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. at Stevens Book Elementary School, 14 Frances Bell Drive.

On Tuesday, the 47th annual Bridgton 4 on the Fourth Road Race is set for 8 a.m. The 4-mile race on a certified course is to begin at Pondicherry Square at 8 a.m., near the Food City grocery store.

To register for the race, visit raceentry.com/bridgton.

CLINTON

The Central Maine 4th of July Celebration is set for Sunday through Tuesday at the Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Road.

On Sunday, the gates are to open at noon, with children’s activities scheduled to run until 3 p.m. The “Ghostbusters” and Smokey the Bear are expected, and the Maine State Police are to present a canine demonstration. Antique Tractor Pulls are scheduled for 1 p.m., and a variety of bands are set to perform throughout the day, closing with The Tyler Healy Band.

On Monday, the gates are scheduled to open at noon, with offerings to include vendors and craft beer. Bands are lined up to perform all afternoon, with Boyz Gone Wild, a 1980s tribute band, closing the night, beginning at 8 p.m.

On Tuesday, the gates are to open at 9 a.m. The Sebasticook Riding Club is scheduled to present barrel racing throughout the day.

The Central Maine 4th of July Celebration parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at Tradewinds Market at 153 Hinckley Road and proceed to the fairgrounds at 1450 Bangor Road. A variety of bands, including the Tyler Healy Band at 5 p.m. and the Journey Tribute Band Scarab at 7 p.m., are to perform from noon until the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

For more information, email: maine4thofjuly@gmail.com.

FARMINGTON

The Rotary Club of Farmington has announced the return of the Fourth of July parade, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The staging area for all participants is at the Olsen Student Center parking lot on High Street. Lineup and judging are set for 9 a.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “America the Beautiful.” To register, visit farmingtonrotary.us.

Chamber Bucks are to be awarded to the top two entries in each category ($50 and blue ribbon; and $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 and to register, contact Dennis O’Neil at 207-500-0245 or deo45@yahoo.com.

FRYEBURG

The Fryeburg Recreation Department is set to host an Independence Day celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday. It is to include food and beverages, a cornhole tournament, a performance by the band Rek’lis at 8 p.m. and fireworks beginning at about 9:15 p.m. at 59 Recreation Drive.

A Fourth of July parade — to include old cars, trucks, motorcycles; floats; bikers and walkers — is to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday on Bradley Street, turning left onto U.S. Route 302, proceeding to Portland Street, then onto Pine Street and back onto Bradley Street.

For more information, call 207-935-3933 or email fryeburg.rec@gmail.com.

JACKMAN

The Fourth of July parade is set to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, starting at Forest Hills High School at 606 Alt Main Trail, with fireworks planned for dusk (about 8:30 p.m.) at the Town Office, 369 Main St.

JAY-LIVERMORE-LIVERMORE FALLS

The Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the Independence Day fireworks, planned for dusk Monday. The pyrotechnics are to be set off from the Spruce Mountain Ski Slope on Ski Slope Road in Jay.

For more information, call the Jay Town Office at 207-897-6785.

LEWISTON

Fireworks planned for the Lewiston-Auburn Liberty Festival are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at Veterans Memorial Park, 2-20 Main St.

LIBERTY

A Fourth of July chicken barbecue, hosted by Liberty Fire & Rescue, is set to begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the fire station at 187 W. Main St., and continue until all the food is sold. The meal is to include half a chicken, coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans, chips, a roll, cookie and a drink. The cost is $12 a person.

For more information, call 207-589-4327.

MONMOUTH

An Independence Day celebration at Monmouth Center Beach is planned for Saturday, July 8, at 5 p.m. Offerings are to include food vendors, a bounce house, live music from 6 to 9 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

NAPLES

Fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Causeway of Long Lake, U.S. Route 302.

NEW GLOUCESTER

A public reading of the Declaration of Independence is planned for 9 a.m. Tuesday at the New Gloucester History Barn, 383 Intervale Road. The event is free, open to the public and sponsored by New Gloucester Historical Society.

For more information, email Leonard Brooks at thefavoriteleonard@aol.com.

OTISFIELD

The traditional July 4 parade will line up at 9:30 on Sherwood Drive, a start time of 10 a.m. It will proceed to the Spurrs Corner Fire Station on Route 121. Entries included floats, antique cars and other vehicles, ATVS, animals, marchers and others.

A cookie baking contest and bake sale will follow. Cookies must be at the fire station by 9 a.m.

For further information visit the town website at otisfieldme.gov

OXFORD

Fireworks are planned for 10 p.m. Saturday at 7 Oxford Plains Speedway.

RANGELEY

Rangeley Health & Wellness’ annual Stars and Stripes 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Run is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday. The race is to begin and end at the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce building on Main Street.

The course, which includes paved surfaces and trail running, takes participants through downtown Rangeley.

Awards for first female and male 5K finishers will be presented, and the first child (younger than 10) to finish will also receive an award. Patriotic-themed outfits are encouraged. All proceeds benefit support services provided by Rangeley Health & Wellness, including children’s and senior wellness programs, physical rehabilitation and behavioral health services.

Race registration is through RUNSIGNUP.com. Event sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, call 207-864-4397, ext. 6.

RUMFORD

The Freedom Color Run is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday at Hosmer Field Athletic Complex, 51 Lincoln Ave., with fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

To register for the run, visit raceentry.com/freedom-color-run.

TURNER

Free bounce houses and activities for children, with multiple food trucks and live music, are planned for 5 p.m. Monday, with fireworks at 9 p.m. at Ricker Hill Orchard, 295 Buckfield Road. A $5 donation is suggested.

For more information, call 207-225-5552 or 207-225-3455.

WATERFORD

A Waterford Summer Breakfasts is set for 7:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Wilkins House, 19 Plummer Hill Road.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 or younger.

A parade is planned at 11 a.m. The library book sale and open houses at historical society buildings are planned for all day.

For more information, email Carol Madsen at carjmad@hotmail.com.

WHITEFIELD

The Whitefield Fourth of July parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Participants should gather at 9:30 a.m. on Route 194.

The parade is to travel down Route 194 in Kings Mills, which is part of Whitefield, to the turnaround in a neighbor’s driveway, where floats and fire trucks make the turn to end up on Town House Road.

The parade is to be capped off with the Kings Mills Volunteer Fire Association’s Fourth of July festivities at 904 Town House Road, near the Kings Mills Fire Station. Featuring a local folk band, the events are to include an auction, hot dogs, a cake walk, games for children, French fries and baked goods.

The auction is to begin immediately after the parade, with the Union Hall White Elephant Sale set for next door.

Those who wish to contribute usable, sellable auction items should bring them to the Kings Mills Fire Station between 4 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, or call Jeff Newell at 207-624-2268.

All proceeds support the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services in Whitefield.

WINTHROP

The 21st annual Friends on the 4th 5K Run/Jog/Walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday, beginning at Norcross Point, 101 Bowdoin St.

The race, which runs along the eastern shore of Maranacook Lake, is open to runners, joggers and walkers of all ages.

Registration is $35 on the day of the event, with no guarantee of a T-shirt and gift bag.

Same-day registration may be available the day of the race, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 7:45 a.m. at the American Legion, 117 Bowdoin St.

All proceeds from registrations support programs offered by the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed.

For more information, contact the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed office at 207-395-5239 or mail@watershedfriends.com.

The annual July 4 chicken barbecue is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Col. Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. American Legion Post 40 at 117 Bowdoin St. The cost is $12.

For more information, call 207-377-8258.

Fireworks are to begin at 9:15 p.m. at Norcross Point.

WISCASSET

“Stars & Stripes” Wiscasset’s July 4 celebration is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday. The parade is to proceed down Hooper Street to Federal Street and then U.S. Route 1, ending on Water Street, with fireworks ay 9 p.m.

For more information, visit wiscassetme.myrec.com.