Independence Day Events, Southern Maine

Growing up included a fun few weeks spent in Southern Maine at Wells Beach. Each year on the 4th of July the beach was particularly crowded with families celebrating. Bonfire holes would be dug in the sand, barbeques fired up, sparklers lit and fireworks launched out over the ocean from the beach.

Since then the fireworks that were easily bought in New Hampshire on route to Maine have been banned from the beach for safety concerns, but that hasn't stopped the fun family orientated 4th of July celebrations in southern Maine. July 4 this year will be no different, visitors and residents of southern Maine will find tons of traditional activities to take part in on this special holiday.

Bar Harbor will be holding a whole day of celebrations for the 4th of July, with the first event beginning at 6am.

Here are the Bar Harbor 4th of July events.

Bar Harbor Blueberry Pancake Breakfast.
Starting at 6am you can fuel up for the day's celebrations by attending Athletic Field, Bar Harbor for a yummy breakfast of blueberry or plain pancakes. The breakfast also includes juice, coffee and milk. Athletic Field is located on Park Street. If you would like more details you can call 207 288 5103.

Independence Day Parade Bar Harbor
After filling up the next Bar Harbor 4th of July event begins at 10am. This popular Independence Day parade moves through downtown Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor Lobster Races and Seafood Festival
This is a fun family event that celebrates the 4th of July Maine style. Starting at 11am at Athletic Field the event includes races and traditional Maine seafood.

Bar Harbor Free Concert
At 8pm head down to the Village Green with your lawn chairs for a fee concert. The Town Band will treat audiences to entertaining music from 8 to 9pm.

Bar Harbor Fireworks Over Frenchman Bay
By far one of the most popular Independence Day events in Bar Harbor are the wonderful fireworks display. The display will take place over Frenchman Bay by Bar Harbors's waterfront. The show begins at 9pm

Boothbay Independence Day celebrations

Boothbay Fourth of July Arts & Crafts Fair & Family Picnic
This free fun family orientated day is packed full of fun and is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. The fair will consist of crafts, games for kids, music and food. The fair runs from 10am to 5pm and will be held at Boothbay Common. For more details you can call 207 633 2404

Boothbay Harbor Independence Day Fireworks
At sunset families can enjoy the spectacular fireworks display launched over Boothbay Harbor.

Bethal Fourth of July Community Picnic
This 4th of July celebration is a long tradition that began in the 1850's. The original picnic was run by Dr. Moses Mason who opened up a grove on his property for the community to celebrate Independence Day. The picnic includes a concert by the Portland Brass Quintet and it is free to attend. To attend head to Mason House, 14 Broad St for a start time of 12pm.

Old Orchard Beach
Head to the Pier, Town Square for 9pm to see a professionally set up fireworks show that the whole family can enjoy.

Portland Independence Day Fireworks Train
The city of Portland, Maine is offering train rides to one of best spots to view the Independence Day fireworks. Trains run from 7pm to 9pm from the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum, 58 Fore Street and take you to East End Beach. After the fireworks show you will then be able to take the train back to the Museum. The fireworks display begins at 9:15pm.

Freeport, 4th of July Celebrations

Freeport, home of the famous L.L. Bean store will play host to a number of fun Independence Day events. Events include the 10K Race and Fun Race. The 10K Race begins 7:30am with registration from 6am to 7:15am. The Fun Run starts at 9am.

Besides the races Freeport is also holding concert and fireworks show. This event will take place at the L.L. Bean Discovery Park with the concert beginning at 7:30pm. The Robert Cray Band will be the performers. After the music you will be treated to a wonderful fireworks display.

Kennebunk Fireworks
Kennebunk will be holding is annual Independence Day fireworks at Kennebunk Beach at dusk.

Ogunquit Beach Fireworks
This popular fireworks display will take place this year on Friday July 6. The fireworks will be launched from a barge just off the coast of Ogunquit Beach at 9:30pm. Besides Ogunquit Beach other good viewing points for this display include Moody Beach, Perkins Cove and the Marginal Way.

Sources
Ogunquit Beach Fireworks
http://www.ogunquitmaine.com/fireworks.html

Southern Main Independence Day events
http://www.visit-maine.com/events_fourth.html