MAINE, USA — As much as Americans may love fish 'n' chips, English breakfast tea, and the time-traveling "Dr. Who," the nation celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence and its political separation from Great Britain every year on the Fourth of July.
Many things have changed about the United States since 1776, but this holiday is something many Americans can agree isn't complete without parades, fireworks, and some delicious BBQ.
Editor's note: This list does not include all community celebrations statewide but is an attempt to make your Independence Day planning a little bit easier.
Bangor
Greater Bangor Fourth of July
- Pancake breakfast. Start off your day with a hearty meal at 15 Eventcenter Way in Brewer. 7-10 a.m. $15 per person.
- 43rd Annual Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race. Participants will gather at the Brewer Auditorium before the race starts at 9:45 a.m. $15 registration fee.
- Bangor-Brewer Parade. The procession begins at 10 a.m. on Acme Road in Brewer and ends on Exchange Street in Bangor.
- Chords for Cure Concert. The rock concert on the Bangor Waterfront is a fundraising event for the Pediatric Center in Brewer. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. and donations are encouraged.
- Fireworks on the Bangor waterfront. Scheduled to begin 9:30 p.m.
Boothbay Harbor
Free Concert & Fireworks
What: The Hallowell Community Band will give a 90-minute concert, leading the crowd into the fireworks celebration.
Where: Whale Park
When: Festivities start at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Lewiston/Auburn
Liberty Fest
What: July 4 festivities start at 5 p.m. in Lewiston at Veterans Parks Park and 6 p.m. in Auburn at Great Falls Plaza. On the Lewiston stage performances from Bazinga, National Award-Winning Robert Washington as "Elvis," and the L/A Harley Band. In Auburn, there will be a dance party and karaoke with DJ Scotty Dawg. There will also be vendors at both locations.
(Festivities continue through the weekend, for more information, click here).
When: Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
Old Orchard Beach
Maine's 195 Army National Guard Band
What: Free Concert
Where: The Seaside Pavillion, 8 6th Street.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Fireworks
Where: Palace Playland, 1 Old Orchard St.
When: July 3, 4, and 5 at 9:45 p.m.
Portland
Portland's Fourth of July Celebration on the Eastern Prom
What: Casco Bay Wind Symphony will perform through the beginning of the fireworks show. Event organizers say the program will include patriotic music, popular tunes, and a "sprinkling" of symphonic pieces. Food trucks will also be available for a tasty dining experience.
When: Music starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Scarborough
Pine Point Parade & Kid's Fun Run
What: Kids ages 3-13 can register for the fun run, which starts at 8:45 a.m. at the fire station and ends a quarter-mile down King Street at Hurd Park. The kid who finishes first will carry the American flag and lead the parade. All kids will receive a gold medal for participating.
Everyone is invited to enjoy a complimentary traditional strawberry shortcake inside the Engine 4 firehouse.
Where: Pine Point Fire Station
When: Parade begins at 9 a.m.
South Portland
Bug Light Park: Fourth of July Celebration
What: Live music performed by the Downeast Brass Band, lawn games, and food trucks, fireworks.
When: Festivities begin at 5 p.m.
Thomaston
An Old Fashion Independence Day Celebration
- Pancake breakfast. 7 a.m. at Mesonic Temple on Main Street
- Firecracker 5K Roadrace. 8 a.m. start time for kids, 8:30 a.m. for adults. Beechwood Street
- Craft tent. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind the block on Valley Street
- Car show. 10 a.m. behind the block on Valley Street
- Independence Day Parade. 11 a.m. along Main Street
- Opening ceremony, Chicken BBQ, bounce houses. 12:30 p.m. behind the block on Valley Street
- Horseshoe tournament. 1 p.m. behind the block on Valley Street
- Pet show and parade. 2 p.m. behind Town Hall.
- Pie eating contest at 2:30 p.m. at Hot Hill Tavern
- Car show awards at 3 p.m.
- Live music. 12:30 to 6 p.m.
- Fireworks at dark.
Turner
Fourth of July Celebration on the Green
What: 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.
Where: 98 Matthews Way
When: Parade starts at 9 a.m. Thursday
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