BATH, Maine — For its 50th year, hundreds celebrated Bath Heritage Days on Thursday to recognize the city's rich, shipbuilding history.
Hosted by Main Street Bath, Executive Director Amanda McDaniel said this year is special both for organizers and attendees, who lost two years of the festival due to COVID and last year's festival from rainy weather.
"I mean, for a regular heritage days festival we wish for this weather, but for a 50th anniversary, it couldn't have been better," McDaniel said.
Organizers kicked off the celebration with a "Fun Run" road race and Independence Day parade featuring 64 floats.
Several food trucks, artist vendors, and musicians are also showcasing what they have to offer to crowds throughout the four-day festival.
"[It's] the best of the best. It's our local musicians, it is our local food trucks, it is the carnival coming in and giving that old-timey feel of rides," McDaniel described.
On Friday, spectators will be able to watch The Portland Reavers act out a medieval-style duel next to the pond at Library Park, followed by a book sale on Saturday.
Although the festival celebrates the quintessential charm of the City of Bath, all lovers of the town are invited to jump in with residents for the festivities.
"I grew up in Bath, Maine and I've been gone for about 20 years...and it's so nice to come home to the old waterfront," attendee Hayden Dudley said. "It's one of the best days of the year, if not, the best day of the year."