MAINE, Maine — There's nothing wrong with getting a head start on celebrating the Fourth of July.
Communities statewide have planned lots of events so you can get a head start on Independence Day celebrations, from baseball games, to craft fairs, to block parties, and more.
The Portland Sea Dogs will play the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday. The team will host its annual Independence Day fireworks display after the game ends.
“We’ve got baseball, fireworks, and hotdogs—it’s the perfect American combination," Sea Dogs' Vice President of Communications Chris Cameron said. “This is one of our most popular games, and when tickets go on sale in November, this is the most popular game that [fans are] buying at that point because they know it’s going to sell out.”
Cameron recommends fans with general admission tickets get to Hadlock Field early Wednesday night.
Bridgton is ready for its two-day holiday celebration. The town will host a Craft & Vendor Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday followed by fireworks at Stevens Brook Elementary School.
“Plenty of visitors come from all over the place—our beaches are full, Main Street is full," Bridgton's Recreation Director Gary Colello said. “It’s just a rewarding thing to see at the end of the day, once that last firework goes off and you see all the people happy about what they saw and enjoying their time here. It makes it worth it"
Like many towns, Bridgton will host a parade and road race on Thursday, July 4, along with other events benefiting local organizations like the Rotary Club and library.
The Clinton Fairgrounds will host the two-day Central Maine 4th of July Celebration, which begin Wednesday. Organizers said admission is free, but there are options to donate.
Country music star Darryl Worley will perform Wednesday night. There are also plenty of local food trucks and activities and games for kids to enjoy.
Sanford will host a block party event at Number One Pond beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Vendors will be on site. A water ski show will begin at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks around 9 p.m. The next morning, on July 4, Sanford will also host a parade starting at 10 a.m.
If you're looking for other opportunities to see fireworks, towns like Old Orchard Beach, Limestone, and Greenville will host displays Wednesday. You can check other holiday events and fireworks displays happening around the state here.
Besides community events, many Mainers will fire up the grill for cookouts this week, if you're wondering about the forecast: Meteorologist Keith Caron has you covered here.
This is also expected to be a busy travel weekend, here are some travel and safety tips from Maine officials.