Franklin County residents seeking entertainment, food and fun this Fourth of July weekend will have a host of events to choose from, with fireworks being set off in Jay, Rangeley, Carrabassett Valley and Farmington.
On Saturday, July 2, The Clearwater Lake Improvement Association will hold its Boat Parade at dusk (8:45 p.m.). Anyone interested in participating or watching, the parade forms at the “head” of Clearwater Lake in Industry. Dress up your boat and ask neighbors and friends to join in the fun of the evening.
On Sunday, July 3, Rangeley will be holding its second annual July 3rd in the Park event, from 11 a.m. until dusk. The park will come alive with activities, food and entertainment for all ages, all provided by local area nonprofit organizations. Festivities will start at 11 a.m., following the Children’s Parade at 10 a.m. and the Duck Race on Haley Pond at 10:30 a.m., and go out with a bang shortly before the fireworks get underway at dusk. This year, as a lead-in to the fireworks, Joe Montimurro and friends will perform, starting around 6:30 p.m.
Visitors will be able to enjoy food, live entertainment, games, special activities for kids, demonstrations and more, all in the splendor of the picturesque lakeside park. There will also be a variety of items for sale and the Chamber’s silent auction will be going on all day at the Chamber office at the entrance to the park.
For more information, contact the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce at 864-5571 or info@rangeleymaine.com, visit www.rangeleymaine.com or follow on Facebook.
Events in Farmington will also begin on Sunday, July 3, with the annual Fireworks and Chicken Barbecue opening up at the Narrow Gauge Square, off Front Street at 5 p.m. A barbecue dinner may be reserved up to July 1 by calling 778-3235 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with 300 dinners available at the cost of $9 apiece.
The fireworks are being sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank, Kyes Insurance Agency, the Farmington Fireman’s Benevolent Association and other local area businesses. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.
Jay’s Independence Day fireworks show will be held on Sunday, July 3 at dusk from the Spruce Mt. Ski Slope. The Chamber of Commerce coordinates the annual Independence Day fireworks display over the Androscoggin River. They can be seen from one of several viewing areas, which include various parking lots in Jay and Livermore Falls, the lawn in front of St. Rose Church (a favorite viewing site for many), Chisholm Square, and many homes and front lawns along Main Street. FMI: (207) 897-6755.
The annual Fourth of July parade in Farmington begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 4. Sponsored by the Farmington Rotary Club, this year’s theme is “Serving Humanity.” The parade line-up will begin at 8 a.m. in the parking lot on High Street behind the University of Maine at Farmington Olsen Student Center. Judging for awards will begin at 9:30 a.m. Any individual or group wishing to be considered for an award must be in line by 9:30 a.m. First- and second-place winners will receive Farmington Chamber bucks. For more information and to register please contact Michael Cormier at 207-779-0242 or cormier48@gmail.com.
Strawberry shortcake will be served at the Pierce House lawn on Main Street from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m., featuring Pikes’ locally grown fresh strawberries, fresh baked biscuit and whipped cream. The cost is $4, with proceeds benefiting the Old South First Congregational Church, UCC community outreach through improved handicapped accessibility in the Newman Wing Extension. For further information call the Church office at 207-778-0424.
In Carrabassett Valley on Monday, the town’s Fourth of July 4 celebration takes place at the Town Park. From 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the town pool and park’s basketball and tennis courts will be open-weather permitting. At 3 p.m., the annual Children’s Parade will start from the Tufulio’s parking lot with Grand Marshall Stefan the Great. From 3:30- 4:15 p.m. children’s sawdust pile and craft projects will be held. From 4 to 9 p.m. Delectable Burritos made by Polly and Rob MacMichael of the The Rolling Fatties Mobile comes to the Valley with music by provided by DJ Kompost. Children’s Fire truck rides with the Fire Chief and Fire Department Staff will be offered from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Magic with Stefan the Great and 5:30-6:30 p.m. balloon art with Stefan the Great. Fireworks by Central Maine Pyrotechnics will be launched at about 9 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair, bug spray, towels, swimsuits, tennis rackets, tennis balls, Frisbees and sunscreen to enjoy the day.
Forgot to mention the Joan Frost Memorial craft show July 3 ,2016 on Pond St. In Rangeley 10-4. An annual event filled with wonderful art and crafts by Maine artisans.