With Independence Day this year falling on a Friday, Midcoast residents can look forward to a long weekend of July 4 events. There will be parades, picnics and performances, the official fireworks, and the backyard fireworks. Here’s what’s happening in the towns along the west side of Penobscot Bay, and points inland. Fireworks will be booming, weather depending on July 4 in Thomaston and Brooks, and if you look east, you might see them in the distance in Castine, Deer Isle and maybe even way down in Stonington. Unity, Islesboro and now Searsport (due to weather) will be setting them off on July 5. Camden has canceled its annual harbor fireworks show.
 

Belfast

July 4 - The Belfast Maskers present their annual USO-style tribute show to celebrate America's birthday. The event starts at the Belfast Boathouse at 2 p.m., then moves to Rollie's Bar & Grill at 4 p.m. Free, donations accepted.

Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad is holding two Independence Day excursion rail trips. Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Trains depart from City Point Station, 13 Oak Hill Road. (207) 722-3899

The Belfast Farmers’ Market continues its First Friday schedule, setting up at Tarratine Hall on Upper Main Street (across from Camden National Bank), instead of its regular location at Waterfall Arts on High Street.

As for fireworks, the city holds off until the Maine Celtic Celebration (July 18, 19 and 20 this year). For July 4 pyrotechnics, head east to Searsport, or inland to Brooks.
 

Brooks

July 4 - The Brooks Park Boosters host their annual Independence Day celebration, Brooks Hay Days, Friday, at Brooks Community Park. Festivities include a five mile road race, a parade, Bingo games, an antique tractor show, sheepdog demonstrations from Two Coves Farm, a horse show, the Roberts family chicken barbeque, old fashioned games and competitions, live music, a puppet show, canoe rides and face painting from Camp Forest, a chicken scramble, ice cream from Stone Fox Creamery, and evening fireworks at 9 p.m.

Read more here about Brooks’ celebration.

Camden

July 4 - Free Camden Walking Tour, starting at 4 p.m. (207) 236-3440.

Music by the Sea: 2 p.m. - 9 p.m., including bluegrass band the Muellers, the Midcoast Community Band, Reina del Cid, David Dodson and the Lowdown. (Note: Performance times will remain the same, regardless of the weather, but venues may change. In inclement weather, performances will move to the Rockport Opera House, otherwise the concert will be held at Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre. )

Great Schooner Race: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Penobscot Bay between Rockland and Camden. More than two dozen schooners and vessels gather for an all-day race. The event is being advertised as the 37th anniversary of North America’s largest annual gathering of schooners and ships. sailmainecoast.com; (207) 354-2993.

Fireworks over Camden Harbor: CANCELED

Islesboro

July 5 - Fireworks at the Grindle Point Ferry Dock. 9 p.m.
 

Rockland

July 4 - First Friday Art Walk. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. throughout downtown Rockland. See list of galleries. 
 

Searsport

from Dick Desmarais’ Radio Searsport:

July 3 - "A Blast From the Past," 7 p.m. Union Hall. $8 for Adults and $4. for Students. Proceeds to benefit the Searsport Historical Society.

July 4 -  Boat races starting at 8 a.m. at the Hamilton Wharf. The Searsport United Methodist Church auction starting at 9 a.m. (contact Hollis Bagley, 567-3835 or Clarence Littlefield, 548-2993 to make donations. There will also be baked goods and crafts for sale, a lunch wagon selling hamburgers and hot dogs. The Lions Club will be putting on their usual Chicken BBQ on Elm Street. Dinners will be ready between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m.. They will be served until sold out.

The Independence Day parade starts at 11 a.m. from Norris Street. Those who want to walk in the parade should line up at 10:30 a.m.

Note this change:
July 5 - Fireworks at 9 p.m. in Mosman Park. No sparklers allowed in the park.

Searsport event listings courtesy of Dick Demarais’ Radio Searsport
 

Thomaston

July 4 - Fourth of July Parade and Celebration events start early with a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall, a craft tent, a pet show, parade, chicken barbecue, food and vendor booths, games for kids, free dunk tank, free bouncy houses, horseshoe tournament, musical entertainment, and fireworks. Many activities will be located behind the business block. Kiddie rides from East Coast Midways Carnival return this year.  

Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Click here for the full schedule of Thomaston’s Fourth of July events.

Unity

July 5 - Unity Raceway, will stage a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Racing starts at 8 p.m. and continues after the fireworks, 300 School St.