Midcoast Maine is hopping with music, parades and events, all to celebrate Independence Day in the United States, and the unofficial start to summer in Maine. Here is the schedule, and we will add events as notices of them arrive. There will be parades, picnics and performances, the official fireworks, and the backyard fireworks. Fireworks will be booming, weather depending on July 4 in Thomaston, Camden and Searsport, and if you look east, you might see them in the distance in on Deer Isle and maybe even way down in Stonington. 

JULY 3

20th Maine, Coast Guard and American Legion to hold July 3 observance in Rockland

A ceremony will take place at the 4th Maine Civil War Camp Knox Memorial Monument at its new location on the Midcoast Area Veterans Memorial Wall site on Limerock Street, beside the American Legion Post  No. 1, in Rockland on July 3 at 6 p.m.

There will be music, display of the colors from the USCG, American Legion, and the 20th Maine, as well as comments by David Sulin, 20th Maine, Morris Berry, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and Peter Dalton, expert on the 4th Maine Volunteers and the author of With Our Faces to the Foe, the history of the 4th Maine Infantry in the War of the Rebellion.

Also, enjoy a Civil War reenactment by the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry, Co. B.

 JULY 4

Belfast

Happy Birthday America

A free performance of 'Happy Birthday America!', a cavalcade of songs of America, on July 4, high noon, will take place in Belfast.

Cold Comfort Theater will be presenting a spirited performance of song and dance to celebrate America's birthday and honor our service women and men. Songs from the 1800s all the way to the current era will be presented live at Belfast's newest park, the 'Park on Main' located on Main Street between Rollies and the bay.

This is a heartwarming and sentimental homage to our country.

Drive up, walk down, bring your seat and sing along with such familiar tunes as 'Boogie, Woogie, Bugle Boy', 'America the Beautiful', 'This Land is Your Land', and 'Stars Spangled Banner'. 

One performance only, no charge, great for all ages!

For more information, visit  ColdComfortTheater.com or call (207)-930-7244.

Camden

Four bands to fill the afternoon, and then fireworks when dusk settles into night

CAMDEN — Camden will be the place for music lovers on Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4. Four bands – each with a unique style – will perform in Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre during the afternoon and evening as part of Camden Rotary Club's annual Music by the Sea celebration.

The music begins at 2 p.m. and then when darkness falls, fireworks over Camden Harbor.

2 to 3:15 p.m. — Steelin' Thunder, a steel drum band from Rockland under the direction of Mike Miller, will perform rousing selections with a Caribbean flair ideal for dancing or just good ole lazy summer afternoon listening. The band plays many genres of music, including calypso, swing, rock and jazz. Formed in 2001, Steelin' Thunder, whose 17 members represent eight different towns from Waldoboro to Belfast, puts on one of the Midcoast's all-time favorite summertime experiences. This nonprofit organization uses its earnings to fund college scholarships for local high school students.

3:30 to 4:45 p.m. — The 70-member Casco Bay Wind Symphony wows audiences with Sousa, Broadway and big band music. More than a third of the symphony's members are music educators and professional musicians. For the rest, music is a favorite avocation. The group's mission, in addition to providing outstanding entertainment, is to demonstrate that the music and other arts are enjoyable, lifelong pursuits.

5 to 6:15 p.m. — MoJO (Mondaynite Jazz Orchestra) plays everything from traditional big band tunes to Latin, funk and blues. This 18-piece band, led by Craig Ouellette, performs throughout the Midcoast and devotes much of its time to providing educational and experiential opportunities for music students. Band members are fans of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and other greats.

7:45 to 9 p.m. — The Lowdown. When musicians cross paths and collaborate, amazing things can happen. Singer-songwriter David Dodson initiated this very thing when his friends, the singer-songwriter duo of John and Rachel Nicholas, moved to Midcoast Maine in 2012. With the inclusion of Mike Nickerson on bass, they combined their strengths and formed a band that allows them to present their music with more power and texture than they could on their own. This is American folk and roots music with great harmonies and tasteful arrangements delivered with passion and a sense of joy.

Seating is limited, so bring your own blankets or chairs. Just as the music begins to die down, the fireworks will start over Camden Harbor.

Lincolnville

The 4th Of July Boat Parade is on, according to the Megunticook Watershed Association. Those who are participating in the parade meet at the usual spot at Marriner’s dock at 4:30 p.m., July 4. Hope to see the rest of you on your docks or at Breezemere Park to watch the parade. megunticook.org 

Searsport

Boat races will take place at the Town Wharf starting at 8 a.m.  A parade starts at 11 a.m. with line-up on Norris St. starting at 10:30 a.m., the First Methodist Church will hold its auction at 9 a.m..  They are still looking for items to be sold.  

The Lions Club will have its Chicken BBQ in the Masons lot and fireworks will be that evening around 9 p.m.  Rain date is Saturday, July 8.

Thomaston

Tuesday, July 4, 7 a.m., Pancake Breakfast
Breakfast will be served in the Masonic Temple located on Main Street in Thomaston.

Kids One Mile Fun Race & 5K Firecracker Race Sign Up, 7 to 8 a.m. 
Sign up for the races will be on Beechwood Street by Route One, in front of the old Water Dog/Billy's Tavern.
Free fun run entry for kids under age 12 and under and T-shirt prizes.
5K Firecracker Race entry fees. Pre-register online thomaston4thofjuly.com

One Mile Fun Race Starts, 8 a.m. on Beechwood Street.

8:30 a.m. 5K Firecracker Race Starts
Starts on Beechwood Street.

Parade Staging, 8:30 a.m.
Staging area for the parade will be located on Dwight Street by the town cemetery in Thomaston. The theme is "It's a 'Pet'- riotic 4th!" For a parade application, thomaston4thofjuly.com

Craft Tent Opens, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Craft Tent open until 4 p.m. and will be located behind the Masonic Temple Building.

Pet Show , 9:15 a.m.
Naomi Howe returns to run the Pet Show located behind the Thomaston Business Block, in front of Lura Libby School. Loyal Biscuit sponsors the show prizes - special treat/goodie bags for pets. Take all your pets! Special appearance this year by the parade grand marshal – Chubbs!

4th of July Parade, 11 a.m.
The parade will head out Erin St. where it will enter Main Street and move South through town center. It will disband at Booker St. Thank you to the organizers of the parade, who are all volunteers. We appreciate your hard work! For a parade application, www.thomaston4thofjuly.com

After the Parade - Opening Ceremony, noon
Opening Ceremony with local elected dignitaries, singing of the national anthem, introduction of Grand Marshal and Mr. and Ms. 4th of July, announcing of parade prize winners.

Booths Open, noon
All booths open - large variety of food, face painting, souvenirs, drinks, and lots more right up until the fireworks.

Chicken Barbecue, noon
Chicken Barbecue will be located behind the business block until sold out. This barbecue is put on by volunteers. All proceeds support 4th of July festivities. Thank you to our volunteers!

Bouncy Houses, noon
Two bouncy houses, Free for children – the Train for younger children and a big bouncy house for the older children. Fun for all from after the parade, until 8 p.m. All donations go to the 4th of July festivities.

Blind Albert Band, 12:30 p.m.
The Blind Albert Band will be playing an exciting mix of rock and blues. From 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Hot Dog Eating Contest, 1 p.m.
Giant Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Bob's Big Dawgs.

Cod Adams Memorial Horseshoe Tournament, 1 p.m.
Horseshoe Tournament will be behind the business block on Lura Libby School field.

Animal House – Band , 5 p.m.
Our fabulous local band, Animal House, will play from 5pm to 9pm, leading us up to the fireworks finale!

Fireworks, 9:15 p.m.
In the event of rain or fog, the fireworks will be rescheduled to July 5. Thank you to all the volunteers who spend their afternoon setting up the gorgeous fireworks display!

July 6 & 7

Great Schooner Race, Penobscot Bay
Every summer since 1977, the Maine Windjammer Association has hosted the Great Schooner Race, providing an opportunity for captains, crews and passengers aboard traditional vessels from all over the Eastern Seaboard to rendezvous for a fun day of racing.

July 6

Late afternoon raft-up in Gilkey Harbor, Islesboro. All vessels welcome. Informal small boat races and other salty competitions.

Race Day: Friday, July 7
Islesboro — Rockland Harbor

8 a.m.      Captains’ Meeting aboard the Victory Chimes.

11 a.m.    Race start (classes TBD).

3 p.m.    Race finish at Rockland Breakwater. Anchor in South End.

7 p.m.      Great Schooner Sweets Potluck at Sharp’s Point South.

7:30 p.m.      Awards Ceremony.

8 p.m.      Musical Entertainment.