Fri, 07/05/2019 - 8:45am

The Right Track gets the crowd warmed up dancing along Camden’s waterfront July 4, 2019. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Camden Rotary organized the day, with all its festivities; its fearless leaders: Graham Phaup, Joan Phaup and Leni Gronros. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Those who found the hidden path to the overlook got a magnificent view of the fireworks over Curtis Island. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

The seats filled along Camden Harbor in anticipation of fireworks. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Matt is the assistant harbor master in Camden. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Creative work on the dock prior to fireworks over Camden Harbor. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Camden Harbor was busy all day and into the night. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

On the dock at Camden Harbor, it was a hot day and evening. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Arriving for fireworks. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

The line for those waiting for ice cream from Camden Cone was long and anticipatory. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

As evening falls over the west side of Camden Harbor. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

The Right Track gets the crowd warmed up dancing along Camden’s waterfront July 4, 2019. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Camden Rotary organized the day, with all its festivities; its fearless leaders: Graham Phaup, Joan Phaup and Leni Gronros. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Those who found the hidden path to the overlook got a magnificent view of the fireworks over Curtis Island. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

The seats filled along Camden Harbor in anticipation of fireworks. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Matt is the assistant harbor master in Camden. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Creative work on the dock prior to fireworks over Camden Harbor. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Camden Harbor was busy all day and into the night. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

On the dock at Camden Harbor, it was a hot day and evening. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

Arriving for fireworks. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

The line for those waiting for ice cream from Camden Cone was long and anticipatory. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

As evening falls over the west side of Camden Harbor. (Photo by Lynda Clancy)

(Photo by Lynda Clancy)

CAMDEN — A town has rarely been so filled as Camden was July 4, 2019 downtown, and along all sides of the harbor. By 7:30 p.m., the lawns in front of the Camden Public Library and sweeping down to the harbor’s edge were filled with people of all ages, in their chairs, on blankets or dancing by the stage where the Right Track was performing on the stage.

In the harbor, boats large and small began milling about, finding their special spot to watch the fireworks, which were going to unfold over Curtis Island at 9 p.m.

Onlookers were also stationed at Steamboat Landing, Laite Beach, all the quiet overlooks and streets and cottages, as well as on the roofs of French and Brawn and other buildings that have clear views above the harbor.

Camden Rotary presented its annual Music by the Sea concert series, an Independence Day tradition on the Midcoast for more than 25 years.

"It was such a beautiful day, and it wouldn't have been possible without our generous sponsors, the talents of the musicians and the efforts of so many people behind the scenes,” said Camden Rotary Club President Joan Phaup. “We couldn't be more pleased."

At noon, the band lineup began with the Midcoast Brass Quintet (Village Green)

2 p.m: Bay Chamber Concerts' Jazz Ensembles (Camden Harbor Park)

3:30 p.m.: Bath Municipal Band (Ampitheatre)

5 p.m.: Katahdin Valley Boys (Camden Harbor Park)

7:30 p.m.: The Right Track (Camden Harbor Park)

The community-financed fireworks display went off without a hitch, as the streets of Camden swelled with visitors and locals out enjoying the mild summer night of Independence Day 2019.