The day's 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 are behind the business block. Kiddie rides from East Coast Midways Carnival return this year. Join friends, neighbors and visitors to Maine and have a glorious Independence Day in Thomaston.

On Facebook, the Thomaston Fourth of July

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

7: to 8 a.m. Kids One Mile Fun Race & 5K Firecracker Race Sign Up
Sign up for the races will be on Beechwood Street by Route One, in front of Water Dog Tavern.

Free entry for kids under age 12 and T-shirt prizes.

5K Firecracker Race entry fees. $15 pre-registration, includes guaranteed tee-shirt. Pre-register online @www.runinarace.com/Firecracker/index.html, or download the registration form below, and mail in with payment - must be received by June 20th to guarantee tee-shirt. $20 day of race, may include tee-shirt (first come, first served). Download Firecracker Races Registration Form printable pdf to print out.

8 a.m. One Mile Fun Race Starts
Fun Race will begin at 8 a.m. on Beechwood Street.

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

8:30 a.m. Parade Staging
Staging area for the parade will be located on Dwight Street by the town cemetery in Thomaston. The theme is "Made in the U.S.A.!". For a parade application, email Julie Russo at julie@brookstrapmill.com , or go to www.thomastonmaine4thofjuly.com to download and print out Parade Application. pdf and Directions 2014. pdf.

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

9:15 a.m. Pet Show
Pet Show will be located behind the Thomaston Business Block, in front of Lura Libby School. Volunteers Steve Seekins and Naomi Howe put the animals through their paces. Humane Society of Knox County's volunteers will assist. Loyal Biscuit sponsors the show prizes - special treat/goodie bags for pets. Thank you to all!

11 a.m. 4th of July Parade
Staging area for the parade will be by the town cemetery in Thomaston, starting at 8:30am. For a parade application, email Julie Russo at julie@brookstrapmill.com. or download and print out Parade Application. pdf and Directions 2014. pdf from website Thomastonmaine4thofjuly.com. 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!

12 p.m. After the Parade - Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony with local elected dignitaries, singing of the national anthem, introduction of marshals and Mr. and Ms. 4th of July, announcing of parade prize winners.

12 p.m. Booths Open
All booths open - large variety of food, face painting, souvenirs. Glow-in-the-dark jewelry goes on sale at 4th of July Committee booth before fireworks.

12 p.m. Carnival Opens
East Coast Midways Carnival will provide children's rides. Located at the

Farm Team Ballfield next to Lura Libby School.

Hours: Thurs. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. Noon - 10 p.m.

12 p.m. Chicken Barbecue
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!

12 p.m. Dunk Tank
Dunk Tank, located behind the Thomaston Business Block. Sponsored by Thomaston Rec. Dept.

12 p.m. Raffle Tickets Go on Sale - for beautiful handmade table
Raffle tickets go on sale at the 4th of July Committee Booth behind the block in Thomaston. Table made and donated by Francis Farley of Thomaston ! Winner announced during evening band intermission.

12 p.m. Bouncy Houses
Two bouncy houses, Free for children - a Giraffe and The Edge. Fun for all from after the parade, until 8 PM. All donations go to the 4th of July festivities.

12:30 p.m. Hot Dog Eating Contest
Giant Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Bob's Big Dawgs - NEW!

1 p.m. Cod Adams Memorial Horseshoe Tournament
Horseshoe Tournament will be behind the business block on Lura Libby School field. Free to enter. All donations support the 4th of July. Prizes provided by the estate of Cod Adams, long-time beloved director of our annual horseshoe tournament.

5 p.m. Animal House - Band
Fabulous local band, Animal House, will play from 5 to 9 p.m., leading us up to the fireworks finale!

8:30 p.m. Raffle Winner Announced
Listen for announcements of raffle prize winner between song sets. Come enjoy the music and collect your prize 

9:15 p.m. Fireworks
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!