MIDCOAST—In the midst of one of the soggiest summers we’ve seen in years, there will be a respite in the weather on Tuesday, July 4, a.k.a. Independence Day with forecasts calling for partly sunny skies.  However, bring a poncho or umbrella for the possibility of pop-up thunderstorms.

Check out the events in your area.

Belfast

At noon on July 4, Belfast will host Songs of America – American history is told through song and speakers in a fun-filled nostalgic hour, outside at The Park on Main (just below Rollie’s). In case of rain, it will be moved to the Boathouse on Front Street. Seating is on the grass. Take your chair or blanket and your spirit for this heartwarming annual family event. A free presentation from the Belfast Parks & Recreation Dept.

Searsport

Update: Due to the weather forecast, the town of Searsport has postponed the fireworks show for the evening of July 4. The forecast is for possible rain and thundershowers in the area followed by fog. No future date for the display is offered. 

The parade and other events are still on schedule as planned. The Variety Show is happening tonight as planned.

For a town that has been making the news for its artistic and literary resurgence, Searsport is a get-away-from-the-crowd experience this Tuesday with the Penobscot Marine Museum Visitor Center celebrating July 4 with free admission all day, including traditional activities such as croquet, a bean bag toss, and children’s crafts in the crescent of the museum. Food and vendors start at 9 a.m. on Main Street with a chicken BBQ starting at 11:30 a.m. until sold out. Food and vendors start at 9 a.m. on Main Street with a chicken BBQ starting at 11:30 a.m. until sold out. The parade is still on, and starts at 11 a.m. The variety show is still happening as planned.

Camden

Update: The determination will be made on the morning of July 4 whether fireworks will still commence and you can find out more information here.

After a three-year hiatus, Camden is once again pulling out all of the stops with fireworks at Camden Harbor starting at 9 p.m. Central Maine Pyrotechnics is producing the event at the newly designated area located at the mouth of Sherman Cove. Catch this nighttime show sitting on the Schooner Olad or on a blanket in Harbor Park and wait for the spectacular grand finale—that always gets a few shrieks from the kids! FMI: Camden

Earlier in the day, Camden Rotary Club’s annual Music by the Sea celebration will present four free concerts to the Camden Library Amphitheatre.

The music, made possible by the generous sponsorships from local individuals and businesses, will start at noon and continue into the evening:

Noon to 1 p.m.:  Bay Chamber Concerts Jazz Ensemble (Village Green)
2 to 3:15 p.m.:   Midcoast Symphony Orchestra (Library Amphitheatre)
4 to 5 p.m.:   Folk Duo Elsie & Ethan (Library Amphitheatre)
6 to 7:15 p.m.: The Right Track R&B/Soul/Funk (Library Amphitheatre)

Thomaston

Thomaston, arguably, has the most attended Independence Day “Freedom & Fireworks” event, and therefore, expect some crowds.

The day will start with a kids’ Fun Race starting at 8 a.m., and a Firecracker 5K race starting at 8:30 a.m.

The craft show opens at 9 a.m. with more than 20 vendors. A parade starts at 11 a.m. (with a battle of the bands competing as they walk!), a car show, and an American Legion motorcycle show running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tons of activities for kids during the day as well as live bands throughout the event. As for food, a BBQ Chicken dinner begins at 12:30 p.m. until sold out.

Other vendors include Station 118, Stone Fox Ice Cream, The Scone Goddess, Elevat8 Energy, The Hernandez Family, Fun N’ Shine, and the American Legion. And just after it gets dark, the fireworks display will cap off a memorable ending to the day-long celebration. FMI: Thomaston Freedom & Fireworks

Vinalhaven

You’ll have to catch the ferry at the Rockland Ferry Terminal, but Vinalhaven is gearing up for a very special community July 4 celebration with the theme of “Vintage Vinalhaven.” Booths open at 9:30 a.m. with a silent auction, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., food vendors open at 10 a.m., and a parade starting at 11 a.m.  FMI: Vinalhaven

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com