THOMASTON — During Independence Day weekend, Thomaston has grown over the years to be the Midcoast town with the most activities for kids, the 5k runners sporting the brightest patriotic attire, the most chicken on the grill and the longest parade, all underway before noon on July 4. Then of course, there’s that awesome fireworks show, what’s not to love, and it’s all happening this weekend.

The two-day event starts Friday night, July 3, with an old-fashioned Community Variety Show in celebration of the Watts Block's 100th birthday. The free show is set for 6:30 p.m. at Watts Hall on Main Street (Route 1) downtown. Come and see the local talent.

Saturday's events start early with a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall, a craft tent, a pet show, the big parade, chicken barbecue, food and vendor booths, games for kids, free bouncy houses, musical entertainment and then the big fireworks show. Many of activities are happening behind the business block, so park your car and walk around the corner to find the post-parade action.

Friday July 3

6:30 p.m. — Variety Show at Watts Hall

Saturday July 4

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

7-8 a.m. — Kids One-Mile Fun Race and 5K Firecracker Race sign-up
Sign up for the races will be on Beechwood Street by Route 1, in front of the former 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 and to pre-register, visit runinarace.com/Firecracker/indes.html.

8 a.m. — One-Mile Fun Race starts on Beechwood Street

8:30 a.m. — 5K Firecracker Race 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 "May the 4th Be With You!" For a parade application, email info@thomaston4thofjuly.com.

9 a.m. — Craft Tent opens
Open until 4 p.m. and located behind the Masonic Temple Building.

9:15 a.m. — Pet Show
Volunteers Naomi Howe and Steve Seekins return to run the Pet Show, located behind the Thomaston Business Block, in front of Lura Libby School. Loyal Biscuit sponsors the show prizes, with special treat/goodie bags for pets. Bring all your pets.

11 a.m. — Fourth of July Parade
Staging area for the parade will be by the town cemetery in Thomaston, starting at 8:30 a.m. For a parade application, email info@thomaston4thofjuly.com. The parade will head out Erin Street, where it will enter Main Street and move south through downtown. It will disband at Booker Street. Thank you to the organizers of the parade, who are all volunteers. We appreciate your hard work.

Noon — Fourth of July Opening Ceremony, after the parade
Opening Ceremony with local elected dignitaries, singing of the national anthem, introduction of grand marshal and Mr. and Ms. Fourth of July, announcing of parade prize winners.

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

Noon — Chicken Barbecue
Chicken Barbecue will be located behind the business block until sold out. This barbecue is put on by volunteers. All proceeds support Fourth of July festivities. Thank you to our volunteers.

Noon — Bouncy Houses open until 8 p.m.
Two bouncy houses, free for children. All donations go to the Fourth of July festivities.

12:30-3:30 p.m. — Wing'N It band
Wing'N It plays country music – bring your dancing shoes.

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

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

5-9 p.m. — Animal House band
Local band Animal House will play up to the fireworks finale.

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 fireworks display.