Eastport hosts Maine's largest 4th of July celebration

June 28, 8:06 PMDowneast Maine ExaminerJennifer Barrows

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If you're looking for an action-packed Independence Day celebration, look no further than Eastport, which proudly hosts "the largest July 4th celebration in Maine." There are events for the whole family, including several genres of live music, Eastport's famous and much beloved annual parade, live dance performances, a pie-eating contest, craft fair, and of course, a grand display of fireworks. This is just a small sampling of what this town has going on this week. For a full schedule of events, visit Eastport4th.com

Though the nearly weeklong celebration technically starts on Sunday, June 28th, the bulk of the fun begins on Wednesday, July 1, which is Canada Day, and runs through the 5th of July. In recognition of Eastport's close proximity to nearby New Brunswick, Canada, this multi-day festival is very much an international event.

The rundown of activities on July 1 includes a sailboat race, bike race, as well as frisbee and limbo contests, followed by a barbeque and outdoor concert.  A few of the events will take place on nearby Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada. On Wednesday at dusk, Deer Island will host a fireworks display in honor of Canada Day.

 

Activities on July 2 include cupcake-decorating and watermelon-eating contests, a pet show and a talent show. The evening's big event is the Moose Island Follies, held at the Eastport Arts Center.

July 3rd's activities include a gospel concert, a performance by the King of Silly (who entertains kids of all ages with his unicycling, juggling and comedic prowess), and a cod fish relay race. Stage Hypnotist Steve Marino will keep the crowd in stitches at the Shead High School later in the evening. A torchlight parade concludes the day's festivities and paves the way for the main events of the next day.

July 4th is chock-full of events, highlights include a blueberry pancake breakfast, scenic airplane rides, a Fly-In by the Maine Powerchute Association, and the aforementioned parade, craft fair, outdoor entertainment and fireworks. For more information, visit Eastport4th.com.

Photos courtesy of Eastport4th.com