GRAND ISLE, Maine — In keeping with a decade-long tradition, the town of Grand Isle will have fireworks, festivities, music and food at the Grand Isle campground this Friday in celebration of Independence Day.
The event is organized by the town’s fire department, which raises money by collecting bottles and cans throughout the year to purchase fireworks. The effort is led by George Dionne, who owns the campground and has a long history with the fire department, but recently retired.
The town last year held its first ever Independence Day Parade, but will not be holding a parade this year. Dionne said this is because one of the two organizers died this spring, and the parade would be too much for one person to organize.
About 400 came out for last year’s event, Dionne said.
Festivities start around 6 p.m., but Dionne said people usually start coming around 5:30 pm. Maine-ly Meat ‘N Potatoes, a local food truck based in Grand Isle, will be at the campground providing food, and music will be played through loudspeakers. And just before the fireworks, which start around 9 p.m., he said they will host karaoke.
The event also features a large bonfire at the campground.
“We get people to bring up branches all year long,” Dionne said. “We get a big stack, so we get a humongous bonfire. And then the fire department lets off the fireworks on a property adjacent to the campground.”
He said the field near the campground has plenty of space for parking.
The event is organized by about 15 volunteers who make sure everyone is safe and that children are not getting too close to the fireworks. He said the safety of children is also why the fireworks are let off on a property about 300 feet away that is separated by a railroad track.
This event will also raise money for the town’s Labor Day weekend event, which is a larger celebration at the campground for the community. This event is set up by about 20 volunteers and will include barbecued food courtesy of the fire department.
“In a small town, it’s all about volunteering,” Dionne said.
Grand Isle is one of eight communities in Aroostook County to have a fireworks display, and one of two St. John Valley towns to do so.
Eagle Lake will also have a fireworks display at 9:15 pm following a 7:45 pm boat parade. Eagle Lake’s festivities are set to start on the town pavilion on 106 Old Main St.
Elsewhere in The County
Independence Day festivities are happening all over The County. Below are some other community events.
July 3: Presque Isle, Riverside Park, 9 p.m. Fireworks preceded by performance from the band Busted beginning at 6:30.
July 3: Houlton, Market Square, 9:30 p.m. Grand finale of Midnight Madness, Houlton’s blow-out summer festival. The day begins at 4 p.m. with artisan vendors, food trucks, sidewalk sales, live entertainment, a road race, and games for kids followed by performances from three bands prior to the fireworks.
July 3: Limestone, downtown at the intersection of Access Highway and Main Street, at dusk. A part of Limestone’s annual weeklong Fourth of July celebration. Fireworks are over Limestone Pond.
July 4: Island Falls, VaJoWa Golf Course, 142 Walker Settlement Rd., 9:15 p.m. Fireworks follow Highway 207 concert from 6–9 p.m.
July 4: Caribou, Spud Speedway, 209 Thompson Road, 9 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m. Event features a cash bar, fire pit and s’mores, selfie station, corn hole and food vendors.
July 4: Presque Isle: Annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, 11:30 a.m. at the James School. Annual community celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Riverside Park hosted by the Elks Lodge 1954, with free hot dog lunch, vintage car show, live music, red, white and blue costume contest and an apple pie contest.
