Across the U.S., Fourth of July celebrations this week will be a bit larger, and a bit more meaningful, as the country celebrates its 250th birthday.
In Aroostook County, tucked in the nation’s northeast corner, that will be no different. From lavish fireworks displays to historical readings to barbecues, there are plenty of ways to revel in America’s independence around The County this week.
Here are 11 ways you can mark the occasion.
Presque Isle
In Aroostook County’s biggest city, the holiday weekend is the culmination of a yearlong slate of events the city and its historical society have orchestrated for the 250th. The city had fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. at Riverside Park on July 3, but they have been canceled, a city councilor said Tuesday.
On the Fourth of July, the Elks Lodge 1954 will host its annual cookout and car show from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverside Park.
The James School, a restored one-room schoolhouse on the outskirts of the city, will host its annual celebration with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11:30 a.m.
A separate, commercially organized fireworks display is being held at the Aroostook Centre Mall on July 4, at dusk.
Find more information here.
Caribou
In Caribou, a series of events will ring in the holiday at Spud Speedway. The racetrack is hosting stock car racing, live music from an AC/DC cover band and a “massive” fireworks display, along with food trucks and a beer garden. Gates open at 4 p.m on July 4. Admission is $2.50.
Find more information here.
Houlton
Each year, Houlton provides one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks displays, a title it intends to keep. The town’s 40th Midnight Madness is slated for July 3, where live music and the famed Miracle Mile Road Race will mark the hours in the leadup to 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks are set to begin at Riverfront Park.
A parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 4. The theme of the two-day bash is “Hats Off to America.”
Find more information here.
Island Falls
At Walker Settlement, a concert venue that neighbors Island Falls’ Va Jo Wa Golf Course, the band Highway 207 will take the stage for the first night of the venue’s summer concert series, opening for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Music begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $15. Children 12 and under get in for free with a paying adult.
Find more information here.
Allagash
On the edge of North Maine Woods, one of Aroostook County’s largest fireworks displays will take place in Allagash. A tradition for more than two decades, a local family — the McBreairtys — are again organizing a blowout celebration for America’s birthday.
The fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, on the north shore of the St John River Bridge at The McBreairty Flat.
Find more information here.
Eagle Lake
In the St. John Valley, Eagle Lake is marking the holiday with its annual boat parade and decorating contest. At the Eagle Lake Pavilion on Main Street, food trucks and live music will be set up as the event kicks off at 3 p.m. on July 4.
A commercial fireworks display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Find more information here.
Limestone
Limestone’s Fourth of July festivities begin on July 3, with live music, food and games at Trafton Lake starting at 4 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at night. The town’s annual holiday parade is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, with a car show afterward at 2:45 p.m.
Find more information here.
Ashland
In Ashland, due west of Presque Isle, the Fourth of July celebration will be four days long. Live music, food and a road race dot the schedule for July 2, 3 and 5 sandwiching a parade and Easter egg hunt among other events on July 4.
Find more information here.
Mapleton
Mapleton’s Baptist Park plans to celebrate America’s birthday with a day of “faith, fellowship and food” on July 3. The park will open at 1 p.m., with a barbecue slated for 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Find more information here.
Madwaska
The Madawaska American Legion Post 147 will hold a cookout in front of the Legion hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 4.
Find more information here.
Patten
Just over the county line in northern Penobscot County, the town of Patten is celebrating Independence Day with a barbecue and games at the Patten Playground from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m on July 4.
Find more information here.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you have information on Fourth of July celebrations in The County that are not listed here, email us at story@thecounty.me.
