A Month of Fun: Friday, July 4
Down East Editors' picks for fun ways to celebrate every day this month.
Enjoy Old Home Week, way Down East
Eastport
The Fourth of July is a great time to be in Maine, and let’s face it, a lot of people think so and make the trek. But few get as far as Eastport, the farthest Down East city in Maine. They don’t know what they’re missing. Every year, this tiny port of fewer than 1,700 people transforms itself for the first few days of July with a celebration that trumps all others in the state. That’s right, Eastport lays claim to the largest Independence Day celebration in Maine, with a whole week of events called Eastport’s Old Home Week. The grand finale, on Independence Day itself, combines patriotic events, such as a special viewing of a navy ship (warships have been visiting the event for more than a hundred years), with good old Down East fun, like a blueberry pie eating contest. It all happens on the shore of Passamaquoddy Bay. Friday is chock full of events for the whole family, just be sure to bring a large appetite. The day kicks off with a celebration of the local fruit of the land with a blueberry pancake breakfast at the airport. Throughout the day you can listen to South American music at the Quoddy Tides Park or visit the craft fair and food vendors around town. There are quirky events, too, such as the Maine Powerchute Association fly-in and the doll carriage parade, so there is sure to be something for everyone. But you’ll find most of the visitors in one place at 2 p.m.: the parade. Don’t miss the grand fireworks display at dusk, too. For more information call the Eastport Chamber of Commerce at 207-853-4644 or visit www.eastport4th.com
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