July Fourth is Coming

There are many things that Bridgton does right, and the annual Fourth of July celebration is among them. I love the way the community comes together for what feels like a good, old-fashioned holiday.

If I had to choose a few of the highlights of my year, July Fourth would be one of them. Ever since I was a kid, it felt a little like Christmas to me. My mom, on the other hand, always feels a little sad on the Fourth, because she thinks that it means summer is half over. Whenever she says this, I remind her, in my best Italian-American Tri-state area accent, “Ma! Are you kiddin’ me? Summer officially started only two weeks ago!” But then I have to remind myself that where she lives, summer pretty much begins on Memorial Day.

For us, Memorial Day only means we’re finally in the clear for not having to worry about frost killing our gardens. One of these days, I want my mom to visit for the Fourth, so that she can experience the charm. As it is, she already thinks of Maine, and especially Bridgton, as a place where things are different than in the rest of the country. She’ll ask me questions like, “Do kids in Maine play video games?” And I’ll say, “Ma! I don’t live in 1950, I live in Maine!”

My hope is that, with all the fun going on around town, maybe at least for the July Fourth weekend, kids in Bridgton won’t be inside playing video games; because outside, we’ll have everything from fireworks to rubber ducks. Who would want to miss all that?

The fun starts on Friday, July 3, on the grounds of the Stevens Brook Elementary School. Starting at 10 a.m. there will be crafters, food vendors, and a community band performing on the gazebo. The fireworks begin at about 9 p.m.

The 39th annual Four on the Fourth road race starts at 8 a.m. on lower Main Street by Food City and ends on Depot Street. Don’t forget to register by July 2!

The 16th annual Great Bridgton Duck Race will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the Stevens Brook Bridge on Main Street. Tickets are $5. The winner will receive $500!

The annual Independence Day parade begins at noon, coming from Bridgton Health Care, and ends at Shorey Park. This year’s theme is “Rock Around Bridgton, 50s and 60s”. Not only will you likely hear good music, but you’ll probably score some free candy, too.

Community Theater

Lake Region Community Theater is presenting “The Addams Family” on the stage of Lake Region High School. The play opened with three shows last weekend, but if you missed it, there will be three more shows this weekend. Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, curtain is at 7:30 p.m., and there will be a matinee on Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under.

Gallery Events

Gallery 302 is holding a benefit auction on Friday, July 10, to raise money for the Bridgton Art Guild. They will be auctioning off unique birdhouses, hand-decorated and painted by member artists. Registration and preview begins at 5 p.m.; bidding begins at 6 p.m.

Also at the gallery Friday, June 26, there will be a wine and cheese reception from 5-7 p.m., celebrating the work of guest artist Maya Kuvaya, whose art will be exhibited at the gallery through July 16.

Busy BHS

The Bridgton Historical Society has many upcoming events planned throughout the summer and into autumn. On Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m., Maine author Colin Woodard will present a lecture at Narramissic in South Bridgton. The lecture focuses on how the immigrant nature of New England helped to shape the attitudes and beliefs about Maine. Woodard is the author of the books The Lobster Coast and American Nations.

Get Your Beauty Rest

The Lake Region High School lacrosse team is holding a mattress sale at Stevens Brook Elementary School this Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to purchase new mattress at up to 50 percent off the retail price. The money raised will benefit the lacrosse team.

You Know It’s Summer When…

Strawberries make their debut! The First Congo Church on South High Street is holding its 22nd annual strawberry breakfast this Saturday, June 27, from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Outdoor seating is available. On the menu will be pancakes, French toast, biscuits, cereal, whipped cream and ice cream, all topped with blueberries (just kidding). Cost is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-10, and $2 for children four and under.

If you don’t get your fill of pancakes on Saturday, you can go to the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast at St. Joseph Parish Hall, 225 South High St. the next morning, June 28, starting at 9 a.m.

Helping Our Neighbors

There will be a benefit to support the rebuilding of Vivo’s Country Italian Kitchen and Bar of Depot Street this Saturday at the Bridgton Community Center, starting at 5 p.m. There will be food, music and raffles and the chance to sign up to help with the actual rebuilding of the restaurant.

Happy summer, everyone!