Central Maine’s biggest road race returns for the 16th year

Last year at the start of the Friends on the 4th 5k race. Photo courtesy of Friends on the 4th

Please join the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed on the 4th of July for their 16th Annual “Friends on the 4th 5K Run/Jog/Walk”! The race will be held Wednesday, July 4,  at 8 a.m. in Winthrop, along the beautiful eastern shore of Lake Maranacook.

Pre-registration is $25 and open until 8 p.m. online July 3rd, 2018. Participants registered by 8 am on Thursday, June 28th, 2018 will receive a free t-shirt sporting the Friend’s “Spotter the Otter” race logo and a stuffed gift bag! Event day registration is $30 with no guarantee of a free t-shirt and gift bag. Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the American Legion on Bowdoin Street in Winthrop. Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony and free raffle with a list of wonderful prizes!

To download a registration form or register online, visit www.watershedfriends.com, our Facebook Page, or call the Friend’s office at 621-4100.

Independence Day celebration at Fort Western, parade and fireworks over the Kennebec

Augusta’s Mayor, David Rollins, will give the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence in 18th century costume. Fort Western photo

Fort Western (1754) National Historic Landmark and Living History Museum will host an Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the east bank of the Kennebec River in the heart of downtown Augusta.

Throughout the day, visitors are invited to walk through the Fort, store and house to view period rooms and exhibits and talk with historical interpreters about daily life in the 18th century. Daniel Savage’s Company will be present to demonstrate life as Revolutionary War soldiers and their role at Fort Western. At noon, a special ceremony will be held in accordance with George Washington’s orders (July 4, 1778) by “firing thirteen Pieces of Cannon” honoring the original colonies, followed by the lowering of the British colors and the raising of the “new” American flag.

Admission rates: $10 Adults, $6 Children (6-14), $8 Seniors & Veterans, $25 family (5), and $1 AAA discounts. Augusta residents and active military are admitted free of charge. New hours: July- August: Open Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; September and October: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Western (1754) is America’s oldest surviving wooden French and Indian War garrison illuminating 300 years of Maine and New England history. For more information, please visit the website at www.oldfortwestern.org or call 626-2385, or email oldfort@oldfortwestern.org.

At 4 p.m., the Augusta Parade will begin at the State House and end at Fort Western. At 5:30 p.m., Augusta’s Mayor, David Rollins, will give the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence in 18th century costume. A “feu de joie” (musket salute) by Daniel Savage’s Company will accompany the reading and patriotic music will be provided. At 9:15 p.m. don’t miss the traditional fireworks display at Mill Park.

Capital City Riverfront Fourth

Tuesday, July 4 Schedule of Events
10 a.m – 7:30 p.m. THE 4TH AT THE FORT, Old Time Independence Day Celebration
2:30 p.m. LIVE MUSIC, Market Square, Augusta
4 p.m. 4TH OF JULY PARADE State Capitol to State Street to Water Street to Fort Western
5:30 p.m. HAYRIDES, VENDORS, BOUNCE HOUSES & FARMER’S MARKET, Mill Park
6 p.m. LIVE MUSIC, Mill Park
9:15 p.m. FIREWORKS, Mill Park