Bar Harbor Fourth Of July Celebrations
It's what's happening in Bar Harbor on the Fourth of July
BAR HARBOR—This Tuesday will mark one of the biggest community events in Bar Harbor where locals, summer residents, and visitors converge to celebrate the commemoration of American’s independence, look for lobsters, maybe eat a couple of lobsters or pancakes, and also enjoy a parade that meanders, marches, prances, rolls, struts, hops, and dances through the streets of downtown Bar Harbor.
According to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce:
Bar Harbor’s Fourth of July has been voted the #1 Fourth of July celebration in America by the Today Show, and recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten in the U.S. With a full day of events, there are so many ways to enjoy the holiday, it’s no wonder that people love spending the Fourth in Bar Harbor.
– Bar Harbor Chamber
Just last week Reader’s Digest wrote on its list of “Best Fourth of July Fireworks in Every State,”
“One of the prettiest, most idyllic, and most charming small towns in the country, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. On the 4th of July, things get even better.“
Here’s a quick lowdown on what’s happening.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST!
It usually begins with The Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast that runs from 6-10 a.m. That’s at the ball field on the corner of Park Street and Main. All proceeds from the breakfast go toward Rotary projects and local nonprofits.
THE PARADE!
July 4 at 10:00 a.m. is when the quirky Independence Day Parade begins.
Click here to download a map of the parade route. It’s another Chamber-sponsored event!
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AND CRAFT FAIR!
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Rotarians are at it again with their Seafood Festival. That’s at the Park Street ball field.
The Bar Harbor/MDI Rotary Club is still looking for four lunch volunteers. Click here to contact Lisa Horsch Clark about that opportunity. All proceeds support Rotary projects and local nonprofits.
Also during the day from 8 to 3 is the Island Arts Association’s craft fair/marketplace. That’s at the MDI YMCA, 21 Park Street.
PIE SALE!
From 10 a.m. to noon at the YWCA MDI. Summer pie sales happen weekly on Tuesdays until Aug. 29.
Proceeds to support the YWCA's lodging program for women and girls. For more information reach out to suzanne@ywcamdi.org.
LIVE MUSIC!
From 3:30-9 p.m., live bands will be rocking the Town Pier.
The Bar Harbor Hospitality Group is sponsoring the live music, which is produced by the Bar Harbor Chamber.
The Bar Harbor Town Band takes the stage at the Village Green starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Dan Lorey Trio plays from 7-9 p.m. at the Annex on Rodick Street.
FIREWORKS OF AWESOME!
Fireworks— Weather permitting, fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The Bar Harbor Regency, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, Stewman’s Lobster Pound and the town are sponsoring the fireworks, which are positioned near the Town Pier.
There’s also an exit map to help expedite your departure if you didn’t take the Island Explorer into town or don’t live here.
LOBSTER SCAVENGER HUNT!
Beginning July 1 and running until the 5 is the Lobster Scavenger Hunt sponsored by the Mount Desert Island YMCA Lobster Scavenger Hunt.
You can pick up cards at the MDI YMCA at 21 Park St. in Bar Harbor. Cards must be turned in by noon on July 5.
MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION
For a gallery of photos from this year’s events and last, just click here! Every year we’ll add more! Just click on the photo in the gallery (at the link) to see the enlarged version!
For the Bar Harbor Chamber’s official site, just click here!