Fourth of July Parade Route Remains Despite Construction Slow Down
Bar Harbor Parade Map, Southwest Harbor Fourth Celebrations
BAR HARBOR—There’s bad news and good news about Bar Harbor’s upcoming Fourth of July parade.
The bad news is that Town Manager James Smith said that the town had hoped the Main Street project would be completed so as to not impact the annual July Fourth Parade which is sponsored by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and area businesses. The storm water catch basins, however, were not delivered on time.
The southbound lane of Main Street in the section that’s currently under construction will be bindered. The northbound lane will be gravel for that section.
“We’re working on getting a news flash out. The key stakeholders are aware of that,” Smith said at the June 18 Town Council meeting.
The good news? It won’t impact the parade route according to Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Everal Eaton said Monday.
“The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce appreciates the work the Town of Bar Harbor has done to ensure the parade route is unaffected by the road construction occurring on lower Main Street,” Eaton said.
Smith said that there will be a superintendent on site for dust control.
“This year we’re looking forward to being another great year to celebrate the Fourth of July in Bar Harbor. It remains a great time to come together as a community to celebrate another year in our nation’s history,” said Eaton. “The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and residents to decorate their stores, lodging establishments, banks, restaurants, homes, lawns, and porches to make the entire town red, white, and blue for the holiday.
As the Chamber’s website states, “Bar Harbor’s July 4th Celebration 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. “
Bar Harbor Events that Celebrate the Fourth of July in Bar Harbor
The Fourth of July Celebration features a full day of events. From Pancake Breakfasts to the Independence Day Parade and fireworks to close out the night, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read more about the schedule of events below and mark your calendars to come out and celebrate.
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pancake Breakfast
The Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club will hold its traditional Pancake Breakfast at the Bar Harbor Athletic Field on Park Street. Blueberry or plain pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, sausage, orange juice, milk, water, tea, and coffee. A fun morning feast for the whole family, and a great way to fuel up for the day ahead! All proceeds from the event support Rotary projects and local nonprofits.
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Craft Fair/Marketplace
The Island Arts Association will hold a Craft Fair/Marketplace at the YMCA, 21 Park Street, featuring a wonderful selection of Maine crafts, including jewelry, quilts, photographs, pottery, and porcelain dolls. Please join us for this joint fundraiser for the YMCA and the YWCA. Please call the YWCA at 207-288-5008 for additional information.
10:00 AM Independence Day Parade
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is excited to produce the annual Independence Day Parade. The community shows off its patriotism and good humor as the parade winds through downtown Bar Harbor from Main Street (starting at the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street) to Cottage Street to Eden Street to Mt. Desert Street to Ledgelawn Avenue (ending at Park Street).
Organizations and groups interested in participating in the parade can download the registration form at https://www.visitbarharbor.com/july-4th.
All registrations are due by this Friday (June 28).
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Seafood Festival
The Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club will be offering delicious lunch options to keep you fueled up for the remainder of the day! Bring the whole family to the Bar Harbor Athletic Field on Park Street to enjoy Maine lobster rolls and crab rolls, hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, watermelon, chips, water, and sodas. All proceeds from the event support Rotary projects and local nonprofits.
3:30 PM - 9:00 PM Live Music at the Town Pier
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the free concert series at the Town Pier leading up to the fireworks. With family-friendly tunes for dancing and listening as you wander by the harbor or stake out your seat for the fireworks! Featuring performances by The Smith Collaboration, Cryin' Out Loud, and The Crown Vics.
Live music at the Town Pier is sponsored by the Bar Harbor Hospitality Group.
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Bar Harbor Town Band
A Maine tradition since 1898, the Bar Harbor Town Band returns this year to perform at the Village Green.
9:15 PM (approx.) Fireworks Over Frenchman Bay
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce will finish off the night with fireworks over Frenchman Bay. Enjoy the spectacular display on the waterfront, downtown Bar Harbor. This year’s fireworks are sponsored by the Bar Harbor Regency, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, Stewman's Lobster Pound, and the Town of Bar Harbor.
Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration is made possible through support from the Town of Bar Harbor, sponsors, and donors. The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce would also like to extend our thanks to the Town of Bar Harbor Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments for ensuring that everyone is able to safely enjoy the day’s festivities.
Information on Bar Harbor’s fourth of July Celebration can be found at https://www.visitbarharbor.com/july-4th including information on how you can make a non tax deductible donation if you wish to support the day’s events.
Southwest Harbor Celebrations
The eleventh annual fireworks display in Southwest Harbor will be at 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks on the Quietside of the island is also a group effort. It’s led by the Southwest Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce.
Fireworks are launched from John Goodwin Construction’s barges, which will be in the harbor off Clark Point.
The rain date is July 6.
For more information, call 244-9264 or email office@acadiachamber.com.
MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION
For last year’s events, including photos, click here.
For a gallery of photos from 2022’s events and last, just click here!
For the Bar Harbor Chamber’s official site, just click here!
For the Acadia Chamber, click here.
All photos unless otherwise specified: Carrie Jones/Bar Harbor Story
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.