CARRABASSETT VALLEY - July 4th celebrations will take place in the town park Friday. Activities have been planned by town employees to begin at noon and end with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

If inquiring phone calls are any indication, Town Clerk Wendy Russell predicts a good turnout.

The celebration, held in the park on Carriage Road just behind the town office and near the fire station, begins with the town pool opening at noon. There is a fee for people who are not town taxpayers to use the pool, but visitors are welcome to any and all activities, she said.

A children's parade begins at 12:30 p.m. with the line up starting at 12:15 p.m. at Tufulio's Restaurant, where children on bikes and with carriages will parade to the park.

The fire department has a magic show with Stephen the Great planned for 1 p.m. and music by Kathy's Karaoke from 1 to 5 p.m., she said.

Other activities for children include creating an arts and crafts project from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and children, ages 1 to 13 can paw through a pile of sawdust to find surprises like candy and coins, she said. The youngest are given a chance before the older children dive in.

The children also enjoy firetruck rides with the fire chief and members of the department as they travel on Route 27 with all the horns blowing, she said.

A local band, The BittahBastards-Rock and Roll, will provide music from 6 to 9 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m.

The fireworks are set up on the airport strip and probably the best view is from the park, she said, but some people also park along Route 27.

J.V. Wing Snowmobile Club will sponsor a food booth at the park and sell burgers, hot dogs, chicken and sausage as well as glow sticks, she added.

People can also bring a picnic, but no glass is allowed in the park, she said.