RANGELEY – Independence Day celebrations begin Thursday with the annual children’s parade followed later by a chicken barbecue and fireworks. Activities have been added to keep festivities going throughout the day.

Line up and judging for the Children’s Day parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Rangeley Inn, said Gail Spaulding from the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Bikers, walkers and children with push carriages usually enter the 10 a.m. parade that ends in Lakeside Park, where awards are given, she said.

Once the parade ends, the Rotary Club helps with events for kids, said Rotarian Dawn Field. Several organizations were contacted and activities such as a volleyball tournament, basketball foul shooting, beach ball and volleyball for smaller children will be offered.

Children can also have their faces painted, enjoy the antics of clowns and see a magic show offered from noon to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m., she said.

“Festivities start with the parade and go until the fireworks at dusk,” she said.

Vendors will also be available around the park starting at 11 a.m.

Bands will provide concerts in the park. A local Rangeley band, Grand Theft, will play from 4 to 5 p.m. and from 5:30 to dusk, Coos Canyon Band will play. Fireworks start at dusk, Field said.

The Rangeley Region Health Center will sponsor a duck race starting at 11 a.m. on Haley Pond, Spaulding said. The chamber will begin its silent auction at noon in Lakeside Park. More than 100 items and gift certificates will be up for bid until 7:30 p.m., she said.

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd will hold its annual chicken barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church on Main Street.

Fireworks will be held unless there is heavy rain, she said. If postponed, the fireworks will be held on Friday. The chamber can be contacted for more information at 864-5364.

On Friday, an arts and craft show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rangeley Inn, Spaulding said. Sponsored by Birds of a Feather Gallery, the show will feature the work of local artists.

Two events are planned for Saturday, The Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum’s auction starting at 10 a.m. at the museum site on Route 16 and a community lawn sale from 9 a.m. to noon at the Episcopal Church.