FARMINGTON — Valerie Preston likes coming to Farmington every Fourth of July to watch the parade.

“It’s such a beautiful town and the people are so friendly,” the Roque Bluffs selectman said. “I expect to eventually move to the area.”

She also comes to watch her family and grandchildren participate in the annual parade. Her daughter’s family owns Orr Excavation.

Preston was one of hundreds of adults, children and dogs that lined Broadway and Main streets under a sparkling sun and just enough heat to affirm that this was the Fourth of July in Maine.

Farmington had lots to celebrate this year, particularly the centenary of native daughter, opera star Lillian Nordica’s birth. The Farmington agricultural community was represented by several heifers, with some coming from the Hardy Farm, and a float was entered by the local Farmers’ Market.

Churches provided several floats, including one from New Hope Baptist Church that is presenting a performance of Colonial Williamsburg. The upcoming Aug. 5-6 Western Maine Storytelling Festival advertised its performance with a colorful float depicting story characters.

A couple of dozen teens and adults juggled as they marched and a group of roller skiers, known as Fast Nordic, glided between other floats and onlookers.

Patriotic music was performed by the Old Crow Band, a group of bagpipers, and up the street on the lawn of the Pierce House, Jon Hall conducted mid- to late-19th century music performed by the Centennial Brass Band of Portland. The two dozen musicians played instruments from that era, including cornets rather than trumpets.

“The community involvement, animals and organizing are wonderful,” Julia Bennett of West Paris said.

Nearby, dozens of people lined up to get a bowl of strawberry shortcake made with Pike’s strawberries, and homemade biscuits topped with whipped cream, prepared by the members of Old South Congregational Church.

Debbie Davis-Robinson, fundraising organizer, said 100 pounds of strawberries were picked. People began lining up for the seasonal treat at 9:45 a.m., she said. Funds raised will go toward the church’s outreach and community services.

Overhead, an unidentified parasailer flew his brightly colored machine among the blue skies and fluffy white clouds.

The event, sponsored by the Farmington Rotary Club, was much bigger than last year’s, Amanda Goulette of Wilton said .

Other events Monday included a hot dog give-away sponsored by the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church with donations to benefit the Franklin Heating Fund.