DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love fireworks. On a recent Saturday evening I thought I heard a display but didn’t know one was scheduled. This seems to happen several times throughout the year.

I did not see it listed in the paper. If it was in the paper where do I search? I love to plan ahead and would like to find out if there is a list of fireworks that will be happening in L-A this year. Thanks. — Becky Dacus, bdacus207@gmail.com

ANSWER: Although the Maine Legislature has not limited the days when people can use fireworks, many municipalities have done so, following the state rules, which allow extended times on a few days a year. The ordinance online at Maine.gov reads:

“Consumer fireworks may be used between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., except that on the following dates they may be used between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day: (1) July 4th; (2) Dec. 31; and (3) The weekends immediately before and after July 4th and Dec. 31.”

So the fireworks you heard were probably not officially sanctioned. Some people are breaking the law, but it can be difficult to catch them. By the time the police get there, the fireworks have faded into the twilight.

You can read more about the rules governing fireworks and how to handle them safely at www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fireworks/

Most communities have ordinances further prohibiting or limiting fireworks. You can download a list of local ordinances (note that it is not in alphabetical order) from the website above. Go to the bulleted item “Municipal Restrictions and Prohibitions on Consumer Fireworks.”

The Sun Journal usually publishes a list of Fourth of July fireworks displays, which you will be able to check out online. Sun Spots will try to remember to provide the link in her column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do I request a stop delivery (vacation pack) while on vacation and have papers delivered when we return? — Gerry via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots put your question to Sun Journal Circulation Director Mike Theriault , who said:

“A subscriber can manage their account online as long as they have registered an email address on their account and have their account number. The address is www.sunjournal.com/subscriber/services

“They can also send an email to circulation@sunjournal.com providing a name, street address and the nature of their request.

“The traditional form of contact via telephone is 784-3555.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column a lot. The June 10 ice palace history was very interesting, but I have a correction: No Name Pond is in Lewiston, not Auburn. I am very surprised James Myall does not know this, or is it a newspaper error? — Jeanne Raymond, Lewiston, Jbrayd@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know whose mistake it was, as James was quoting from an old newspaper. But you are right that No Name Pond is in Lewiston.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We would like to say thank-you to all who joined in to wish Harry Dixon Jr. of Lewiston a happy 90th birthday on May 11. These thanks include Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald, the Lewiston Fire Department, the “Great Stephan,” the Exchange Club, especially Rollie, and neighborhood and church friends.

It was great to meet everyone. A special thanks to Jim and Marie Dunington for organizing the party. Harry had a great birthday, and it really meant a lot to him. All of you made this possible. This will definitely be a day he remembers for years to come. — Harry’s family

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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