FARMINGTON — A fireworks display kicks off the Independence Day celebration in Farmington.

The free display is planned for 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, over Prescott Field on Front Street.

The Farmington Fire Benevolent Association will host its annual chicken barbecue earlier Friday evening near the Snack Shack on Front Street. Dinners are limited and those interested should call 778-3235 as soon as possible.

An Obstacle and Trail Run takes place at 7 p.m, starting and ending at the Snack Shack next to Prescott Field. Registration for takes place from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

The fireworks are sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank, the Farmington Fire Benevolent Association and Stone Hearth Cafe. It is a citizen-initiated event made possible by an all-volunteer staff, John Moore, co-owner of Stone Hearth Cafe, previously said.

There is plenty of space adjacent to the fields for lawn chairs or blankets but viewers are asked to not stand or sit on the UMF playing fields.

The Farmington Rotary Club’s annual July 4 parade begins lining up at 8 a.m. in the High Street parking lot next to the Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. This year’s theme for the parade, which starts at 10 a.m., is Children, Martha Wing, Rotary Club president, said.

The parade route from the parking lot is north on High Street, across Broadway to Main Street, down Main Street, cross to South Street and back to the parking lot.

The Rotary gives ribbons for prizes in categories such as agricultural, antique cars and trucks, businesses, nonprofits and antique tractors, she said.  

Participants can sign up for the parade starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 4. 

Festivities continue after the parade at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church and at the Pierce House next door. The church will give out free hot dogs and accept donations for the ecumenical heating ECU-Heat Fund.

Old South First Congregational Church members are preparing for their annual strawberry shortcake fundraiser. Homemade biscuits with fresh strawberries are available on the front lawn of the Pierce House.

After getting a hot dog and shortcake, people are welcome to sit under the tent at the Pierce House to enjoy the music of the Centennial Band. The tent is set up for people to sit under while watching the parade and to enjoy the food and music afterward, Darlene Mooar, administrator, said.

In celebration of the Pierce House’s new addition, there will also be cookie-decorating, ice cream cones and guided tours, she said. 

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

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