Don’t worry, Liberty Festival 2017 is on — with entertainment and festivities on both sides of the Androscoggin River.
The festival will start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.
The Auburn side will host a DJ dance party and some performers, along with Mr. Drew and his Animals Too at 7 p.m.
On the Lewiston side, soft rock group Polarized will open for Robert Elvis Washington, and classic rock group The Veggies closing it out at 8:15 p.m.
Liberty Festival President Cathy McDonald said people often come to the event as early as 1 p.m. to get a good spot.
“They sit and enjoy the day, watching the setup,” she said.
There will also be food vendors available on both sides of the river.
People may bring chairs, blankets and picnics, as long as no garbage is left behind, McDonald said.
She asked that festivalgoers refrain from bringing sparklers.
“It’s too crowded,” McDonald said. “People always get burnt with those things.”
Pets are also prohibited at the festivities.
Auburn and Lewiston contributed $10,000 and $8,600, respectively, for this year’s event, which costs a total of $27,000.
“We’re grateful for the money from the city,” she said, adding that they fundraise for the rest of the cost.
The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Festivalgoers are advised to arrive early to grab a seat, either in West Pitch Park on Goff Hill or in Great Falls Plaza.
The fireworks, orchestrated by Central Maine Pyrotechnics, cost $20,000.
“We’ve used them for several years,” McDonald said. “They’re very good.”
Parking will be available in Lewiston and Auburn in the mill lots and in the parking garage for a $5 donation. The money from parking in Lewiston goes toward the Lewiston High School Cheer Boosters and in Auburn it goes to veterans’ groups.
“It’s a well-oiled machine,” McDonald said. “A couple of us have been here for a very long time. We still work on it for a good eight months of the year. We’re always trying to make it a little better.”
On July 3, an American flag retirement ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. in Lewiston’s Veterans Memorial Park.
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