Independence Day Festivities

Although there will be no 4^th of July parade this year due to Covid, plans are in place for Independence Day festivities at Number One Pond on Saturday, July 3. The Maine Attraction Water Ski Team will put on a show at 6:00 p.m., and there will be an hour-long fireworks display beginning at dusk. There will be no vendors this year, so feel free to bring your own picnic supper from home, or patronize one of our downtown restaurants between the two events.

Handicapped parking will be at the Armory from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. There will be Port-a-lets in the parking area at the intersection of Front St. and William Oscar Emery Dr. across from the pond, as well as at the Armory, and at Lincoln St.

Water-filled barricades will be set up to close off Gowen Park Dr. and William Oscar Emery Dr. beginning at 4:00 p.m. to make a safe environment for everyone. Residents of the area will be able to get through.

The Sanford Police Department would like to remind everyone that no dogs (except service animals) are allowed in the spectator area. Also, no alcoholic beverages, no illegal drugs or substances, no personal fireworks or snap caps, no lasers, no hazardous materials and no sports equipment such as balls, bats, sticks, discs or beanbags are allowed in the spectator area. Riding bicycles, skates, skateboards, hover boards and scooters is also prohibited.

At 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, the 4th, a group of local residents is planning to gather at the High School, drive honking and waving down to the Springvale BMV, then turn around and drive back. They emphasize that this is not a parade, simply a group of citizens taking a drive through town together. If you would like to join them, they ask that you obey all traffic laws including red lights, and they request no politicians or political signs, just the red, white and blue!

Also on Sunday, The Runaway at Pilots Cove Cafe (at the Sanford Airport) is throwing a 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza which owner Dan Bowden says will be unlike anything southern Maine has ever seen before. The VIP tables are sold out, but general admission under the pavilion is available at $10 per person, first come, first served. There will be a cocktail bar and beer garden from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The fireworks start at dusk, and DJ Keith James will be spinning your favorite hits from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

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