A view of the beautiful harbor in Eastport, Maine.

The beautiful lobster fishing village of Eastport is a fantastic place to witness a classic Downeast Maine Fourth of July celebration.  Yankee magazine even rated Eastport’s Fourth of July as one of the best in New England.  The below schedule of events for their 2015 Independence Day celebrations, which stretches over several days, shows how unique and festive Fourth of Julys can be in the coastal communities of Maine.

The Eastport 4th of July Schedule – 2015

Note: this is an abbreviated schedule of events.  Spectators can also enjoy live music, craft stalls, artistic events and more as part of the festivities. 

Wednesday, 1st of July (Canada Day)

10:00 a.m. – 9th Annual Canada Day Sailboat Race. Sailboats race from Eastport’s breakwater to St. Andrew’s Yacht Club.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Frisbee contest and limbo competition in Library Park.  Bike races from the Boat School to the Fire House.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Country Rib BBQ at the Head of Breakwater

Thursday, 2nd of July (Welcome Home Day)

11:00 a.m. – Watermelon eating contest at Overlook Park.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Crabmeat roll Luncheon at the Eastport Senior Center.

1:00 p.m. –  Little Mr & Miss 4th of July at Overlook Park (ages 2-4).

4:00 p.m. –  Pet show at Overlook Park with prizes for Most Patriotic, Best Tricks and more.

Friday, 3rd of July (Armed Services Day)

9:00 a.m. – Kids’ One Mile Fun Run from Boat School to Dead River, Key Street.

9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Children’s games in Library Park.

12:00 noon –  Miss 4th of July Contest at Overlook Park.

1:00 p.m. –  Strawberry Shortcake sale at Peavey Memorial Library.

2:00 p.m. –  Fireman’s Muster on Water Street.

3:30 p.m. –  Annual Codfish Relay Race on Water Street.

7:30 p.m. –  Moose Island Follies.

Dusk –  A torchlight parade from the Post Office to Motel East.

Saturday, 4th of July (Independence Day)

Sunrise – 55th annual flag raising at Breakwater.

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Blueberry pancake breakfast at the Eastport Municipal Airport.

8:30 am –  Calithumpain Parade and boys and girls races on Water Street.

9:00 am –  Penny scramble

10:00 am –  Water sports at Fish Pier, including trying to get up a greased pole.

11:00 am –  Blueberry pie eating contest at Overlook Park.

11:00 p.m. –  Fish Chowder and Crabmeat Roll sold at various locations around town.

12:00 noon – Doll carriage, wagon, bike and trike parade from the Post Office to Bank Square.

1:00 p.m. – Parade bands in Library Park and the Grand Parade

6:30 p.m. –  Barbara’s School of Dance at Overlook Park.

Dusk –  Fireworks over the waterfront.

What a celebration!  To read more about the wonderful town of Eastport, click here.