Lobster boats at full steam. Photo courtesy of Jon Ancker.

One of the most classic small town 4th of July celebrations in Maine takes place in Jonesport Beals.  Known as Moosabec Summerfest, the Independence Day celebrations stretch over several days and include lobster crate races, a lobster dinner, a grand parade, fireworks and the famous Moosabec lobster boat races. The official Moosabec Summerfest schedule for 2018 is available for sale in a printed ad book (an important fundraiser for the community) and can be purchased in various locations around Jonesport, including Hamilton Marine and TA King Building Suppliers. Those in the area should pick up a printed copy of the schedule to support the community.  Those of you ‘from away,’ please note that the Jonesport Beals 4th of July schedule for 2018 will roughly follow that of previous years, with the lobster boat races, grand parade and fireworks taking place on the Saturday closest to the 4th and the other key events falling on the same day of the week as the year prior.  That in mind, the Moosabec Summerfest events should take place as follows in 2018:

Moosabec Summerfest (Jonesport Beals) 2018

(As stated above, for the official schedule, with the dates and times of all events, please purchase an ad book for sale at various businesses in the Jonesport Beals community).

Thursday, June 28th

Lobster feed

Friday, June 29th

The Moosabec lobster crate races will take place.  They are typically held at Perio Point. There are usually kids events on this day as well along with an adult dance in the evening.

Saturday, June 30th 

This is the main day of events.

There is typically a pancake breakfast in the morning at the Congregational Church (it usually starts at 7am).

The annual Road Race will take place in the morning (previous years it has started at 8am).

The Moosabec Reach lobster boat races will also take place in the morning (the lobster boat races almost always start at 10am). These races are best viewed from the Beals Island bridge. There are a variety of race categories along with the opportunity to with the title of “World’s Fastest Lobster Boat.”

There is usually a grand parade in the afternoon and the Moosabec fireworks take place at dusk at Perio Point.

There are always an array of food vendors lining the streets of Jonesport as well as a craft fair during the day.

To read about other small town 4th of July celebrations in Maine, click here.