Photo courtesy of the Eastport 4th of July website.

Eastport’s 4th of July celebration, which regularly gets voted as one of the best in Maine, stretches over several days and includes a codfish relay race, blueberry pie eating contest, water sports and  a fantastic fireworks display over the harbor. Here are highlights of the Eastport 4th of July schedule for 2018.

Eastport 4th of July Schedule 2018

Sunday, July 1st – Canada Day

9:00am – 7.0 mile road race (registration starts at 7:30am at Shead High School). The race goes from Perry Corner to Bank Square.

10:00am – The annual sailboat race off the Eastport breakwater to St. Andrews Yacht Club (boats to muster one hour before the race).

1:00 – 1:30pm – Frisbee and libo competitions in Library Park.

3:00pm – Bike races from the boat school to the fire house.

5:00 – 7:00pm – BBQ at 110 Water Street.

6:00 – 9:00pm – There will be a highlighter dance at Eastport Elementary School.

8:15pm – Outdoor movie viewing of Independence Day at Sutherland Amphitheater.

Dusk – On Deer Island there will be fireworks at Deer Island Point Park.

Monday, July 2nd – Welcome Home Day

10:00am – Kids cupcake decorating contest at Overlook Park.

11:00am – Watermelon eating contest at Overlook Park.

1:00pm – Little Mr and Mrs 4th of July contest at Overlook Park.

4:00pm – Pet show at Overlook Park.

6:00 – 7:30pm – Live music at Overlook Park.

7:30pm – Big Wheel races at Overlook Park. Participants must be 16 or older.

Tuesday, July 3rd – Armed Services Day

9:00am – Kids one mile fun run from the Boat School to Dead River, Key Street.

9:00 – 11:30am – Quoddy Maritime Museum Auction in front of museum.

11:00am – Public reception for the Officers and Crew of the U.S.S. McFaul at the Eastport Authority Welcome Center at the Breakwater.

12 noon – Miss 4th of July contest at Overlook Park.

1:00pm – Strawberry shortcake sale at Peavey Memorial Library as well as a book signing by local author Sarah Graves and self-guided tours of the Tides Institute.

2:00pm – Fireman’s muster on Water Street.

3:30pm – Codfish relay race on Water Street.

4:00pm – Moose Island Follies at the Eastport Arts Center on Washington Street featuring Tim Sample. Tickets range from $15 to $30. Another show happens at 7:30pm.

6:30 – 8:30pm – Live music at Overlook Park

Dusk  – Torchlight parade from the Post Office to Motel East.

Wednesday, July 4th – Independence Day

Sunrise – Flag raising at Breakwater

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

8:30am – Calithumpian parade.

9:00am – Children’s races and penny scramble on Water Street.

10:00am – Water sports and rubber duck race at Fish Pier.

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

11:00am – Crabmeat sandwich and fish chowder for sale at various establishments.

12 noon – Bike, trike, wagon and doll carriage parade between the Post Office and Bank Square.

1:00pm  – Parade bands in concert at Library Park.

2:00pm – Grand Parade

6:30pm – Dance performance at Overlook Park

Dusk – Fireworks over the waterfront.

There will also be other live music throughout the day on the 4th of July in Eastport.

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