Harness racing has been held continuously at Bass Park in Bangor since 1893. In its early heyday, the track was part of what prestigious national racing circuit during the 1920s?

The Fourth Is Back — And Bangor's Ready to Make It Count

This Saturday, July 4th, the Greater Bangor area puts on one of the best Independence Day celebrations in Maine — and 2026 is shaping up to be a big one.

The day kicks off early with the Walter Hunt 4th of July 3K Road Race, billed as Maine's fastest road race. Staging starts at the Brewer Auditorium. Registration is $15 — you can sign up at runsignup.com. Post time is 9:45 AM, with the gun going off at 10:00 AM.

Right behind the runners comes the parade. It lines up on Acme Road in Brewer, marches onto Wilson Street, crosses into Bangor on Main Street, and wraps up on Exchange Street. The announcers' bandstand is at Main and State Street downtown. Free to watch from anywhere along the route — bring a chair, bring the kids, and stake your spot early.

After the parade wraps, food trucks fire up on the Bangor Waterfront starting at 1:00 PM. Then at 5:30 PM, the party moves to the Waterfront promenade near the corner of Railroad and Front Streets for the Chords for Cure Concert featuring The Stone Doctors — a Rolling Stones tribute band with a reputation for putting on a show. This concert does double duty: it raises funds for children with cancer through the Pediatric Center in Brewer. There's a bucket collection during the show. Last year they raised over $8,000. Let's beat that.

Free parking is available at the Bangor Savings Bank Parkade.

The night closes with fireworks over the Penobscot River at 9:30 PM. The display launches from behind the concert stage area and can be seen as far as Brewer. It's the kind of ending that reminds you why this day matters.

For the full schedule and more information, visit bangor4th.com.

WHAT: 4th of July 3K Road Race, Parade, Chords for Cure Concert & Fireworks
WHERE: Brewer Auditorium (race) → Main Street route (parade) → Bangor Waterfront promenade
WHEN: Road Race 9:45 AM · Parade 10:00 AM · Food Trucks 1:00 PM · Concert 5:30 PM · Fireworks 9:30 PM
COST: Free (except 3K race: $15 registration) · Free parking at Bangor Savings Bank Parkade
FAMILY: Yes — all ages welcome throughout the day
WHY GO: It's the Fourth of July in Bangor. This is the 250th!

I remember 4th of July celebrations as a kid. We used to keep the dogs in a safe room away from the noise and turn the TV on so they had normal sounds. I remember going to Penny Hill Farm — it's not there anymore, but I still remember it fondly — picking up a huge watermelon, ice cream, and Dad cooking on the grill. Those were happy times.

I hope my readers either remember stories like those or are living them right now — or really both — as we celebrate our country this weekend.

This edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is brought to you by MESA-Maine — supporting runners and race events across the Penobscot Valley and beyond. And speaking of MESA, I had a wonderful conversation with Laura McIntyre about everything they're building here in Maine. You can listen to that episode of Maine Thrive Voices on Spotify: Click Here

FIREWORKS IN THE VALLEY & NEARBY — July 4th Weekend 2026

The sky lights up all over the region this weekend. Here's every confirmed display we know about so you can find the one that works for your family.

BANGOR / BREWER
Saturday, July 4 · 9:30 PM
Over the Penobscot River from the Bangor Waterfront, viewable from both sides of the river. Launched from behind the concert stage near Railroad and Front Streets. The big one — and it's free.

MILLINOCKET
Saturday, July 4
A full community celebration in the Katahdin region. Check locally for exact time and viewing location.

DEXTER
Friday, July 3 · At Sunset
Dexter goes a day early — a great option if you want fireworks on the Third. Check locally for viewing location.

BAR HARBOR
Saturday, July 4 · 9:15 PM
Over Frenchman Bay. Worth the drive if you want to make a weekend of it on the coast.

SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Saturday, July 4 · 9:00 PM
Another Mount Desert Island option — a little quieter than Bar Harbor, equally beautiful over the water.

🐾 Pet owners: Fireworks are one of the leading causes of lost pets over the holiday weekend. Keep dogs and cats secured indoors — a safe room with the TV on and familiar sounds helps a lot. If your pet isn't tagged, Bangor Humane Society is offering discounted ID tags for $4 through the holiday.

It's going to be a warm one this week, Penobscot Valley. Temperatures climb steadily through the holiday and peak right around the Fourth — which means if you're heading to the parade or the waterfront Saturday, dress light and bring water.

Tuesday, July 1 — Sunny and warm. High near 86°. A slight chance of showers, mainly in the afternoon. A great day to get outside before the heat builds.

Wednesday, July 2 — Warming up. High near 90°. Small chance of afternoon showers. Stay hydrated if you're working outdoors.

Thursday, July 3 — Hot. High near 95°. Low rain chance. Godsmack is at the Bangor Waterfront tonight — it'll be a warm one on the lawn, so plan accordingly.

Friday, July 4 — Independence Day — Still hot, high near 93°. Low rain chance. Parade conditions look good. Fireworks over the Penobscot at 9:30 PM should be beautiful — skies are expected to cooperate.

Saturday, July 5 — A touch cooler with some relief moving in. Comfortable for outdoor time.

Sunday, July 6 — Pleasant end to the holiday weekend.

Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service — Caribou, ME. Always check conditions before heading out, especially with fireworks and outdoor events on the schedule.

"Thank God I Live In America" — A Song Written for This Exact Moment

Two hundred and fifty years ago, ordinary people dared to dream of freedom. That's the opening line of this song — and it's worth stopping on for a second before the parade starts and the fireworks go up Saturday night.

"Thank God I Live In America" was released just a few weeks ago as a 250th Anniversary Edition, written specifically for this milestone year. It's not a political song. It's a gratitude song — the kind that reminds you why the Fourth of July is more than a day off and more than fireworks over a river. It's a celebration of something that was never guaranteed and still isn't.

Three minutes. Worth every one of them. Watch it below.

Happy Independence Day, Penobscot Valley. We're lucky to be here.

Video Courtesy of Mystic Song Writer

4th of July Celebration — Brewer to Bangor Waterfront

See Hero section above for full details. This is the anchor event of the week — the road race, parade, concert, and fireworks all roll into one extraordinary day.

WHAT: Walter Hunt 3K Road Race · Brewer-to-Bangor Parade · Chords for Cure Concert featuring The Stone Doctors · Fireworks over the Penobscot River
WHERE: Brewer Auditorium (race start) · Main Street corridor (parade) · Bangor Waterfront, Railroad & Front Streets (concert/fireworks)
WHEN: Race 9:45 AM · Parade 10:00 AM · Food Trucks 1:00 PM · Concert 5:30 PM · Fireworks 9:30 PM
COST: Free · 3K race $15 registration at runsignup.com
FAMILY: All ages
WALK-IN: Yes — no registration needed for the parade, concert, or fireworks
WHY GO: The best Fourth of July celebration in eastern Maine — all day, all waterfront, all community.

Godsmack: The Rise of Rock World Tour — Maine Savings Amphitheater

Friday, July 3rd brings Godsmack to the Bangor Waterfront for a hard rock night at Maine Savings Amphitheater. One of the biggest rock acts of the past 25 years, known for high-energy performances and a loyal Maine following. Show starts at 7:00 PM.

WHAT: Godsmack — The Rise of Rock World Tour 2026
WHERE: Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad Street, Bangor
WHEN: Friday, July 3 · 7:00 PM
COST: Tickets at waterfrontconcerts.com
FAMILY: All ages (check venue's clear bag policy)
WALK-IN: No — tickets required
WHY GO: One of the defining rock bands of their generation. On the Fourth of July weekend. On the Bangor Waterfront. Hard to top.

Revolutionary Ideas: How Popular Power Shaped the Declaration of Independence
Just in time for the Fourth, University of Maine professors Robert Ballingall, Mark Brewer, and Ryan LaRochelle bring the Declaration of Independence to life in a public discussion at the Bangor Historical Society. They'll explore the guiding theories and particular complaints behind the Declaration and examine their lasting impact on American politics and government. The Bangor Historical Society's rare William Stone copy of the Declaration will be on display. This is a once-in-a-while kind of event — don't miss it.

WHAT: Public lecture and discussion on the Declaration of Independence
WHERE: Bangor Historical Society — confirm address at downtownbangor.com
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1 · 5:00–7:00 PM
COST: Check downtownbangor.com for admission details
FAMILY: Great for older students and adults

Lil Wayne: 20 Years of Carter Classics — Tonight, June 30
The week kicks off on the waterfront — Lil Wayne brings his 20 Years of Carter Classics tour to Maine Savings Amphitheater with 2 Chainz tonight, Tuesday, June 30, at 7:00 PM. The show celebrates two decades of one of hip-hop's most celebrated catalogs. Tickets at waterfrontconcerts.com.

Bangor Harness Racing — Wednesdays at Bass Park
Wednesday racing continues at Hollywood Casino Raceway at Bass Park throughout July. Post time is 3:00 PM. Hollywood Casino Raceway is one of only two full-time harness racing tracks left in Maine — a living piece of Bangor history that's been running since 1893. Free admission. 500 Main Street, Bangor.

Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour — Bangor
Discover little-known facts about Bangor's famous residents during a guided tour of the nation's second oldest garden cemetery. A uniquely Bangor experience that surprises every first-timer. Contact Bangor Parks & Recreation for July tour dates.

Kiwanis Book & Treasure Barn — Orono/Old Town
Find literary treasures, unique collectibles, and bicycles at the Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Book & Treasure Barn. A community staple worth knowing about if you haven't been.

Bangor Public Library — Summer Programming
The Bangor Public Library runs ongoing summer programming through July including LEGO Club for kids ages 5–11 and Tech Tutoring sessions available in person, by phone, or over Zoom. 145 Harlow Street, Bangor.

With Fourth of July weekend kicking off the heart of summer, there's no better time to hit the local markets. Everything is peaking right now — strawberries, sugar snap peas, early lettuce, fresh herbs, and the first sweet corn isn't far behind.

Bangor Farmers' Market
Sundays, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM · Abbot Square, 140 Harlow Street, across from the Bangor Public Library
Fresh produce, local meats, goat cheese, breads, and baked goods. Cash, credit, SNAP/EBT, and WIC Farmers' Market Checks accepted. Maine Harvest Bucks available for SNAP shoppers.

Brewer Farmers' Market
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM · Saturdays, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM · 318 Wilson Street at the Brewer Auditorium
Full run of summer produce — berries, sweet corn, herbs, cut flowers, goat cheese, jams, and baked goods.

Hampden Farmers' Market
Fridays, 2:00–5:30 PM · St. Matthew's Church, 70 Western Ave, Hampden

Orono Farmers' Market
Tuesdays & Saturdays · Steam Plant, College Ave, Orono · May through November

Dover Cove Farmers' Market — Dover-Foxcroft
Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Tuesdays, 2:00–6:00 PM (July & August) · 1049 W Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft

Bucksport Bay Farmers' Market
Thursdays, 2:00–5:00 PM · Main Street next to the Post Office, Bucksport · May through October
Now in its 13th season — local produce, dairy, meats, flowers, and Maine-made goods right on Main Street.

Bangor City Hall is closed Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Regular municipal operations resume Monday, July 7th

.

Brewer City Hall will observe the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 4th. Contact your department ahead of the holiday if you need services this week.

Note on Brewer Bus Detours: Bangor Region Community Connector Routes N and S (Brewer North and Brewer South) remain on detour through Betton Street due to ongoing bridge construction, effective since June 8. Riders can flag down the bus on Betton Street or use designated flag stops. Delays are possible — plan extra travel time.

Pine Tree Urgent Care Opens July 1 — Bangor Gets a New Independent Option
A new urgent care clinic is opening its doors this Tuesday, July 1, at 557 Hammond Street in Bangor's Fairmount neighborhood. Pine Tree Urgent Care is independently owned by physician assistant David Wade, who spent years in emergency medicine at St. Joseph Hospital. The clinic fills a genuine gap — Bangor lost one of its few walk-in clinics last year, and the healthcare system has been stretched thin ever since.

Wade's vision is straightforward: see patients quickly, be transparent about costs upfront, and stay locally owned so the priority is always the patient, not investors. Pine Tree accepts Medicaid, Medicare, MaineCare, Tricare, and all major insurers. It's open seven days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM, with both walk-ins and scheduling available. Services include X-rays, laceration repair, wound care, on-site lab testing, and on-site medication dispensing. Phone: 207-239-9757.

Arby's Returns to Bangor — Same Spot, New Chapter
After more than a decade away, Arby's is coming back to Bangor at 57 Bangor Mall Blvd. — the same building where the franchise operated from 1983 until 2015. Bangor's planning board approved renovations earlier this year. The new franchise owner, Jason Cole (who also runs a Buffalo Wild Wings in Augusta), is working through the final permits. No firm opening date has been announced, but approvals are in place and construction is underway. Bangor residents have been waiting a long time for this one.

July Lawn Tip: Don't Overwater — Maine's July Can Fool You

July in Maine tends to bring short stretches of real heat followed by rain that reminds you this isn't Georgia. The mistake most homeowners make is overwatering when the surface looks dry — then getting hit with more rain and ending up with shallow roots and stressed turf.

A good rule: water deeply and infrequently rather than lightly every day. About one inch per week total — from rain or irrigation — is the right target for most Maine lawns in summer. Let the lawn tell you when it needs water. If grass blades start folding lengthwise or leave footprints after you walk across them, it's time. If it springs back, hold off.

One more thing: raise your mower deck. Keeping grass at 3–4 inches in July shades the soil, retains moisture, and keeps roots deeper and stronger. Short cuts might look tidy, but they stress the grass in summer heat.

— General lawn care guidance for Penobscot Valley homeowners

Got a Fourth of July summer cold? Don't tough it out.
With holiday gatherings, outdoor celebrations, and travel all happening at once, late June and early July bring a predictable uptick in respiratory bugs. If you're feeling run down this week — sore throat, congestion, low-grade fever — it's worth getting checked, especially if you've got kids in the house. As of July 1, Bangor has a new walk-in option: Pine Tree Urgent Care at 557 Hammond Street, open 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week, no appointment needed.

Chords for Cure Concert — Support Maine Kids Fighting Cancer
The 4th of July Chords for Cure Concert at the Bangor Waterfront isn't just a great show — it's a community fundraiser for children with cancer through the Pediatric Center in Brewer. During the concert on July 4th, volunteers will pass collection buckets. Last year the community raised over $8,000. The goal this year is to beat it. No extra ticket required — it's part of the free waterfront celebration. Just bring your generosity.

Bangor Humane Society — Discounted Pet ID Tags Through the Fourth
The Bangor Humane Society is offering discounted pet ID tags for just $4 to help pets get home faster if they slip out during Fourth of July celebrations. Fireworks and summer gatherings are one of the leading causes of lost pets. Get your dog or cat tagged before Saturday. Contact Bangor Humane Society for details.

Gus is a resilient 3-year-old mixed breed who arrived at the Bangor Humane Society after surviving life as a stray.

Bearing both physical and emotional scars, Gus faced the challenge of bilateral entropion, a painful eye condition that was treated thanks to the dedication of shelter staff.

Now on the mend, Gus is learning to trust again and needs an owner who can provide steady guidance and a safe home.

Treats are his favorite, offering a gentle way to form a positive bond as he settles in.

Patience is essential, as Gus takes time to feel secure in new surroundings.

For someone willing to invest care and time, helping Gus discover joy and safety promises to be a profoundly rewarding journey.

Contact the Bangor Humane Society to learn more about adopting Gus.

Rex is a charismatic 4-year-old dog with a huge heart and unlimited energy, currently living at the Animal Orphanage in Old Town, Maine.

After almost a year in the shelter, he’s searching for a loving forever family.

Though shy at first, Rex blossoms into a gentle, loyal companion who adores walks, playtime, and swims.

He’s muzzle-trained, spirited, and always up for adventure, but needs to be the only pet in a home without small kids or cats.

Rex manages thyroid issues and is fed alone due to resource guarding, yet his affectionate nature shines through.

He’s even appeared in Downeast Magazine, a testament to his special journey.

The Animal Orphanage, a no-kill shelter at 71 Airport Road, has helped thousands of animals find homes and welcomes adopters eager to meet Rex.

Paul Bunyan BNI — Tuesday, June 30 · 7:00 AM
Weekly virtual meeting. Contact via BNI Maine to request the Zoom link.

Queen City BNI — Thursday, July 2 · 8:30 AM
In-person at The Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond Street, Hermon. Visitors welcome — contact a member in advance to arrange your seat.

Black Bear BNI — Thursday, July 2 · 8:30 AM
Check your week — Week 1 meets in-person at Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 240 State Street, Brewer (Twin City Plaza). All other weeks meet online. Contact via BNI Maine for the Zoom link.

Maine’s wild blueberries flourish in the state’s distinctive climate, serving as a treasured highlight of summer and a core ingredient in beloved local dishes.

The Maine Blueberry Grunt stands out as a classic dessert, blending simmered wild blueberries with warm, fluffy dumplings.

This comforting treat is effortless to make and captures the vibrant flavors that define Maine’s culinary roots.

The process starts by simmering fresh blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon, then topping them with spoonfuls of tender dumpling batter to steam and rise.

Served hot and paired with vanilla ice cream or cream, the Blueberry Grunt promises both nostalgia and satisfaction.

During the Fourth of July in the Penobscot Valley, this dessert is a sweet way to honor local farming traditions and embrace the flavors of a Maine summer.

This edition of the Penobscot Valley Voice is proudly supported by:

MESA-Maine — Supporting runners and race communities across the Penobscot Valley and beyond. mesa-maine.org

North Star Property Solutions — Your Property Preparation Specialist for the Greater Bangor area. Contact Tony LaPrino for a free consultation.

Smith Digital Solutions — Maine's AI Visibility Consultant. Helping local businesses get found, get known, and grow. smithdigitalsolutions.com

Maine Thrive Voices — Real stories from real Maine business owners. Listen on Spotify and everywhere you get your podcasts. podcast.mainethrivevoices.com

The Fourth of July weekend is the social center of summer in the Penobscot Valley. Get out there — bring a friend, bring the kids, cheer on the parade, put some money in the Chords for Cure bucket, and watch fireworks over the Penobscot River Saturday night.

And if you know someone who should be getting the Penobscot Valley Voice, send them here. This newsletter is free, it's local, and it comes from people who actually live here. Signup here

If you love the newsletter, you're going to love our podcast too. Maine Thrive Voices is real stories from real people building real businesses right here in Maine. It's free, it's on Spotify and everywhere you listen to podcasts, and new episodes drop regularly. Give it a listen 

Have a safe and happy Fourth, Penobscot Valley. See you on Friday for the weekend edition.

Peter Richmond — Woof LLC, Glenburn

If you have a dog, you already know that finding someone you truly trust with your pet is not easy. Peter Richmond of Woof LLC in Glenburn is the kind of person dog owners find and never let go.

Peter bought the business from Canine Camp, trained directly with the prior owner, and rebranded as Woof LLC — bringing his own approach to dog boarding, daycare, and care services in the Penobscot Valley.

What sets Woof apart is simple: Peter genuinely loves dogs, and it shows in how the business runs and how the animals respond.

I had a great conversation with Peter on Maine Thrive Voices — Episode 6 — and if you want to hear his story in his own words, it's worth a listen. He talks about what it takes to build a business around something you care about, and why Woof LLC is more than just a place to drop your dog off.

Listen to Episode 6 featuring Peter Richmond here 

If you've been looking for a trusted place for your dog this summer — especially with the Fourth of July weekend coming up and fireworks stressing pets out — Woof LLC is worth a call. 207 331-9663

America turns 250 this week. Let that sink in for a moment.

 As a nation, we've survived two hundred and fifty winters, built industries, recovered from fires, and raised generations along the Penobscot River. That's not a small thing. This valley has earned its place in Maine's story, and I'm proud to call it home.

But pride is honest, and honest pride means saying what we all see when we walk downtown Bangor. The needles on the waterfront and on sidewalks and in front of the Bangor Public Library. The people sleeping in inappropriate places without real help on the way. These aren't abstract policy problems — they're our neighbors, and they're happening on our streets.

Bangor has done hard things before. We rebuilt after the great fire of 1911. We've weathered economic shifts that would have finished smaller cities. We've always found a way.

The 250th anniversary is a gift — a moment to ask what kind of city we want to be for the next 250 years.

I believe the answer is a city that's safe, clean, and takes care of its most vulnerable people. Not because it's easy. Because that's who Mainers are.

Happy birthday, Bangor. Now let's get to work.

— Sandy

Bangor Raceway was part of the Grand Circuit — harness racing's premier national touring circuit — during the 1920s, when the track at Bass Park drew the best horses and drivers in the country.