INDUSTRY — Industry Fire Department is not waiting until Saturday to decide whether the weather will allow fireworks for the July 4 celebration.
The annual and popular July 4 tradition of a display at dusk in Wing’s field has been changed this year.
“The fields are just so wet we can’t get onto them,” Fire Chief Joe Paradis said.
The fireworks will take place July 25 to coincide with Farmington’s Strawberry Festival, he said. It might even be that way next year and become a new tradition, he added.
Expecting a break in the weather soon, this will give the fields a couple weeks to dry out, he said.
The department solicits local businesses to help sponsor the fireworks and then uses the profit from the fireworks to purchase expensive equipment for fire protection, he said.
“This year’s show, now on July 25, will be even bigger than last year,” he said.
He’s been told that by the men setting up the show every year and so far they have been right, he added.
The weather is under consideration for fireworks displays in other towns. Fireworks in Jay/Livermore Falls and Rangeley are scheduled to take place on Friday, July 3.
If Friday’s weather requires a decision, the Jay/Livermore Falls Chamber, which coordinates the fireworks, will make that decision by 7 p.m. Friday. The fireworks usually start around 9 p.m.
The fireworks will be postponed until Sunday night if the weather doesn’t cooperate, said Bonnie Perkins from the chamber. Rescheduling plans will be announced on local radio stations or people may call the chamber office.
A decision on the parade will be made by noon Friday. The parade will not be rescheduled if it’s canceled. This will also be announced on local radio stations and posted on the Otis Federal Credit sign, she said.
Rangeley’s fireworks are also planned for dusk Friday in Lakeside Park. If there is a need to cancel, the decision will be made by 2 p.m. Friday, said Evelyn McAllister, director of the chamber. It will also be announced on local radio stations or residents may call the chamber office.
The Rotary Club has canceled its annual cookout in the town park during the July 3 celebration, but a chicken barbecue is still planned for Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, she said.
A children’s parade will take place at 10 a.m. Friday and on Saturday, an art show sponsored by local artists, Birds of a Feather, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rangeley Inn green, she said.
Carrabassett Valley plans to hold its fireworks on Saturday night starting shortly after 9 p.m. with the best viewing from Carrabassett Valley Town Park, Town Clerk Wendy Russell said.
With no chance of rescheduling, the fireworks will go on regardless and they’ll do the best they can, she said.
Other activities are scheduled for Saturday, including a children’s parade at 12:30 p.m., music by Kathy’s Karaoke from 1 to 5 p.m., firetruck rides from 3 to 5 p.m., music by the Band Roadhouse from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and other activities. The schedule may be found on the town’s Web site, she said.
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