A road racing friend of mine writes:
The “4 on the 4th” Road Race in Bridgton is a traditional way for our family to celebrate Independence Day.
First thing in the morning we come together to run or cheer on the runners at the annual race. I don’t normally like to run in crowds, but it’s fun to see so many people involved – from runners to volunteers, who work the registration tables, sing the Star Spangled Banner, provide water stops, keep traffic at a standstill, collect chips at the finish line and offer massages.
And 90% of the proceeds benefit the Bridgton Public Library, while the other ten percent benefit other local charitable projects.
After the race, we all gather to put the finishing touches on our float, which often wins a prize. The crowds that line the streets of our small town for this parade are amazing – and eager for the candy we toss.
Of course, the parade, sponsored by the Bridgton Lions Club, is quintessential Maine. It features floats created by families, organizations and businesses, Kora Shriners of South Central Maine, Bridgton Community Band, horses, color guards, vintage cars, twirling ballerinas, jugglers, clowns, Scout troops, and fire trucks from throughout the Lakes Region.
The day ends with a family barbeque at our camp on Moose Pond – hot dogs and burgers, potato salad, and strawberry shortcake are always on the menu, but we’ll get creative too. We’ll swim, play a friendly game of wiffle ball, and sit around the campfire toasting marshmallows for s’mores. Finally, we’ll retire to the screened-in porch overlooking the water and watch fireworks go off up and down the lake.
It doesn’t get much more All-American than that. Fireworks, band concerts, parades, cookouts, road races, Independence Day – it’s all happening in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine. Come and enjoy Independence Day at a vacation home on any of the lakes or ponds in western Maine where our motto is “the way life should be.”
The race, certified by the USATF, begins at Food City at 8 a.m., with registration at Bridgton Memorial School from 6 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Information about the race is available at www.fouronthefourth.com. You can register on line at www.comfortsignups.com.
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