Millinocket Independence Festival
Donation protected
Fundraiser for Millinocket Independence Day Festival
Do you remember the days of incredible Fourth of July celebrations in downtown Millinocket? Thousands of people would line Penobscot Ave, enjoying a great parade, strolling the street, and reuniting with friends and classmates. Eventually, they would check out the music and vendors in Veterans Park. The smells of cotton candy, hot dogs, and onion rings filling the air. All the while, they would be excitedly anticipating an outstanding fireworks display against the night say, where kids would brandish sparklers under the stars. We remember too, and that brings us to this fundraiser. Throughout the history of the town the Forth of July has been the heart of the summer season. The holiday brought young and old out to support those who marched. Remember the Drum and bugle Corp. and the Pink Panthers.? Remember the color guards and the homemade floats loaded with smiling volunteers tossing candy out to eager children who lined the street? Wouldn't it be great to bring those days back? We think so too. Like so many other things we became use to in Millinocket the parade, events, and even the fireworks were hit hard by the closing of the mill and the exodus of people and businesses. Money was tight and the town was forced into a large reduction in funding for the fourth to the point where if not for the local chamber the celebration might have been lost altogether. Now the Chamber has handed the fourth of July activities back to the town to continue and grow. This brings us to the present and the reason for the request.
The Town of Millinocket has formed an Events Committee to bring back the good times to the Magic City. We are in the process of finalizing the plans for 3 days of music, food, and fun activities, along with a parade and a bigger, better fireworks display the likes of which the town has not seen (or heard) for many years.
The theme of this year’s parade is a belated welcome home to our Vietnam veterans and all veterans who have served our country but were never honored with a Star-Spangled Parade. We owe our service men and women a welcome home they really never got when their enlistment was up and the war was over. This goes especially for our Vietnam Vets who did their duty only to return from an unpopular war without even a thank you for your service. The town of Millinocket thinks it is about time to acknowledge their bravery and sacrifices with a celebration our community was once famous for.
But, we need your help! The town has committed some funds for the fireworks and some local organizations have donated towards this 3 day festival but we need to raise additional funds to make this holiday one to remember.
We are asking you to help with whatever you can; no amount is too great or too small. If you are an alum of Stearns, Saint Martian’s, or have family still living in Millinocket, won’t you help us make these 3 days (Thursday July 4th through Saturday July 6th) the best Independence Day ever?
Please make your contribution by credit card on this site. Alternatively, contributions by check can be made out to The Town of Millinocket and write ‘events’ in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to the Millinocket Town Office, 197 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, Maine 04462. The Town of Millinocket is a non-profit 501C3.
Fundraising team: Millinocket events committee (2)
Michael A. Madore
Organizer
Millinocket, ME
Sam Cote
Team member
