Celebrating Maine’s Bicentennial (+1) on Rockland’s Working Waterfront

On Friday July 2nd, 2021 Rockland will celebrate Maine's belated bicentennial with a party on the harbor designed to highlight the role played by the marine trades and mariners in the story of the Pine Tree State.

The events on hand are a slimmed down version of the original day-long festival planned for July 2020 and will consist of the Rockland and Camden home-ported boats of the Maine Windjammer Association sailing to Rockland the afternoon of 7/2 then tying up on the city docks; a brief recognition ceremony of the bicentennial, the windjammers, and the 150th birthdays of the Stephen Taber and the Lewis R. French, followed by the Blaine House Series concert featuring Bella Barnes, Schooner Fare, and the Dave Mallett Band on the Fisherman's Memorial Stage from 7-930pm; and then fireworks in the harbor at 9:30pm. Both the Maine Legislature and the City of Rockland will also be marking the event with proclamations and recognition of the role of the marine trades in both the history and future of Maine. The celebrations are made possible by presenting sponsor Bangor Savings Bank, with additional support from The Blaine House Concert Series, Allen Insurance & Financial, and the Maine Bicentennial Commission. In-kind support is being provided by Rockland Main Street, The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, Prock Marine, The Hampton Inn- Thomaston, Hampton Inn & Suites Rockland and the City of Rockland.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and enjoy an evening of al fresco music capped off with celebratory fireworks. In terms of public health and safety, the organizers are emphasizing the continued importance of hand washing or sanitizing, social distancing, and mask wearing if one is either unvaccinated or more comfortable wearing a face covering. The organizers will continue to monitor local and statewide data on COVID19 rates: should adjustments or changes become necessary we'll post updates here, on social media, and in the local press.

All events are free of charge and suitable for all ages.