Hoping to avoid the fireworks this Fourth of July? Here are six ways to celebrate Independence Day without the bang
by Madison Ellingsworth
Everyone has their own traditions for the Fourth of July: grilling hot dogs, dressing head to toe in stars and stripes, playing cornhole, eating slices of apple pie with ice cream. There's nothing wrong with these all-American classics, but with the Semiquincentennial coming up, why not try something new? After 250 years, perhaps it is time for some alternative traditions.
There is plenty to see and do in Portland on the Fourth. Here are some ideas for celebrating America’s birthday this year.
For those who want to honor the past…
Check out the Maine Historical Society Concert and Celebration! This event — which is free and open to the public—kicks off at 10 a.m. with a performance from American Idol finalist Julia Haven, followed by a selection of Americana music by the Norumbega Brass. Drinks and food will also be provided. At-your-own-pace tickets are still available for touring the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, which is the childhood home of Maine poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula.
For those looking to escape the elements…
A Portland Museum of Art film screening is a great reason to stay inside this Fourth. The PMA will be showing Tuner, a Daniel Roher original movie featuring Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, and Dustin Hoffman, at 12 p.m. Adult tickets are available for $10, with student tickets selling for only $7. You could also visit the museum before or after the screening. Admission for adults is $20, while visitors 21 and under get in for free.
For those who love to shop…
Chat with local artists and admire their expertly fashioned work at the Old Port Fete Market. This event features the work of more than 35 local craftspeople, and is coordinated by Gabrielle Stratmann, owner of the popular ceramics shop Fish Haus. Located in the center of Portland's historic district, shoppers can peruse the booths and tables that line the sidewalks of Middle Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take your time hunting for a holiday treasure — these artisans have them in troves!
For those who enjoy exercise…
If you're hoping to get your steps in this Fourth, try a Walking Tour of the Eastern Cemetery. Scheduled for 4 p.m. every day, the National Historic Landmark and the oldest public burial ground in Maine come back to life with trained and knowledgeable volunteers leading the charge. These tours last one hour and cost $10 for those ages 12 and up.
For the American horror-lover…
If you're desperate to escape the Independence Day antics, maybe give Saw: The Musical a try. This parody turns the gruesome and terrifying 2004 film Saw into a musical romance, pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect from a story about kidnapping and torture. Get a ticket for the 10:30 p.m. show at The Hill Arts for as little as $30. For the brave, try the Ultimate Super Saw VIP Splash Zone for $146. Just don't forget your blood-resistant rain poncho! This is the perfect way to round out a day that resists traditional patriotism.
For those looking to embody the American spirit…
There is always baseball! The Portland Sea Dogs are scheduled to play Altoona Curve at Hadlock Field on the Fourth at 6:20 p.m. Tickets are still available, ranging from $14 to $50 depending on how close you want to get to the rockets fired from the pitcher's mound. If you have to see fireworks, then you're in luck, because this is also one of 10 games this season — the most in Sea Dogs history — that will end with a fireworks show.
There is nothing wrong with sparklers, burgers, and parades, but why not try something different this Fourth of July? Celebrating 250 years of the United States can look any way you want. There's nothing more American than observing a holiday in your own individual way. Happy Independence Day to all!