Popham Beach's annual Historic Parade celebrates the arrival of the colonists to the village in 1607. The parade is led by founder George Popham and his second-in-command, Raleigh Gilbert, portrayed by Popham residents in costume. Flare Night will take place on Friday, Aug. 17, and the parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Ft. Baldwin parking lot and progress through the village, ending at Ft. Popham. Town vehicles like fire trucks and an ambulance are invited to participate, along with antique cars, other vehicles, and children’s groups. Following the parade will be a beach bonfire in front of Percy’s store and flares lighting up either side of the Kennebec River beach and the fort. Everybody is welcome!

The Popham Library welcomes all residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to join us for this celebration night, as well as during our regular library hours – Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This season the Phippsburg Historical Society is providing a history display of Ft. St. George in the library. It will be interesting to visit and see how the area was settled more than 400 years ago by the Plymouth Company, led by George Popham. Check out our library of best sellers, old favorites, and classics in books and DVDs for adults and children. We also have maps of the area, information on local restaurants, hotels, and other sites such as hiking trails, historic places and the Popham ecosystem. And, the coffee pot is always on.

Flare night and other summer programs are brought to you by PBIA, the Popham Beach Improvement Association, in conjunction with the library. For more information call Janet Gilnack at 203-725-5280 or stop by the library at 965 Popham Road, Popham Beach, ME.

Free parking for events is available behind the library.