The Fourth of July is a memorable day for many, and Wiscasset’s celebration both honored veterans and had no shortage of fun.

Town events kicked off in the morning with a delicious pancake breakfast at Morris Farm. Participants were invited to attend the first-ever, free July 4 Community Breakfast. When asked what formulated the idea, Elizabeth Palmer, the operator of the Morris Farm store, said,  “I’ve had so much fun meeting people in this town, this is going to be my first Fourth of July parade as a Mainer, and the community breakfast is something that used to happen here, and recently I started having a community breakfast at the farm every Saturday and, at one of those, ideas came up that we could have the Fourth of July one here.”

She also noted she was delighted because she feels a lot of these events happen downtown and this is the farm in Wiscasset’s backyard.  “So I love the idea that we could be a part of (the day).”

Line up for the parade was on Churchill Street. This year, the Grand Marshal William Cossette Jr., commander of American Legion Post 54 Wiscasset, and color guard led off the parade. When asked how he felt about the honor, Cossette said,  “I am very happy to be selected ... especially where I am the commander of American Legion for Wiscasset and District 7. It is also the 110th anniversary for the Legion. It’s great that there is a float in the parade and that I am able to lead it. It is very worthwhile and it’s a great day!”

While waiting for the parade, recent Wiscasset Middle High School graduate Zack Mank said he was most excited to see all of the cool floats. "I like the fireworks and the police cars. My favorite part of the Fourth of July is just hanging out with friends and family.” Mank was waiting with family to view the parade. 

The route followed Hooper Street to Federal Street, to Route 1, to Water Street, then to the Recreation Pier. Families gathered along the route to enjoy the floats that went by, along with the occasional throwing of candy. 

After the parade, a continued tradition of the day included strawberry shortcake Wiscasset Yacht Club sold through 2 p.m. Many people enjoyed this favored dessert over great conversations with friends and community members, and a beautiful view of the waterfront. 

Pat Cloutier of Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce provided a list of the parade winners:

Animal- First Place-Forever Farm Auto- First Place- Richard Forest Second Place-Wiscasset Speedway Third Place- Jeff Hanley Business-First Place-Wiscasset Farmer's Market Second Place- Ideal Septic Non-Profit- first Place- First Congregational Church Second Place-Friends of Wiscasset Village Third Place-Freedom Fellowship Schoo/Youth- First Place-Wiscasset Cheer Second Place-Wiscasset Middle High School Band

Cash Awards for Best Overall- $100-First Congregationatoo all; $75- Friends of Wiscasset Village; $50- Wiscasset Cheer

Best Band in the Parade- Wiscasset Middle High School Band

Loudest Siren in the Parade- Edgecomb Fire Department