Maine Celebrates July 4th

Maine, the Pine Tree State, was recognized as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, which allowed the entrance of a “free” Maine since Missouri entered as a slave state. Settlers first arrived in our borders in 1604 (a group of French) and again in 1607 when the Plymouth Company started a settlement at Popham. “The strength and pride of Maine are represented in our state motto, “Dirigo.” Latin for “I Direct” or “I Lead,” it appears on both our state seal and state flag of our beloved state.

So what’s happening in Bar Harbor and Portland this 4th of July? From Main.info:

 Bar Harbor – Independence Day Celebration – The 2016 Bar Harbor Fourth of July Celebration starts with a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at the Bar Harbor Athletic Field on Park Street from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a Seafood Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other events include a craft fair at the YMCA at 21 Park Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. And don’t forget the annual Independence Day Parade which starts at 10 a.m. and winds from Main Street to Cottage Street to Eden Street to Mt. Desert Street and ending at Ledgelawn Avenue. Head down to the waterfront for the afternoon concert series from 3:30 p.m. and continuing the way up the fireworks,” which will be on July 4, 2016, at the pier on Frenchman Bay. For more info and a complete schedule of events phone the Bar Harbor Visitor Center at (207) 288-5103.

Portland – July 4, 2016 (rain date is July 5). The annual 4th of July Festival in Portland, Maine is the Stars and Stripes Spectacular. Opening ceremony at 7 p.m., the Patriotic Pops concert starts at 7:40 p.m. with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and special guest artist Melissa Manchester. The evening culminates with dazzling pyrotechnics, as fireworks arch over Casco Bay from Portland’s East End Promenade at 9:15 p.m. Food vendors will be on site. For more info, phone (207) 321-5550 or email [email protected].

Since the State Dessert is Blueberry Pie – we couldn’t resist sharing this recipe from Food.com for your picnics.

  • 5 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1(15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1cup sugar
  • 12cup all-purpose flour
  • 18teaspoon salt
  • 12teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1teaspoon sugar

Directions

  1. SPRINKLE berries with lemon juice; set aside.
  2. FIT half of pastry into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions.
  3. COMBINE 1 cup sugar and next 3 ingredients; add to berries, stirring well.
  4. Pour into pastry shell, and dot with butter.
  5. UNFOLD remaining pastry on a lightly floured surface; roll gently with rolling pin to remove creases in pastry.
  6. Place pastry over filling; seal and crimp edges.
  7. Cut slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape.
  8. Brush top of pastry with beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar BAKE at 400° for 35 minutes or until golden.
  9. Cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, if necessary.

Delicious served with vanilla ice-cream.

Here at Springborn Staffing, we wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July. And as you join in the celebrations of the birth and continued independence of America, join the Springborn Staff in remembering those who made it possible through their sacrifice, including many who gave the ultimate gift – their life.

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