The signing of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776 marks the day when America broke free from Great Britain’s reign.
Each Fourth of July since, “from sea to shining sea,” we Americans partake in one of the many jubilant July 4th celebrations that commemorate this great day in our nation’s history. Families and friends gather to enjoy barbeques, concerts, and awe as the Star-Spangled Banner accompanies spectacular arrays of colors exploding in the sky.
Our great state of Maine is no different – go out and celebrate awesome first Thursday this July!
July 4th Events in Portland
Portland’s “Stars and Stripes Spectacular”
Tuesday, July 4, 2019
Rain date: July 5, 2019, at Eastern Promenade Park
VIP tickets available, e-mail Liv Vega at [email protected]
- Enjoy a free concert and fireworks display.
- If you are unable to attend, no worries; you can listen to the live on-air program or online at WHOM 94.9 FM.
- Check out Portland’s full schedule of events for the entire month of July.
July 4th Events in Bangor
You and your family can spend the entire day celebrating the holiday in Bangor.
- Pancake breakfast from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. ($6.00/person)
- The annual 4th of July parade starting at 11:00 A.M.
- The Chords for Cure Concert on the Bangor Waterfront from 2:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M
- The grand finale fireworks display is starting at 9:30 P.M. on the beautiful Penobscot River.
Favorite Staple of Maine – the Whoopie Pie
Now listen up – we’re talking about the real deal – that’s a whoopie pie made the Maine way – no fluff. It might be a little more work – but we’re not backing down. Try this recipe and find yourself in whoopie pie heaven – where the Maine thing is the Main thing.
Cakes:
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Preheat your oven to 350° and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium-size bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar 4 min – until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla extract; then add the milk and the dry ingredients, alternating, and mix until just combined.
Spoon heaping tablespoons of batter, roughly 3 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 5 to 6 minutes, rotate pan and bake an additional 5-6 min until the cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Filling:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Combine the flour and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, like pudding, (5 min.) Remove from the heat and press through a fine-mesh strainer into a mixing bowl. Cool to room temperature.
When the mixture is cooled: add the remaining ingredients and beat until fluffy and creamy, (10 min.)
Spread filling onto the flat bottom of one cake; then top with another. Repeat with the remaining filling and cakes. Repeat with the remaining filling and cakes.
Now that’s a whoopie pie! Happy 4th of July from Springborn Staffing
