Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Bright Lights Over Boothbay Harbor: The Fourth of July Weekend in Maine


Please pardon me as I wipe my brow- the heat wave that has settled the over the east coast is stealing both my breath and the very water from my body. However, as I sit here and whine about the heat, I recall last summer, when it was the rain that we were complaining about. So, on the whole, the weather for the Fourth of July weekend this year has been perfect. And despite the sweltering temperatures, tourists flocked to the area, filling the streets, the hotels and the restaurants.

                Intrepid travelers all, our guests at the Fisherman’s Wharf and the rest of Boothbay Harbor’s hotel fought their way through miles of traffic, the horrific traffic mess of Wiscasset, down Route 27 and into the harbor. For a few days, at least, it was like old times in Boothbay Harbor- the streets choked with shoppers and diners, sightseers and boat-trip takers- all eager to have a good time, to eat good food and enjoy the holiday. Craft fairs and art sales abounded, and there were plenty of activities to satisfy anyone’s appetite.

                There are many special things about the Fourth of July, but for me and, I am sure, many others, the defining moment of the Independence holiday is certainly the fireworks display. My wife and I had the fortune to secure tickets on the wildly popular Reggae Fireworks Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess. The fine folks at the Boothbay Whale Watch, the operator of the Harbor Princess, have made a tradition of taking an extra long cruise to take in the fireworks; my wife and I went along for the ride.

                Smooth seas, spectacular weather and great friends were the order of the evening. The sky was afire as the Sun blazed its path to the horizon, seemingly setting the ocean on fire on its way down. The music from the always special Dani Tribesman was perfect, and everyone was having a great time. When the Sun finally settled into the sea, and the night had taken over, it was time for the fireworks. As we slowed to a halt at the mouth the harbor, Captain Woody positioned the boat perfectly for all of his passengers to get the best view of the upcoming display. And a fine display it was, a show to be remembered (Or in the case of some of the Princess’s passengers, a display to be not remembered as a result of rum punch). Either way, it was great night of patriotism and pageantry, and a successful Fourth of July Holiday.

                If any of the above sounds interesting and you have a yearning for fireworks and fun, maybe you should consider spending next year with us, the fine folks at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. You are sure to have a great time, to make some memories, and see a great display of fireworks.