Greenville’s theme: ‘Happy birthday to America and Kate’

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    GREENVILLE — Thousands of people are expected in Greenville on Fourth of July weekend as the town rolls out the red carpet for its annual summer festivities.
    With Independence Day falling on a Friday, crowds are expected to be even bigger than usual.
    This year’s theme is “Happy birthday to the USA and Kate,” the nickname for the steamship Katahdin.

Observer file photo/Mike Lange

HOME SWEET HOME — Pictured is the Greenville Fire and Rescue Auxiliary’s float in the 2013 Fourth of July parade.

    Built in 1914 by Bath Iron Works in 1914, the Kate observes its 100th birthday and is still one of the biggest drawing cards to Moosehead Lake.
    An official celebration of Kate’s birthday will take place Aug. 11-17.
    The Independence Day celebration starts with a craft fair and children’s games in the Katahdin and Camden National bank parking lots downtown at 9 a.m.
    The parade units line up at 10 a.m. in the industrial park in Greenville Junction and begin their march through town at 11 a.m.
    The Fourth of July Parade usually has around 35 to 40 entries; and businesses, families and organizations are encouraged to register in advance so it can be organized easier.
    Trophies will be awarded in several categories: Most Patriotic, Best Business Float, Best Musical Entry, Best Themed Entry, Best Family Float, Best Antique Car, Judges’ Choice and Town Manager’s Choice.
    At 1 p.m., the children’s bike parade and contest gets underway in the Katahdin parking lot.
    Something new added this year is “Touch a Truck” at the Greenville Consolidated School playground from 1-4 p.m.
    Youngsters can have their photos taken on fire trucks, construction equipment, school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. Cost is $5 per family and bag lunches will also be available for purchase.
    Also, the Friends of Squaw Mountain Lucky Duck Race gets underway at the Wiggin Stream Bridge and ends at Currier’s Flying Service. Ducks are $10 each and the top three prizes are two $100 gift certificates and one $50 gift certificate to Big Squaw Mountain. Other door prizes will also be awarded as well.
    Ducks are on sale at Indian Hill Trading Post, Wilson’s on Moosehead Lake, Gray Ghost Camps and several businesses in downtown Greenville. All proceeds go toward improvements to the non-profit ski area.
    A live music concert is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Pritham Avenue in downtown Greenville with DJ Rokkin’ Rod and the largest fireworks display in Piscataquis County will be set off from the east cove of Moosehead Lake starting at 9 p.m.
    For more information, contact the Greenville town office at 695-2421, the Moosehead Chamber of Commerce at 695-2702 or visit www.greenvilleme.org.