Four weeks from now (August 22-24), the town of Boothbay will be in celebration mode, as organizers are beginning to get the various events for the town's 250th birthday celebration finalized.

Dawn Gilbert, chairman of the event, told the Register Monday that a couple of bands have agreed to participate in the street parade on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. The Kora Temple Highlanders and the Maine St. Andrew's Pipes and Drums have agreed to perform in the parade.

"We're still looking for more bands and more music groups to take part," said Gilbert. "We've yet to make contact with the Boothbay Region Community Band, but we will."

The parade route will begin on Route 27 near Big Al's storage units, proceed to the back side of the Boothbay Common, and end on Back River Road near the Clifford Playground.

Gilbert is urging groups to begin planning floats for the parade.

"History began yesterday, so the floats don't have to depict a long ago theme," said Gilbert. "We're hoping to get some antique cars and trucks for the parade as well."

"Think families; that's what this celebration is about, communities and families," said Tom Nickerson, who is helping to raise funds for the event and the fireworks display on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Groups wishing to enter a float in the parade "at no cost" may pick up an application at the following locations: Boothbay Town Office, Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, Boothbay Information Center, Heads of the Harbor beauty salon and Hawke Motors.

Dan Bryer and Stephanie Hawke are organizing the parade, said Gilbert, who added that an anonymous donor has provided cash prizes for the parade winners; $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.

"We have invited Gov. Paul LePage to participate in the parade and we're quite sure he will show up. Also, Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King have said they would send representatives to march in the parade. We haven't heard from Chellie Pingree's office," said Gilbert.

Fireworks donations needed

Nickerson said Monday that the fireworks fund for the 250th celebration stands at about $4,000.

"We'd like to put on a good show, so we figure we need to raise at least $6,000 more in four short weeks," said Nickerson.

As a well-known, community-minded citizen, Nickerson is hoping "the spirit of community shines through when it comes to donating for fireworks and for participation overall."

He said he is going to ask area civic and service groups, like the Lions Club and Rotary Club, and businesses to help with the fireworks funding.

Donations to the fireworks fund should be left at the Boothbay Town Office or mailed to the Boothbay Civic Association, P.O. Box 81, Boothbay, ME 04537.

"The checks should be made out to the Boothbay Civic Association and the memo line should be labled 'fireworks’," said Nickerson. "Because the BCA is a nonprofit, people can claim the donation on their tax forms."

Gilbert said the fireworks display will be done on a barge in the Damariscotta River in East Boothbay and that buses will be used to bring people to the village. The logistics of the busing plan have yet to be worked out.

"There isn't a lot of parking in the village, so we will bus people in," said Gilbert. "The Navy band we have secured will be set up on the Ocean Point Marina pier and will perform before the fireworks."

Next week, Gilbert said she will update the public on all the events scheduled for the Boothbay Common on August 22-24.

"We are also waiting to see what East Boothbay artist Carlton Plummer has come up with on his design of our official poster," said Gilbert.

"Things are happening. If you want to get involved, come see me at the Heads of the Harbor salon," said Gilbert. "I'm sure I can find something for you to do to help."