Portland 4th Of July Festivities - Details July 4th Fireworks and Celebration Set for Friday July 4th Fireworks and Celebration Set for Friday What: This Friday, the City of Portland will host its annual 4th of July celebration and fireworks show at the Eastern Promenade Park. Portions of the Eastern Promenade will be closed to traffic to allow for a variety of vendors offering 4th of July souvenirs, entertainment and food and drink available to the public. The fireworks show will last approximately twenty minutes. The Portland Fire Department reminds residents that sparklers are legal but are very hot and should be used with extreme caution when around other people. Fireworks are illegal in Maine. Public restrooms will be available at the East End Beach, Tuner Street and the top of Cutter Street. The East End Boat launch will be open during the day from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM (launch fees for residents are $5 and nonresidents $10). Parking at the boat launch will be not available for boaters. Attendees are reminded to throw their trash away in appropriate receptacles or take it with them when they leave the park. People interested in viewing the fireworks need to be mindful of the following parking restrictions that go into effect at 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM, July 4th: Eastern Promenade (both sides) from Vesper to Washington Avenue; Fort Allen Park (both sides); Walnut Street from the Eastern Promenade to Washington Avenue; Mountfort Street (both sides); Cutter Street (both sides). The upper and middle parking lots on Cutter Street will be closed to the public. Handicapped parking is available on a first come first served basis along Cutter Street and clearly marked handicapped vehicles will be allowed to pass the barricades until 8:00 PM. Drivers must approach Cutter Street from Fore Street to enter. Please note that the Portland Trail at the Portland Water District and the bottom of Cutter Street will be closed to the public at 7:00 AM, July 4th. Suggested viewing spots for the fireworks include: The Eastern Promenade Park – limited parking on Munjoy Hill, attendees are advised to arrive by 8:00 PM to ensure seating space Back Cove Trail – limited parking available at Baxter Boulevard parking lot (across from Hannaford), Payson Park, Baxter Boulevard and the hillside at Cheverus High School Peaks Island –view the fireworks at the ferry terminal Casco Bay – boaters should anchor in the northeast section of the bay facing Portland. Boaters are also reminded to adhere to water safety regulations including making sure that each passenger has a floatation device appropriate for the age and size of the passenger; the boat has working lights, and is equipped with a safety kit. Boaters should be mindful of Coast Guard restrictions in the area. When: Friday, July 4, 2008 Noon Vendors open to the public along the Eastern Promenade 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Munjoy Hill closed to traffic 8:00 PM Munjoy Hill closed to handicapped parking and East End Boat Launch closed 9:00 PM - 9:15 PM (approximately) Fireworks show begins Where: Eastern Promenade Park Eastern Promenade, Portland