Day 6 July 4th in Bar Harbor

We read that the 4th of July celebrations in Bar Harbor were bar none, but experiencing it in person was a treat.  We made our way into town with thousand of others to enjoy the parade which was surrounding the celebration of the Acadia National Park Centennial.  The streets were lined with folks and instead of trying to squeeze in, we did what the other sane people were doing and sat on the wooded embankment.  The parade was full local businesses, clubs and organizations.  The best part was that most threw out candy and the girls LOVED that part.  After the parade we made our way downtown to eat lunch where I enjoyed my second lobster roll and then we headed over to the Acadia Visitor Center. 

Finally, we made our way back to the campground for some much needed rest.  Our campground was beside the water so while Dad got a nap and KJ played on her Kindle, G and I headed down to the water.  G quickly found several crabs, rocks, and seaweed to entertain herself with.  KJ joined us and the girls had a fabulous time getting dirty and wet!

Fireworks in Bar Harbor are a big deal and so many people attend that they bus people in to cut down on traffic.  Everyone goes to the harbor to watch and enjoy.  Being the competitive and impatient people that we are, we didn’t want to get caught in the crowd clammering to ride the buses back so we concocted a plan to take the last bus in, find an alternate location to watch the fireworks and then book it back to the buses before the finale.  Well it worked!!  Jay found a side road that led to a boat landing and we joined aobut 100 other people there to watch the fireworks on the rock beach surrounded by the water and the sunset.  The fireworks were terrific and it was a perfect Independence Day!  And yes, we made it back in time to be on the first bus off the island!!

I know it's hard to make out, but this was the first time I'd seen an Independence Day parade led by an American flag AND a Canadian flag!!






Turn around Smokey!!


I mean seriously, are these not the cutest?


First time seeing lumberjacks in a parade.





These were the BEST and am so sad I can't find them outside of Maine.


Second lobster roll at the restaurant, Blaze.  Better than the first one I had in Freeport.


Cutest Junior Ranger I've ever seen!


Selfie?  Not possible.


"What's that noise," she asked?


Our little explorers.


Time for campground relaxing and a game of chess.


Dad in his very cool Father's Day gift.



Jay bought these socks in Boston, much to Katie Jo's horror!  He got compliments on them ALL DAY LONG!!


Having fun in the water beside our campground.

 

Firework time. Isn't that a lovely backdrop?









First ones on the bus!!