Flare Night at Popham Beach will take place on Friday, Aug. 19, and the annual parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Ft. Baldwin parking lot and progress through the village, ending at Ft. Popham. The parade is led by founder George Popham and his second-in-command, Raleigh Gilbert, portrayed by Popham residents in costume. Town vehicles like fire trucks and an ambulance are invited to participate, along with local children and antique cars. Popham Beach's annual Historic Parade celebrates the arrival of the colonists to the village in 1607.

Children are encouraged to attend and walk in the parade if accompanied by a parent or guardian; costumes are optional and pre-registration is not necessary. All parade participants will meet at 7 p.m. at the parking area at the base of Fort Baldwin, straight ahead where the road veers sharply right when entering Popham Village.

Following the parade there will be a bonfire on the “river” beach just down to the right past Spinney’s. Access to the beach will be from the public paths to the left of Spinney’s parking lot. Flares will be lighting up either side of the Kennebec River beach and the historic fort.

The women of the Popham Circle will have their Café open and will be selling food, dessert and beverages at the Chapel House next door to the Chapel. All are invited!

The Popham Library welcomes all residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to join us for this Celebration night, as well as during our regular library hours – Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out our library best sellers, old favorites, and classics in books and DVDs for adults and children. We also have maps of the area, information on local restaurants, hotels, and other sites such as hiking trails, historic places and the Popham ecosystem. Stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee while you browse in our beautiful historic building.

Flare night and other summer programs are brought to you by PBIA, the Popham Beach Improvement Association, in collaboration with the library. For more information, stop by the library at 965 Popham Road, Popham Beach, or contact Barbara Ketonic at bkeltonic@gmail.com Free parking for events is available behind the library.