This is Wiscasset’s chance.

Usually, area residents and visitors have more choices to get their Fourth of July fill. Bath Heritage Days is off this year, including the parade, but several July 4 events are planned in that city of ships, including fireworks; and Damariscotta has announced it will have fireworks but not the daytime festivities. So, put on your best, Wiscasset. This Fourth, as always a celebration of the nation’s birthday, may also put extra eyes on the town because Wiscasset’s parade is on.

That is a chance for the businesses, snowmobile clubs, churches and other groups, town government and more to parade by attendees from near and who knows how far, and show them, through floats and other entries and the waterfront events afterward, capped by the fireworks on the Sheepscot River, why the people in those groups, nonprofits and businesses choose to call Wiscasset or its neighbors like Alna, Westport Island and Edgecomb home.

Some July 4 celebrants come out of patriotism and nostalgia, others for the fun and sometimes silliness; many of us, for all those reasons. But an activity or a parade entry reflects that group, or fire department, school or other entity and the town. What do you want to say about Wiscasset, to help others, perhaps new others this year, see it as you do?

Maybe some of Sunday’s newcomers will be back next July 4, instead of or in addition to their usual Independence Day destinations. And maybe some will be back sooner.

Week’s parting observation: Wherever and however you spend this Fourth, stay hydrated.