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Old Orchard Beach might have one of the best full days planned for Mainers looking to celebrate the Fourth of July. Beautiful beaches, free concert, and of course, FIREWORKS!
The 195th Maine Army National Guard Band is performing a FREE concert on the 4th of July. It will take place at Old Orchard Beach as a part of their summer concert series at the Seaside Pavilion.
National Guard Band
This is a free concert, and no tickets are required for admission. What better way to celebrate America’s birthday with a free concert put on by some of our heroes playing America’s favorite music (along with a few other reported surprises).
195th Maine Army National Guard Band
Seaside Pavilion is less than a mile away from the very popular Old Orchard Pier. Regardless of where you live in Maine, spending the day at the beach at Old Orchard Beach and then capping it off with a free concert by the 195th Army National Guard Band sounds like a special experience for the entire family.
Old Orchard Beach
There is a slight chance of rain for Thursday’s 4th of July forecast at Old Orchard Beach, but the optimist in me says that just means there is also a chance for amazing weather for the 4th of July.
Palace Playground
After the free concert by the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band at 7pm, there will be a firework show less than a mile away at 9:45pm. It will take place near the Old Orchard Pier in front of Palace Playground. If you don’t have plans for the family this 4th of July, this sounds like it could be an incredible way to celebrate America!
Here are the performers who will be coming to the Maine Savings Amphitheater on the Bangor Waterfront in the summer of 2024.
Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge
Based on answers to a Facebook poll, here are Maine’s favorite ice cream flavors.
Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell
Some gifts get used once, while others get used every single day. If you’re looking for practical stocking stuffers or just want to stock up on essentials before the holiday rush, Tom’s of Maine’s Cyber Monday sale is offering 30% off toothpaste, soap, deodorant and more.
Whether you’re filling stockings, prepping guest bathrooms or grabbing backups for the new year, the Tom’s of Maine Cyber Monday sale is a great time to save on products everyone in the house actually uses. Plus, Tom’s of Maine products are eco-friendly with clean ingredients for guilt-free gifting!
For over 50 years, Tom’s of Maine has blended scientific know-how with naturally sourced ingredients to create products that are effective, safe and planet-friendly. Their formulas are free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives—making the brand a top choice for families, eco-conscious shoppers and anyone looking to simplify their routine with clean ingredients.
Tom’s of Maine doesn’t just make great products, they are totally committed to sustainability, recyclable packaging and community giving. Every purchase supports their mission to create a healthier future for people and the planet.
Shop Tom’s of Maine
Cyber Monday always takes place on the first Monday after Thanksgiving; this year, the shopping event was today, Monday, December 1, with massive holiday deals from top retailers.
Use price comparison tools, browser extensions, and follow USA TODAY Shopping for curated deal roundups.
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
The first significant snowstorm of the season is expected to move into Maine on Tuesday morning, with forecasters warning Monday that driving conditions could be dangerous.
The storm is expected drop at least 3 to 5 inches of snow along Maine’s coast, but inland areas could get 8 inches or more by late Tuesday night. During the afternoon, snow could fall at a rate of an inch an hour.
“The evening commute (Tuesday) could be potentially dangerous,” said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Gray.
Snowfall rates will intensify through Tuesday afternoon, approaching an inch per hour during the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service has issued a winter storm watch for Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties, as well as the southern portions of Oxford, Franklin and Somerset counties.
The winter storm watch warns that falling and blowing snow may drop visibility below a quarter-mile, creating dangerous driving conditions.
When snow falls at a rate of an inch an hour, it can be very difficult to see the road, especially if plows are struggling to keep up, Palmer said.
The storm will bring snow that’s good for winter sports activities in the mountains, Palmer said. The snow will be wettest and heaviest along the immediate coast.
The snow will wrap up overnight Tuesday as the coastal low moves offshore, Palmer said.
“Things will clear out pretty quickly, and we’ll wake up to mostly clear or partly cloudy skies Wednesday morning,” he said.
This story will be updated.
Crime
A Maine man led police on a high-speed chase early Sunday morning that crossed state lines after he allegedly crashed into a New Hampshire State Police cruiser, authorities said.
Matthew Olsen, 44, of Harrison, was arrested on I-95 after driving over a curb at the Kennebunk Rest Area. He was charged with operating under the influence, eluding an officer, reckless conduct, and criminal speed, according to Maine State Police.
Just after midnight, New Hampshire State Police reported the high-speed pursuit to Maine State Police. After Olsen failed to stop for a local police department, New Hampshire troopers attempted to stop Olsen’s Dodge Ram pick-up truck, allegedly for speeding “and erratic driving,” officials said.
During the chase, Olsen allegedly rammed one of the New Hampshire State Police’s cruisers, Maine State Police said in a release.
Olsen crossed state lines into Maine on the Turnpike, where Maine troopers began their pursuit, authorities said. The chase continued north until Olsen damaged his tires at the Kennebunk Rest Area.
Troopers “successfully disabled Olsen’s truck using the Precision Immobilization Technique” on I-95, Maine State Police said. The PIT maneuver, used by law enforcement officials, stops fleeing vehicle by abruptly spinning it 180 degrees, causing the car to stall and stop.
Olsen was transported to a local hospital as a precaution before taken to York County Jail, Maine State Police said.
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