The Maine Bicentennial Commission today affirmed that 2021 will feature the commemorative events and programs originally scheduled for 2020 in observance of Maine’s 200th year of statehood.

“Governor Mills has extended the tenure of the commission into the new year, which will provide us the opportunity to celebrate Maine’s bicentennial once we can safely come together and the pandemic restrictions are lifted,” said Senator Bill Diamond, Maine Bicentennial Commission chairman. “We are thankful for our sponsors’ continued commitments, and we look forward to commemorating our ‘200-Plus-One’ in 2021.”

The Maine Bicentennial Commemorative License Plate, originally set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020, is also now extended for the duration of the civil emergency, with legislation pending to extend its display throughout 2021.

The rescheduled dates for the postponed Maine Bicentennial Commission signature events and programs will be announced soon. They tentatively include:

• Maine200 Time Capsule Sneak Peek and Participation Kickoff, Spring 2021
• Maine Statehood Day Ceremony: Summer 2021, Augusta
• State of Maine Bicentennial Parade Presented by Poland Spring: Summer 2021, Auburn and Lewiston
• Sailing Ships events: Summer 2021 (various dates), ports along the Maine coast
• Maine200 Innovation Expo Presented by Central Maine Power: Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, Portland
• Maine 200 Time Capsule sealing ceremony, Fall 2021

The activities associated with the Maine Bicentennial Community Grant Program will also be taking place in 2021.

“The Commission awarded 170 grants to organizations and communities throughout Maine,” said Sen. Diamond. “We are eager to see the creativity and commitment that the award recipients will display during 2021.”

New event dates will be posted to the www.Maine200.org calendar as planning continues into 2021. The website also features videos, history links, school curriculum and other resources for those seeking to reflect on Maine’s bicentennial at any time.