Flare Night at Popham Beach will take place on Friday, Aug. 18, beginning with the annual parade at 7:30 p.m. from the Ft. Baldwin parking lot. The parade, led by founder George Popham and his second-in-command, Raleigh Gilbert, portrayed by Popham residents in costume, will progress through the village ending at Ft. Popham. Town vehicles such as fire trucks and an ambulance have been invited to the parade, along with local children and antique cars. A giant beach bonfire caps the evening as flares light up the historic fort and the Kennebec River beach.

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, located straight ahead where the road veers sharply right when entering Popham Village.

The final program in the Library’s Summer Series will be a talk by Gemma Hudgell of Northeast Archaeology Research on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. Ms. Hudgell will present the findings of last year’s “dig” at Fort Popham. All are invited to attend this free presentation. Parking is available behind the library.

The Popham Library welcomes all residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to join us for Flare night, Ms. Hudgell’s talk and during our regular library hours – Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 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 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.