June flew by faster than Silas Eastman ran the Four on the Fourth last year, slipping away with the lilacs and peonies and black flies. Now July is upon us, bringing hot days on the lake, fireworks, lobster rolls and one of the country’s premier road races.

The 37th annual Four On the Fourth starts at 8 a.m. at Food City, following a hilly course up and over Pond Road, down to Highland Lake and through town to Depot Street. It has been named one of the 50 best road races in the country, and is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Bridgton Public Library and many other local nonprofits.

After seven years of “bragging” about finishing way back in the middle of the pack, I’ll be sitting it out this year and focusing on my new, not-so-clandestine speakeasy many of you might have heard a little something about. But whether you are one of the 2,000 registered runners or a spectator lining the streets cheering them on, it is a beloved Bridgton event and the perfect way to kick off Independence Day.

Patriotic Parade

After you re-hydrate from the race, head back downtown for the Fourth of July parade. This classic New England tradition features fire trucks, funny cars, lots of floats from local businesses and kids hurling Jolly Ranchers from the backs of them. The parade starts at noon at Hannaford and runs down Main Street, so plan accordingly. Locals know to use Kansas Road and High Street as alternate routes starting at 11:15 a.m., but if you want to get a great spot park early in the municipal lot on Depot Street, set your chair on the sidewalk and get ready for some fabulous people watching.

Turkish Delights

While not actually “Inside Bridgton,” Denmark is close enough to the town line on Route 117 to merit mention when a show this cool comes to the Denmark Arts Center. On Saturday, June 29, the historic performance space at 50 West Main St. becomes a Souk for the night, as they welcome Portland’s Alhan Middle Eastern Music Ensemble to town for a night of classical and popular Arabic and Turkish music of the 17th to the 21st centuries.

Alhan will demonstrate “muwashshahat,” a song form developed in 10th-century Andalusia and performed throughout the modern Arab world. Having studied with master teachers from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, the members of Alhan strive to convey authentic versions of the music with a contemporary flare. This is a BYOB, Cabaret seating show, and fun for the whole family. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, check out the website at www.denmarkarts.org or call 452-2412.

Bushels of Berries

You know it’s high summer when the First Congregational Church throws its annual Strawberry Breakfast. Chaired by the lovely ladies Chris Lowell and Sue Rock, this popular event is celebrating its 20th year, and will be held on Saturday, June 29, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church at 33 South High St.

Everyone is invited to this scrumptious strawberry soiree featuring French toast, pancakes, homemade biscuits, fresh whipped cream and ice cream, all topped with fresh local strawberries and maple syrup. Tickets are only $8 for adults and $3 for kids, with all proceeds going to support the church’s many community outreach programs including Jeanette’s Closet, which provides families in need with free clothes, and the “Adopt-A-Child” Christmas fund that gives Christmas presents to more than 150 local children.

Civil War Trail

Growing up in Nashville, relics and reminders of the Civil War were everywhere. The Battle of Franklin was fought on the hallowed ground that later became the neighborhood my family lived in, and we had a graveyard with soldiers (and slaves) right in our backyard. It was just a strangely normal, albeit tragic and horrific, part of the Southern culture. But I never knew much about the history of Maine’s involvement in the War aside from the awesome Steve Earle song “Dixieland” about Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine.

Fortunately our local curators at the Rufus Porter Museum have compiled a new exhibit, “Folk Art Inspired by the Civil War”, which runs throughout the summer in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States. The exhibit will display photographs, letters, diaries, weapons and uniforms, along with hundreds of other artifacts from the era. There will be lectures and special events all season long, and the museum is participating in the Blue Star program, sponsored by the National Endowment For the Arts, which gives free admission to the nation’s active duty military and their families. The Rufus Porter is currently located at 67 North High St. while their future home at a historic house on Main Street is being restored. For more information on this exhibit and all other events planned for the summer call 647-2828 or visit the website at www.rufusportermuseum.org.

In the Spotlight

Our little town has garnered some national attention this month, with both the New York Times and CBS Entertainment doing pieces on the network adaptation of Stephen King’s book Under The Dome. While the fictional town is called Chester’s Mills, King clearly based it on Bridgton and has brought some valuable press our way. We are so lucky to have him as a “local” celebrity, not just because he’s a world famous icon but because he’s classy and kind and truly loves it here. He and his family have donated big bucks throughout the years to many vital social outreach programs and nonprofits, and their generosity has made a huge difference in many people’s lives. So here’s to the mini-series being successful, and shining the spotlight on Bridgton.

Orchid Walk

July is Maine’s most verdant month, with native flowers blooming in riotous profusion. Unfortunately, the mosquitos are usually blooming in riotous profusion too, but don’t let that keep you out of the woods. The Lakes Environmental Association continues their summer series on Friday, July 5, at 9 a.m. with a walk among the wildflowers.

Step out onto the boardwalk spanning the quaking bog at Holt Pond and explore for yourself the rose pink orchids that bloom out of sphagnum moss. This walk will cover easy to moderate terrain over forested trails and boardwalks and will last about two hours. Comfortable walking shoes, water, a snack, and binoculars are recommended. Participants will meet at the Holt Pond parking lot. For more information, directions or to register, contact Mary at 647-8580 or email mary@leamaine.org.

Kid’s Katering

The Bridgton Community Center kicks off their popular Summer Lunch Program this week, and it’s a great way to not only feed kids but get them out of the house. “Kids Katering” provides a free lunch to anyone under 18 Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at both the BCC on Depot Street and at the Highland Lake Beach. There is no pre-registration necessary, just show up for food and fun.

Volunteers are always welcome, too; call Director Carmen Lone at 647-3116 for more information.

The Denmark Arts Center presents “An Evening of Arabic and Turkish Music with the Alhan Middle Eastern Music Ensemble” Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m.