Was there ever a sweeter June? After a sluggish spring the weather has finally turned, bringing with it the heady scents of lilacs and roses, sunny days on the lake and nights illuminated by the lovely glow of fireflies. Main Street’s signature peonies are in full flower, and the amount of out-of-state license plates increases exponentially every day. Welcome back to town, summer friends! We are always happy to have you back, just be patient with us…We aren’t used to waiting longer than a minute or two in “traffic.” Just one of the many simple pleasures of living in Vacationland.

On Your Mark

The starting gun for the 38th annual road race will go off at 8 a.m. on July 4th, and thousands of runners will head for “the punisher,” otherwise known as Pond Road. As you run up the seemingly endless hill, just remind yourself that the race is for many great causes, including vital funding for local non-profits and community programs.

Voted one of the 50 best road races in America by Runner’s Magazine, Four on the Fourth is the single-largest fundraiser for the Bridgton Public Library, which received a check for more than $20,000 last year. Proceeds allow the library to offer additional services, programs and resources for the community, including regular children’s programs and special guests.

Other local non-profits also benefit from the race, including Lakes Environmental Association, Lakes Region Senior Transportation Program and Pondicherry Park. Plus, it is simply a great way to start the day, running four hilly miles before you fire up the grill and crack a frosty beverage. You also get a locally designed T-shirt, which gives you bragging rights for the rest of summer. Entry forms are $18 and are available at the Cool Moose and the Bridgton Library. Check out www.fouronthefourth.com for info and online registration. Registration forms can be found at the Bridgton Library and businesses all over town, or you can sign up online at www.fouronthefourth.com.

Light Up the Night

After funding shortfalls threatened to derail Bridgton’s annual fireworks display, selectmen rallied to ensure the money was here this year. They found a company that offered a good discount for winter orders, and wisely stocked up before high season.

Thanks to their foresight, this year’s display promises to be a stunner. Join thousands of other proud Americans for the sunset celebration on Thursday, July 3, on the grounds of the Stevens Brook School.

Pasta Party

The Bridgton Public Library holds its annual Four-On-The-Fourth Spaghetti Feast on Thursday, July 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School.

Perfect for your last big meal before the race, the menu includes spaghetti with meat or meatless sauce, fresh locally grown greens, bread, coffee, lemonade, sun tea, ice cream and lots of homemade desserts.

Tickets are available at the door and cost $8 for adults, $4 for children 3 to 10. Children under 3 are free, and the previously mentioned fireworks follow. All proceeds benefit the library programs.

Firefighter Wives

The heroes of our firefighter brigade are dealing with ongoing budget shortfalls, and their wives are working to support them through fundraising to offset for things they desperately need. You can help them raise money for this invaluable cause by supporting two upcoming events.

They are currently selling tickets for a raffle called “31 Bags in 31 Days,” where you can have many chances with one $10 ticket to win different types of tote bags. Also, on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will be hosting a Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Bridgton’s Central Station at 7 Gibbs Ave. For more information on these fundraisers please contact Bette Espeaginette at 693-3681.

What’s Quackin’

There are always flocks of ducks swimming around Shorey Park, but you only see hundreds of the yellow variety once a year. On July 4th, join the Lake Region Rotary Club for their 15th annual Great Bridgton Duck Race.

A fundraiser for the service organization, volunteers release the ducks into Stevens Brook on Upper Main Street at 11:30, as onlookers root for their lucky duck to be the first to cross the finish line. As well they should, because the first place prize is $500 cash. Second and third places win cash too, so buy a few tickets at Reny’s on weekends and at the Bridgton fireworks on July 3. For more information call Emma Bodwell at 595-1138.

Maine’s Muralist

As restorations continue on their new location in the historic Webb House on Main Street, the Rufus Porter Museum is mounting their 10th special summer exhibit.

The 2014 season brings a show entitled “Young Rufus Porter: The Art World Beckoning,” which focuses on the art world Porter was exposed to growing up in Bridgton in the early 19th century, and includes works by his contemporaries who may have influenced him.

Along with original Porter murals, the exhibit will include paintings by John Brewster, Michele Felice Corne and Charles Willson Peale. The museum is currently located at 67 North High St., and summer hours are Wednesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. FMI on the exhibit and other events on the schedule call 647-2828 or go to

www.rufusportermuseum.org.

The Arts Center in Bridgton will host a four-week workshop, July 15-Aug. 6, featuring New York City artist Ian Factor, above. This master class in figure and portrait painting will meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. The class is limited to 12 students. Tuition is $400. Contact Gallery 302 (647-2787) for more information and registration.