Fan of the Fourth

This year’s Fourth of July was an epic washout in Naples. Pretty much from beginning to end the rain reared its ugly head, putting a literal damper on festivities and fun.

Luckily, while the day was a wash, the spirit for the rest of the weekend was alive and kicking. The weather slowly turned brighter on Saturday, filling up the Causeway and the evening’s fireworks display was a hit as well. I was fortunate enough to watch from a friend’s dock and I thoroughly enjoyed the show, although the finale wasn’t what one would have expected. Just when you thought it was over, another pyrotechnic was set off. I didn’t mind as it prolonged the most perfect evening sitting on the lake with friends and family.

“Annie”

One of America’s all-time favorite family friendly shows is here in Naples this weekend. “Annie,” put on by Lake Region Community Theatre runs for two weekends beginning Friday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. with the final show on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Additional shows are offered on July 12, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and one more on Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m. My favorite song is “NYC,” which is my hometown, after all. For more information visit www.lrctme.org. Tickets are available at Raymond Village florist, Krainin Real Estate in Raymond, Naples Public Library, Hayes True Value in Bridgton, Bridgton Public Library, Books and Things in Norway, and Papa’s Floral in Fryeburg. Cost of ticket is $16 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.

Summer Concert Series

Naples Village Green comes alive on Sunday evenings in the summer with this wonderful event. This Sunday, July 13, enjoy a “Fabulous Assortment on the Keyboard” with Patrick Freeman who makes his debut here in Naples. On July 20, Brian Curtis Johnson, also making his debut here, entertains us with his guitar. Free for all, this concert series is a good old-fashioned way to relax with your neighbors!

Naples Public Library Yard Sale

Head over to the Naples Town Gym for some deals and steals at this popular fundraising event, which runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Treasure hunting is always fun as you just never know what you will find. A fun way to start your day for sure.

Keep ’Em Busy!

OK, as much as we have anticipated the hot weather and sun this year, there are only so many times you can go to the beach until you are seeking alternative activities for the kids to enjoy. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the Lake Region. How about some ice skating! I love that we can go cool off at the Ice Rink on Sundays this summer (with the exception of July 13), from 1-3 p.m. at the Bridgton Ice Arena in North Bridgton. Call ahead to confirm the date you’d like to go at 647-7637, ext. 1310. It’s affordable, too, at only $4 for adults, $3 for students in grades 1-12 and $2 for kids 5 and under, and free for Bridgton residents. For more information, visit www.bridgtonicearena.com.

Keep ’em fit and moving with the various sports camps offered in the area. For girls entering grades 3-8 in the fall, a Lakers soccer camp will keep them busy and sharpen their game. The camp runs from July 28-31 and meets at Lake Region High School. The fee is $40 for grades 3-5 and $50 for grades 6-8. For more information, contact Coach Toews at htoews49@roadrunner.com. Registration forms are also available at Casco, Naples and Bridgton recreation departments.

Football Camp is also being offered this summer from Friday, July 25, from 5-7 p.m. and wrapping up the next day with the camp running from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Lake Region High School. Cost is $20 (scholarships available). Contact Coach Brian Jahna at 595-3302 or bjahna@yahoo.com. The Lake Region Field Hockey Camp will run from Monday, July 28, to Friday, Aug. 1, at Lake Region High School. Sharpening the skills through drills will be a focus of this camp. The fee is $75 for grades 7-12, meeting at 8-11 a.m. each day. Grades 3 to 6 meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and cost is $55. Contact Coach Pauline Webb at pwebb4health@gmail.com.

Keep ’em sharp!

Join Andrea Capano, from Capano Science Consulting, for the adventurous STEM Camp For Lake Region (STEM4LR). Designing, building, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication all bundled into an exciting camp for elementary age children (ages 6-11). Children will learn the exciting basics of designing, engineering and constructing while building exciting structures from solar-powered boats to basic robots. All classes will start with a game or story to break the ice. This three-week course meets on Tuesdays from Aug. 5-19 from 2-5 p.m. at the new Fountain of You Fitness Center in Naples. The STEM4LR course costs $75 for the three, three-hour sessions and includes a healthy snack. For more information or to download a registration form, contact Andrea Capano at 207-615-4983, by email capanoscienceconsulting@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Capano Science Consulting. Class maximum is 15 and the minimum is five, so reserve your child’s spot today.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, the kids can learn about Animal Adaptations by attending the Chewonki Travelling Natural History program from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Casco Library is holding some fun events for kids including two movie nights, which include a Pajama Storytime beforehand. The fun begins on Tuesday, July 22, and Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 6:15 p.m. for the story, with the movies beginning at 6:45 p.m. The movie for July 22 is “Meet the Robinsons.” On Aug. 5 the kids can enjoy “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” Contact the library at 627-4541 for more information on these and other events or “like” them on Facebook.

An antique auto takes part in last weekend’s Fourth of July parade on the Naples Causeway.