Old Fort Western national historic landmark and living museum will host an Independence Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on the east bank of the Kennebec River in downtown Augusta.

Visitors can walk through the 1754 Fort, store, house and tenement to view museum exhibits and talk with historical interpreters about daily life in the 18th century. A hot dog fundraiser will begin at 10:30 a.m. outside the main Fort gates to benefit Old Fort Western’s educational programming.

At 5:30pm, Augusta’s Mayor David Rollins, will read the Declaration of Independence in 18th century period costume on the Fort parade grounds followed by the lowering of the British colors and the raising of the “new” American flag. Afterwards, muskets will be fired and a 13-gun cannon salute will be made to the original 13 colonies.

Entertainment will be provided by the Downeast Brass Band at 7 p.m. on the bandstand outside the Fort’s front gate. At 9 p.m. there will be fireworks at Mill Park.

Admission for Augusta residents is free. For more information, visit www.oldfortwestern.org or call 626-2385 or e-mail us at [email protected].