Higher, louder and brighter is the goal for this year’s Independence Day fireworks display — bigger than it ever has been, with larger shells to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Rangeley will host its yearly fireworks displays for two days before July 4. The show draws crowds to Rangeley Lake each year for the activities, music and entertainment. The first will be held in Oquossoc village July 2, and then July 3 for the full, nearly 30-minute show in Rangeley.

Chris Farmer, who is a co-fundraiser of the event with Craig Sargent, said he hopes this event will allow people of all backgrounds and ideals to come together to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“Our goal for this event is to remind people of the sacrifices that were made and celebrate the fact that we are the freest country in the world, and have been for 250 years,” Farmer said.

This year’s $117,000 budget is $100,000 more than last year’s $17,000. Organizers say $88,000 will go directly toward fireworks for Rangeley and Oquossoc. Sargent said it’s a display that he and the town has been working to put together for years, accepting donations through the Sargent Family Community Fund.

Rangeley is contributing $13,000, with the rest coming from private donors.

In past years, the surrounding plantations have also contributed.

Sargent said at the May 4 board of selectmen’s meeting that not all the funds have been collected, but all of the pledged donations should be in within the next month.

Throughout the day, there will be activities around town, including a duck drop, a dog carriage parade and other nonprofit activities and historical presentations at the town park. Food will be provided by the Rangeley Guides & Sportsmen’s Association and the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Instead of live performances, a DJ will play music throughout the day. WRGY is partnering with the event to play patriotic music during the fireworks show. 

Farmer said safety is at the top of organizers’ priorities list, communicating with local police, fire officials and game wardens.

“We have worked with getting some advice from former game wardens and others about placement so that we (do) not affect the eaglets and the loons,” Farmer said. “Our goal is to do a great patriotic event, but not have an impact on the local ecology.”

Because the fireworks are expected to be bigger and louder this year, people with pets or noise sensitivity should take notice. Farmer and Sargent hope that the shells being fired out on Rangeley Lake will help mitigate some of the noise impact. However, it may actually help the sound travel farther, they noted.

One way to help with pets who get stressed from fireworks is to create a space for them in a walled-off interior room or closet with their bed, blankets and their favorite toys. Playing a TV or white noise can also help to drown out some of the booms.

Sargent and Farmer are seeking volunteers to assist throughout the two days of events, including parking attendants and other jobs, noting it could be a lot of standing.

“Volunteers are critical to this being a well-run, smooth operation,” Sargent said.