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A competitor retrieves his ax during the 2025 Maine Forestry Museum's Logging Festival Days. (Courtesy of Maine Forestry Museum)

It’s the time of year where all anyone wants to do is get out of the house. Well, we’re in luck because the weather is warming and soon festivals will be cropping up in towns across Franklin County.

Whether its fireworks or vendors you’re after, there is sure to be an event that’s just right to keep you entertained.

We’ve compiled a list of festivals happening in the region this summer and there is something here for just about everyone.

RANGELEY INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Every year, people flood Rangeley to watch the fireworks over the lake and take part in the activities downtown, from art to entertainment. Some of the activities this year include a duck drop race, two parades, food and more.

For a full lineup, visit the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce’s calendar.

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  • Fireworks display
  • Children’s Doll Carriage Parade on Main Street
  • Duck Race Drop
  • The Great American Dog Parade

STRONG PIERPOLE DAYS

July 10-12

Strong’s yearly summer festival is gearing up to celebrate the town’s 225th anniversary. The festival packs family-friendly activities into a long July weekend.

Some of this year’s planned events are the town’s 225th anniversary parade, fireworks, a variety show, an art contest and more. See the full tentative schedule here.

RANGELEY LOGGING FESTIVAL DAYS

July 17-18

Maine Forestry Museum’s two-day festival celebrates the region’s long history of logging. The first day of the event is education-based, with demonstrations of equipment and a tour of a nearby logging site. Day two will feature a parade on Main Street and activities at the Forestry Museum in Dallas Plantation.

Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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  • “Working Forest Tour”: visit a local logging site to learn about Maine forest management (reservation required)
  • Operation of historic equipment
  • Presentations on logging in the Rangeley region

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Logging parade: 10 a.m. on Main Street
  • Arts and crafts vendor day at the museum fairgrounds

FARMINGTON SUMMER FEST

July 25

Downtown Farmington will come alive this July for the 61st annual Summer Fest. All of the classic festival activities will be available, including food, games, vendors and a children’s parade.

This year’s parade is themed “fresh from the garden.” The event is still being planned, so follow the Summer Fest Facebook page for updates.

PHILLIPS OLD HOME DAYS

Aug. 15-23

Phillip’s yearly summer festival brings a week’s worth of activities to town. In past years, there has been a parade, races, tournaments, vendors and more.

This year will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The schedule of events hasn’t been released, but watch for updates from the Phillips Chamber of Commerce.

Quentin Blais, an Illinois native, is the community reporter for the Rangeley Highlander. He covers Rangeley and the surrounding towns in northern Franklin County. Quentin studied photography and journalism...

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