05/08/2025
Dear Members and Friends,
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet with the Camden Select Board to better understand their intentions regarding future fireworks events in our town. I wanted to share a brief summary of the discussion and what it means moving forward.
First and foremost, it's important to know that the current discussions do not impact this year's 4th of July fireworks event. We have been assured that all plans for this year are fully moving forward.
The Select Board is beginning a broader conversation about how fireworks displays should be managed in the future. Right now, permitting happens primarily at the state level, and while Camden does have a protocol adopted in 2019, it's vague and lacks clear communication requirements. This has prompted the need for a more structured, transparent process going forward.
A significant part of the conversation also focused on the level of support required from public safety services—including the Harbor Master, Fire Chief, and Police Chief—and the associated staffing costs. As the Camden Area Business Group, we fully recognize the importance of these services and are committed to working with the town to ensure a fair and sustainable approach.
To that end, I’ve volunteered to serve on an ad-hoc committee that includes members of the Select Board, the Police and Fire Chiefs, and the Harbor Master. Together, we’ll be working to draft a clearer policy that outlines expectations around event notice timelines and other key considerations that respect both town resources and community enjoyment.
I’m looking forward to contributing to this important work and will keep you updated as the process moves ahead.
Lastly, we are now in full swing raising funds for this year’s fireworks show. As you may recall, last year was unusual—we had to cancel the event initially, but thanks to a last-minute effort involving floats and an incredible response from our community, we were able to move forward. With just over 30 days, and the generosity of local businesses and families, we raised $8,000 for a smaller “powder show.” While modest, it marked the return of fireworks to Camden Harbor—and that was a true success.
This year, we’ve contracted a $14,000 show, much more in line with the beloved celebrations of years past. The display will last approximately 15-18 minutes—a sweet spot based on historical averages—and is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. on July 4th, launched from the traditional location between Dillingham Point and Curtis Island.
We sincerely appreciate your support in making this event a reality. Marketing recognition will be provided at several levels of sponsorship which are highlighted those willing to contribute. We can be reached by emailing [email protected] For anyone interested in helping with this effort, please also email your interest!
Warm Regards,
Erick Anderson, Board Chair
Camden Area Business Group
