BANGOR, Maine – With fireworks returning to their launch site in the middle of the Penobscot River,
Bangor’s Fourth of July events will see some enhancements this year thanks to a $150,000 multi-year gift from Bangor Savings Bank.
Spread over three years, the gift to the Greater Bangor 4th of July Corporation includes a $75,000 donation as well as the Bank’s commitment to match up to an additional $75,000 in funding. The monies are intended to help support the robust array of annual July 4th activities on both sides of the river, including the day’s pancake breakfast at the Brewer Auditorium, parade from Brewer to downtown Bangor, music on the waterfront in Bangor, and – of course – an incredible fireworks show.
“We’re excited to be a part of the Bangor waterfront; and, with construction of Founders Place complete, we’re thrilled to support such a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities,” said Bangor Savings Bank President and CEO Bob Montgomery-Rice. “We designed the campus to be a fully-integrated part of the community and events, like the 4th of July, are the perfect opportunity for folks to utilize the campus’ green space and parking garage.”
The Bank’s gift will allow fireworks to be launched from a barge in the center of the Penobscot River for the first time in nearly two decades, giving spectators a better view and allowing Central Maine Pyrotechnics to use larger fireworks shells for bigger displays.
“We are delighted to receive such a generous gift from Bangor Savings Bank,” said Mike Fern, president of the Greater Bangor 4th of July Corporation. “The additional funding will help us bring the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to the waterfront, as well as expanding the day’s activities to include things we have only dreamed about.”