July 4th festivities in Naples are linked with nationwide ‘block party’

 A giant American flag waves over the Naples Causeway (Rory Sweeting/Staff Writer) Naples Causeway will play host to “America’s Block Party” this Independence Day, as sanctioned by the nationwide America 250 organization. “America’s Block Party” consists of hundreds of events across the nation, with one of the flagship events being a [$17.76 concert in Los Angeles](https://america250.org/americas-block-party/july-4th-concert-at-the-la-memorial-coliseum/) featuring artists ranging from Chris Stapleton to the Smashing Pumpkins. Chelsea McKamy, chair of Naples’ events committee, said last year, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission put out a call for towns to take part in the nationwide “block party.” McKamy did just that, and, at the beginning of 2026, learned Naples was one of three towns in Maine selected to be part of the event, the others being Bethel and York. At the time, McKamy was surprised the town made it into the final lineup over major population centers and tourist destinations such as Portland, Bangor and Kennebunkport. At the same time, however, McKamy said she was unsurprised Naples made the final list on account of the town’s “vintage feel,” and the popular Fourth of July fireworks, which draw thousands of spectators each year. “We’re always the comeback to a nostalgic moment that people are looking for,” said McKamy, “whether it’s the waterfront, the causeway, the ‘step back in time’ feel you get.” The day of celebration will kick off at 2 p.m. with the Naples, Maine Causeway Parade, which will include local businesses, camps, Army representatives and a float from the Songo River Queen riverboat featuring live mermaids. McKamy was expecting a bigger, more-well attended parade than usual, with people opening their lawns for spectators and massive boat gatherings at the docks near the causeway. The block party will include food, activities, live music in more than half a dozen venues, and lake cruises on the Songo River Queen, as well as a hot dog eating contest at 6 p.m. The day with culminate with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Against the backdrop of a polarizing national-level celebration, McKamy portrayed Naples as a place “standing still in time,” could come together. Citing the long history of summer camps in the area, which included establishments as diverse as 4H camps, Girl Scout camps and Jewish boys’ camps, McKamy said Naples, which markets itself as the “Heart of the Lakes Region,” has always been a place of respite. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [America's 250th](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/americas-250th/), [Fourth of July 2026](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/fourth-of-july-2026/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/rory-sweeting) [Rory SweetingStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/rory-sweeting) Rory, an experienced reporter from western Massachusetts, joined the Maine Trust for Local News in October 2024. He is a community reporter for Windham, Raymond, Casco, Bridgton, Naples, Standish, Gray,. [More by Rory Sweeting](https://www.pressherald.com/author/rory-sweeting)