The Independence Day Committee invites the communities of Lewiston-Auburn and its neighbors to the 15th Annual Liberty Festival on July 4th to celebrate our nation’s independence with food, fun, freedom and fireworks.

On the banks of the Androscoggin River, the Liberty Festival will feature a concert stage, vendors and the party at the Hilton Garden Auburn Riverwatch, which is hosting a live band and perfect views of the fireworks. The fireworks are scheduled to blast off at 9:30 p.m.

This year, the Liberty Festival has revived the Auburn Main Street stage. The lineup opens at 5 p.m. with Cold Blue Steel playing a mix of classic and modern country music. At 6:30 p.m., Skyler takes the stage with a mix of country, pop and rock. L-A Harley Band will roar at 8 p.m. with a wide variety of music, ranging from Zac Brown to Jethro Tull to Maroon 5. Then Drive takes off at 10 p.m. with Top 40s, hard rock and even some heavy metal.

A very special thank you to Nancy and Chris from Northeast Bank for sponsoring the Veterans Park Music event and to John Story of L-A Harley for sponsoring the music for the Auburn Block Party!

At the L/A Harley-sponsored Block Party in Auburn, Gritty’s of Auburn will transform the Festival Plaza, providing barbecue foods and a variety of beverages.

Lewiston’s Veteran’s Park stage will open at 4:30 p.m. with the new sound of Skosh mixing up some funk, soul and rock and roll. Ken Goodman and the Brookside Blues Band takes the stage at 6 p.m; then Robert Washington, a beloved Elvis impersonator, will perform from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. The music closes with local favorites Terry and the Telstars, back on the scene in Lewiston-Auburn. Enjoyment abounds for the family in Lewiston with food vendors and children’s games!

Festival goers can purchase a ticket and enjoy the Hilton Garden Auburn Riverwatch. The entertainment will be provided by Broken Men, who will start their performance at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Hilton Garden Auburn Riverwatch or by calling Champoux Insurance at 783-2246. Admission to the Hilton also offers an ideal and grand view of the evening’s fireworks display.

Be sure to clear your calendar, and after your day at the beach join the Liberty Festival for music, dance, food and great fireworks. Display your patriotism by wearing red, white and blue—show your American colors! Visit our website at www.libertyfestival.org.

The Liberty Festival is always seeking volunteers to help with the many aspects of this celebration. Please put on your patriotic hats and your red, white and blues and lend a hand! Some of the volunteer positions include information booth, hosts, merchants, city beautification, groundskeeping, parking attendants and floaters. Send an email to info@libertyfestival.org for further information.

The 2011 Liberty Festival Committee includes Cathy McDonald, festival president; Richard Martin; festival director, treasurer; Karen Mayo; Michael Koch, festival logistics; Sharon Serette; and Andrew Moreau, website and volunteer coordinator.

Sponsors of the Liberty Festival include: City of Lewiston; City of Auburn; Auburn Fire Department; Modern Woodmen; Pediatric Associates; Mechanic Savings Bank; Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union; Maine Source Realty; Champoux Insurance; Rainbow Federal Credit Union; www.gleasonmedia.com; Sam’s; Auburn Motor Sales; Central Distributors, Inc; Pepsi; Evergreen Custom Printing (Official Printer of the Liberty Festival); Morrison & Sylvester, Inc.; and Maine Source.