YORK, Maine — York Days returns with a week-long slate of activities, including a 5K road race, sand castle contest, and fireworks over York Short Sands Beach.
The festivities kick off on Friday, July 26, with a beach cleanup and culminate on Tuesday, Aug. 6, with National Night Out .
Here is a look at the activities planned from July 26-Aug. 6.
Beach Cleanup with Green Maids
York's Park and Recreation is partnering with Green Maids for its second beach cleanup at Short Sands Beach on Friday, July 26.
Participants will meet at the playground at 6 p.m. to make a positive impact on the environment. Cleanup supplies will be provided, but organizers suggest bringing your gloves to ensure a comfortable fit. Participants will receive a temporary one-night parking pass, so you don't have to pay for parking to participate in the cleanup.
Lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse
The Nubble Lighthouse will be lit from July 26 until Aug. 4.
“It’s picturesque, it’s beautiful, and a lot of people have shared the experience with families,” said Brenda Knapp, chair of the Sohier Park Committee that oversees the lighthouse.
Also, this summer is the Nubble Light Challenge on Aug. 3, where swimmers race for 2.5 miles through the “gut” of the Nubble that separates its island from the mainland. The race is sold out, but viewers can watch the swim when it kicks off at 8:30 a.m.
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York Days 5K Road Race
York Parks and Recreation will host its York Days 5K Road Race on Sunday, July 28.
The fourth race in the Seacoast Road Race Series, this 5K race benefits youth programming throughout York. The race begins at 8 a.m. sharp, and day-of bib and shirt pick up opens at 7 a.m.
Registration ends July 26 at 8 p.m. The first 400 to register will be guaranteed a free race shirt in their requested size. Beyond the first 400 to register, shirts will be given upon availability.
There will be no race day registration.
York Days Sand Castle Contest
The York Days Sand Castle Contest will be held at Short Sands Beach on Tuesday, July 30.
This free event is open to all ages. Registration will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., with judging at 1 p.m. and awards at 2 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Adult Category: 1st place; Family Category: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; Kids Under 13: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
A special thank you to Mort and Audrey for sponsoring the event. Come join the fun and showcase your sand sculpting skills.
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York Days Craft Fair returns with 50-plus vendors
York Days closing weekend features its annual craft fair at the York Beach Ball Field.
The fair's first day, Saturday, Aug. 3, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 4, the hours will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 50 local vendors and crafters will showcase their creations. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase and kid activities, including giant lawn games, inflatable slides, and entertainment.
York Days Fireworks
Join Parks and Recreation for the annual York Days Fireworks Celebration on August 4.
This dazzling fireworks display around 9 p.m. will light up the night sky over York's Short Sands Beach.
Bring your family and friends, grab a spot on the beach or in Ellis Park, and enjoy the show. This event is the perfect way to celebrate summer and create lasting memories with loved ones. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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National Night Out in York
National Night Out, held in communities throughout the country, will take place Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m.
York’s police and fire departments will be at the Bog Road Athletic Fields complex from 5 to 8 p.m.
First responders hold National Night Out as a way for residents to get to know local police and firefighters, including in neighboring communities like Kittery and Portsmouth. The event goes back to 1984 when the first National Night Out was held in Pennsylvania, according to the national organization’s website.
This year, the event will include free food, including drinks and ice cream cones, as well as games, a bouncy house, emergency vehicles to explore, and giveaways. The event is free with no registration required.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York Days 2024: Nubble Lighthouse lighting, sand castles and fireworks
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