AUGUSTA — A highlight of the city’s Sunday Fourth of July festivities — the parade — will prompt the closure of streets along the route.

Augusta Police officials anticipate the parade will last about an hour and create some traffic congestion and detours. They advise motorists to expect delays and alternate routes between 3:45 p.m. and 5 p.m., or until the parade is over.

The parade is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

Floats and parade participants are expected to gather at the State House parking lot beginning around 2 p.m.

According to Deputy Police Chief Kevin Lully, paraders will depart the State House site through its north entrance, onto Capitol Street, heading east to State Street. The parade then turns left, going north on State Street to Memorial Circle, then onto Water Street. It will move through downtown, make a right onto Bridge Street, then right onto Calumet bridge and across the Kennebec River. The destination is Augusta City Center and Old Fort Western, with floats continuing east on Cony Street.

The theme of this year’s parade is Maine Bicentennial. City Manager William “Bill” Bridgeo, who is retiring in September after 23 years in the position, is the parade’s grand marshal.

Last year’s parade, and most other Independence Day activities, were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the parade, there will be children’s activities at Mill Park, where revelers can also find food vendors and enjoy live music.

With Kennebec Lockes, the former Statler Tissue site, as the launch location, the fireworks display over the Kennebec River is scheduled for 9 p.m.  There are also various activities at Old Fort Western that will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.