You might not consider that eating breakfast out on the Fourth of July could affect whether you and your family enjoy an Independence Day parade and evening fireworks in Bangor, but that is the truth.

Deborah Paradis is chairing the Fourth of July pancake breakfast sponsored by Bangor Noon Kiwanis.

The breakfast will run from 6 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the Brewer Auditorium.

“It is the beginning of the Fourth of July festivities that are completely organized by the Bangor-area Kiwanis chapters,” Paradis wrote. “I realize that most Bangor area residents are still unaware that it is the Kiwanis area chapters that raise the funds necessary for the fireworks and the parade.

“Over the past few years, the cost for the parade and the fireworks has increased substantially,” she continued, “making it a yearlong process to raise the funds necessary for these events.”

Paradis wants you to know area Kiwanis clubs “need the support of our community in order to make this a special event. We are hoping for a wonderful turnout for the breakfast and the rest of the festivities.”

And Paradis reports that again this year, “we will have strawberries from Ken and Bev Tate’s strawberry farms, coffee donated by Dunkin’ Donuts of Brewer, a canopy tent from Maine Equipment and sausage from Hormel,” along with contributions from Dennis Paper and Food Service, Farmland, Unisource and North Center.

“We are very lucky to have these wonderful sponsors,” Paradis stressed.

She reminds you that the goal of Kiwanis chapters is to fund children’s programs such as bike and helmet safety, support local soup kitchens and provide clothing for area children.

Your support of fundraisers by local Kiwanians is important year-round, but for this singular American holiday, it is even more so.

Karen Sanborn of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems hopes folks who plan to enjoy the fireworks along the Bangor Waterfront will park from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Shaw’s Supermarket on Main Street.

All proceeds from parking fees will benefit Children’s Miracle Network, targeting pediatric oncology patients at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

You can also take advantage of a barbecue fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at that site, and all that money will benefit CMN as well.

Plans are under way for a Cars of Yesteryear Show and Flea Market Mania from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at H.O. Bouchard Sports Arena in Hampden.

The event will feature cars and trucks dating from 1900 to 1979.

There is a $5 entry fee for the show that offers 24 trophies in 12 classes.

Judging begins at 11 a.m. and trophies will be awarded at noon. The event also includes raffles and food.

The fundraiser is hosted by the Vicky E. Morgan Foundation and, Robin Dow of Searsmont reported, “we are currently looking for vendors for the show.”

Vendor spaces are $10 and you need to bring your own tables.

For information, and to obtain table space, call Dow at 342-3259.

The nonprofit Vicky E. Morgan Foundation provides assistance to individuals and families who are coping with illness or have been the victims of recent tragedies such as losing their homes to fire.

Debbie Clukey reports Penquis Community Action Program is accepting applications for its Head Start and Child Care services, and offering child care subsidies to eligible families on a sliding scale.

Head Start and Child Care is available for children six weeks to age 5. Before and After School Care is available for children 5-8.

Full-day/full-year care is available in Bangor, East Millinocket, Exeter, Dexter, Newport and Old Town. Part-day/part-year care, September to May, is available in Bangor, Brewer, Dover-Foxcroft, Howland, Lee, Lincoln, Milo, Newburgh and Parkman.

Before and After School Care is available in Dexter and Exeter.

For information, call 973-3567 or visit the center nearest you.

Congratulations to members of Sherman High School Class of 1967 who are planning their 40th class reunion.

Les Shaw of Brewer reports organizers have accounted for all but one of their classmates.

Anyone with information about Darlene Campbell is asked to call Shaw at 989-4168.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.