York Days 2023: Nubble Lighthouse lighting, movie on the beach, fireworks and more

Max Sullivan, Portsmouth Herald
·4 min read

YORK, Maine — York Days returns with its week-plus slate of beach events, culminating with a summertime lighting of the Nubble Lighthouse.

A movie on the beach, fireworks display and York’s National Night Out are on the schedule for this year’s York Days, set to take place Friday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 6. Santa Claus will make a summertime appearance to promote a toy drive at the Nubble, and the York Days 5K road race returns to bring runners to the stretch along Long Sands Beach.

The Nubble Lighthouse will be lit from July 28 until Aug. 6 for what the York Parks and Recreation publication “Yorks Illustrated” describes as “Christmas in July” in their 2023 issue.
The Nubble Lighthouse will be lit from July 28 until Aug. 6 for what the York Parks and Recreation publication “Yorks Illustrated” describes as “Christmas in July” in their 2023 issue.

Fireworks are scheduled for Aug. 6, the final day, at 9 p.m., sponsored by the York Beach Fire Department, signifying the end of the annual summer festival.

“It’s a special celebration of us here in the summertime,” said Nick Darby, York Parks and Recreation special events coordinator.

Movie on the beach to feature 'Croods: A New Age'

The Long Sands movie night returns July 28, marking its second straight year after being on hiatus due to COVID-19. This year the movie is the 2020 computer-animated film “The Croods: A New Age,” which was scheduled to play last year but was rained out.

"The Croods: A New Age"
"The Croods: A New Age"

Darby said the experience of watching a movie on the beach is a treat after the sun goes down and when Long Sands has quieted down for the night. The movie will be shown near the Long Sands bathhouse when the sun goes down, approximately 8 p.m., though the exact time is subject to darkness.

“It’s just awesome to be out on the beach and get the experience,” Darby said. “It’s a little different.”

Santa Claus to lead toy drive for 'Lighting of the Nubble'

The Nubble Lighthouse will be lit from July 28 until Aug. 6 for what the York Parks and Recreation publication “Yorks Illustrated” describes as “Christmas in July” in their 2023 issue. Santa Claus will be there in summer attire the night of the first lighting, according to Darby, collecting gifts to go to the Maine Children’s Home adoption agency.

The toy drive will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., according to Darby. People will be able to buy gifts to donate at the Nubble gift shop, as well. Darby said unwrapped gifts are welcome.

The night will also feature live music. The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will perform from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Nubble to provide “music for the atmosphere,” Darby said.

York Days 5K 'Miles For Smiles' road race

The York Days 5K “Miles For Smiles” road race returns July 30 at Long Sands Beach to raise money for the York Parks and Recreation Department Youth Programs. It is the fourth race in the Seacoast Road Race series, according to the runsignup.com page where athletes could enter the race.

Registration for the race was scheduled to end July 27 at 8 p.m., and the Parks and Recreation Department says there will not be race-day registration.

The York Days 5K “Miles For Smiles” road race returns July 30 at Long Sands Beach to raise money for the York Parks and Recreation Department Youth Programs.
The York Days 5K “Miles For Smiles” road race returns July 30 at Long Sands Beach to raise money for the York Parks and Recreation Department Youth Programs.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. Darby described the race as exciting for runners, who can be people surrounded by beachgoers cheering them on.

“People love running along the beach,” Darby said. “It’s really just a great atmosphere.”

National Night Out in York

National Night Out, held in communities throughout the country, will take place Tuesday, Aug. 1 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.

The York police and fire departments are holding National Night Out for the second year this summer, according to the “Yorks Illustrated” 2023 guide. 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.

Craft Fair showcases dozens of local vendors

York Days' closing weekend features its annual craft fair held at the York Beach Ball Field. The fair's first day, Saturday Aug. 5, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 6, the hours will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The booths include artisans that range from cooks to photographers, sand artists, potters, jewelers, painters and clothes makers.

The fair has grown over the years. There were nearly 45 vendors in 2021, then 75 vendors in 2022. This year the number is a little over 60, according to Darby. He said the fair does a good job of drawing people to the beach, which helps business owners, while also showcasing local artisans.

“I think 10 or 15 of them are from York,” Darby said. “It’s just a great opportunity to show community and small businesses in town.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York Days 2023: Nubble Lighthouse lighting, 5K race, fireworks