Above: Louis Escobar, in his normal Fourth of July attire, poses with a friend in this file photo.

PORTSMOUTH — Nearly three weeks after he suffered a fall from his tractor, dairy farmer and Portsmouth icon Louis Escobar is still in rehab but hopes to be back home in time for his annual Fourth of July fireworks display off Middle Road.

Mr. Escobar, known as “Mr. Portsmouth” by many, was injured when his tractor ended up in a ditch the morning of June 4. He was thrown from the tractor and slammed his head, requiring several blood transfusions.

He was initially sent to Rhode Island Hospital but was later transferred to Newport Hospital, where he’s undergoing physical therapy.

In a Facebook message to the Portsmouth Times on Monday, Lisa Escobar Hertzog said her father is getting better every day, but it’s not clear whether he’ll be ready to come home in time for the fireworks to be shot from Escobar’s Highland Farm.

“As for his making it home for the Fourth, I am not positive,” she said in her message on Monday. “He is improving so much every day. He has a great day on Wednesday last week. But they worked him so hard that he could not do anything for days after that. Today is his first real day back at physical therapy since then.

“I am not sure how today went yet, but on Wednesday he was able to sit up for a couple minutes at a time by himself. He was also able to feed himself with a utensil strapped to his hand. So he can lift his hand to his mouth repeatedly, but he cannot grasp anything yet.”

Despite his condition, her father has kept his spirits up throughout the ordeal, she said.

“He still has his sense of humor,” said Ms. Hertzog. “That is still in full force and never went anywhere. He improves little by little every day. His goal is to be at those fireworks.”

A popular figure in town, Mr. Escobar is a strong advocate for farmers and was selected to be the grand marshal for the town’s 375th anniversary parade in 2013.

Sending positive thoughts

Once news of his injury was posted on the Portsmouth Times’ Facebook page, well-wishers turned out in droves to tell the family they were sending him positive thoughts.

“Saying prayers for the strongest man and farmer in Portsmouth,” wrote Michele Polselli.

“We wish you a quick recovery. You are an important part of Portsmouth and all of Aquidneck Island,” added Betty Lou Wright.

“Such a wonderful, giving man,” wrote Joyce Yarrow.

Ms. Hertzog said she is overwhelmed by the words of comfort members of the community have shared with the family.

“He is so blessed to have so many supporters. I am so moved by all of this,” she said.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to help the Escobar family defray the cost of the fireworks, as always there’s a donation can in front of the farm at 241 Middle Road.