Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
A BARREL OF FUN — The McNally family of Patten combined the Patten Pioneer Days theme of Hawaiian Luau with Maine potatoes and came up with a humorous float for Saturday’s Patten Pioneer Days Parade. Having a good ole time are, from left, Kerry, Jamey and Carrie McNally.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
PATTEN — If you have a sweet tooth, Patten was the place to be Saturday as the town held is annual Patten Pioneer Days 2010 parade. Handfuls, upon handfuls of tasty treats were passed, flung and tossed to the many parade watchers lining Main Street to watch the hour-long event.
In fact, there was so much candy that some parade watchers had to say “no more” as more and more floats came down the street with even more handfuls of sweets. Some floats passed out freeze pops, much to the delight of many as hot, sunny conditions made for a pleasant, albeit warm day for a celebration.
IN THE SPIRIT — Cassidy Quint sways her way down Main Street in a grass skirt for Saturday’s Hawaiian-themed parade.
While competing for attention with neighboring Merrill, who celebrated its Centennial with a parade of its own Saturday, Patten residents were determined to put on a good show for the masses. Featuring a Hawaiian Luau theme, parade participants got into the spirit as they donned grass skirts and flowery leis.
One of the biggest hits of the parade was the McNally family who combined the Hawaiian Luau theme with some old-fashioned potato picking barrels. Kerry, Jamey and Carrie McNally donned potato barrel suits as they swayed their way through the parade on the lead float. Kerry McNally offered a humorous surprise to any who asked — and some who didn’t — as he unveiled a secret compartment on his potato barrel that showed off his bare belly. The younger family members John and Emma McNally and Melody Curtis also got into the act as they sported potato bag suits and farmer’s clothes, complete with flowery leis.
OUT FOR A RIDE — Patten’s oldest citizen, Annie Somers, at 96 years of age gets into the spirit with a Hawaiian lei and flower in her hair.
Patten’s oldest resident, Annie Somers, was the grand marshal for the parade. Somers, 96, did her part to get into the Hawaiian spirit as she sported a lei and large flower in her hair.
Following the parade, crowds gathered at the town park for refreshments, carnival games for the children, and a petting zoo by MacDonald Farm.
On Friday, a book sale was held at Veteran’s Memorial Library, while a Children’s Parade went from Main Street to Founders Street. Amelya Matwyko of Patten was declared the winner of the parade. Friday evening culminated with a fireworks display over Shin Pond.
The seven-day festival wrapped up on Sunday with a church worship service in the park followed by a softball tournament at the town ball field.
TIKI TRACTOR — Gage Porter rides a stylized lawn tractor, complete with cardboard Tiki.
CUTE AS A BUNNY — Young Amelya Matwyko of Patten was dressed as tiny Easter bunny for Saturday’s parade. Given the amount of candy tossed out, Matwyko’s costume was spot on. She also won first place in the baby parade Friday afternoon.
HEAT RELIEF — Marya Michaud passes out a freeze pop, which proved quite popular Saturday in Patten for the annual Pioneer Days parade as sunny, hot conditions greeted parade watchers.
SWEET TREATS — Margaret Phillips tosses candy to the masses as she rides along the parade.
GREAT GIFTS — Ashley Swallow grabs a bunch of Hawaiian leis to pass out as she walks along the parade route.
CANDY MAN — Cohen Bailey flings candy from his float as he sports a spiffy baker’s cap.
PATRIOTIC IN PATTEN — Offering up a reminder to veterans of all conflicts are, from right, Earl and Patsy Clark, along with Linda Tweedie.
