Nothing says summer like a parade and community celebration. Starting with the July 4th festivities in Houlton and continuing throughout July and August, nearly every weekend features an event in the many communities of southern Aroostook County.
This past weekend, the town of Patten celebrated its heritage with a week-long Patten Pioneer Days festival that included the unveiling of a new monument highlighting the Patten Gateway to the Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway.
Just a few short weekends ago, the community of Island Falls held its annual week-long Summerfest, featuring a variety of events throughout the week. That celebration was kicked off July 29 with a “Family Fun Day.”
Sponsored by Jeff Brooks Equipment Service, the fifth annual event filled the Island Falls Municipal parking lot with with free access to bounce houses, face painting and laser tag. And in a remarkable sign of community spirit, free hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks were available to anyone who attended.
Houlton’s Potato Feast Days will be here Aug. 25-26 followed by Sherman Old Home Days Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4. This event typically heralds the end of the busy summer festival season.
Why does it seem like summer flies by in the blink of an eye, but winter months drag on forever? February may well be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly feels the opposite because of all the snow and cold.
Maybe it’s because July and August are so darn busy with people trying to make the most of the warm weather? And it is quite possible that it is because parents try to cram in as many summer activities as possible before school starts up again.
Speaking of school, the fall sports season for soccer, cross country, golf and football are right around the corner. These games provide plenty of opportunities to show your school spirit and community pride. Don’t be afraid to come out and support local student athletes. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a child playing in the game, athletes thrive on hearing fans cheering them on.
Joseph Cyr is a staff writer for the Houlton Pioneer Times. He can be reached at 532-2281 or via email at jcyr@bangordailynews.com
