CARIBOU, Maine — The weather is cooling down and Caribou officials just held their final “Thursdays on Sweden” event of the year: a “Southern-Style Summer Send-Off.”
Caribou Marketing and Events Coordinator Christina Kane-Gibson had bittersweet feelings about the final “Thursdays,” as a couple of big activities fell through at the last minute. Operational issues plagued the scheduled mechanical bull, and the line-dancing teacher was not able to attend.
However, she was pleased with the turnout and the event’s overall success throughout the year.
She said she recognized several “die-hards” who make it out to every event, and complimented city officials for coming together and volunteering their time for the bi-weekly summer street fair.
“This wouldn’t happen if we didn’t all come together,” she said. “It’s definitely a city staff effort and I’m really thankful to them for making this happen.”
Many of the vendors have made a point to attend every event as well, and Kane-Gibson complimented the staff of the Maine Veterans Home, who dress “to the nines” based on the theme of every “Thursdays.” The police and fire departments also came out, as they do for every event, as part of the “Guns and Hoses” joint effort to barbecue food and use the proceeds to help out a community organization.
City Manager Dennis Marker attended, and said the street is close enough for him and his family to walk over. Both Marker and Kane-Gibson complimented the businesses and vendors who make a point to show up for every event.
“It really does bring the community together,” said Kane-Gibson. “I’m a big proponent of promoting our downtown, and we get to have it all right here. I love it.”
While this marks the final “Thursdays” of the year, the city is planning a “Sunday on Sweden” event to coincide with BikeME on Sunday, Sept. 9.
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- Tennessee Haze entertained guests at Thursdays on Sweden for a full three hours on August 30 during the final “Thursdays” of the year. (Christopher Bouchard)
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- Hundreds came out for the final “Thursdays on Sweden” event in Caribou of the year. The August 30 event had a “Southern-Style Summer Send-Off” theme and featured music from Tennessee Haze. (Christopher Bouchard)
