LINNEUS, Maine — A beautiful sunny day drew scores of people to Linneus Saturday morning for the town’s annual Field Day celebration and parade.
After a couple of years of not hosting the event due to COVID-19, attendance was strong for both the parade and family events held at the Linneus ball field.
Organizers wanted to see the event return as a way of giving back to the community. In addition, the town’s board of selectmen approached the recreation department and offered its support to make the event happen.
“This is our first time hosting this event since I took over as recreation director,” said Josh Murchie, who became the director in the summer of 2019. “We have been trying to bring this event back in some way for the community. It really is a combined effort this year.”
Bubbles and water soakers were popular attractions in the Linneus Field Day parade through town Saturday morning. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Field day originated in the 1990s as a way for the Linneus Recreation Department to give back to its community. This year’s event was dedicated in memory of Fran Hutchinson, a long-time Linneus resident and former town manager who died in July.
A portion of U.S. Route 2A was closed for about 30 minutes Saturday morning to allow for the town’s parade to travel from the Linneus Fire Department to the parking lot of Grammy’s Country Inn and back again.
The slip and slide proved to be a popular, and cooling, choice for many area children who participated in the annual Linneus Field Day celebration Saturday. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Candy, beads and even bottles of water were plentiful as the majority of the well-decorated floats passed out items to those lining the streets. The parade’s theme of “patriotism” was obvious throughout as most of the floats were decorated in red, white and blue.
Following the parade, a full slate of family activities were held at the baseball field, including a free petting zone, pony rides, a half-dollar scramble and bounce house. A free barbecue luncheon was also provided.
Gunner Henderson takes a pony ride as Tiffany Hutchinson guides the horse at the Linneus Field Day event Saturday. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The most popular attraction was a massive “slip and slide” featuring a large tarp loaded with dish soap and then hosed down with water from the Linneus Fire Department. Children and adults alike could hardly resist making a splash on the slippery surface.
Awards for the parade went to: Palmer Construction, first place; Toby family, second place; and Bither family, third place.
“Support for this event has been just wonderful,” Murchie said. “I am so pleased by the turnout.”
Kora Challoux pets a baby goat under the watchful eyes of her mother Tara Saturday at Linneus Field Day. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Volunteer Heather Mitchell has a bundle of red, white and blue helium balloons ready for children at the Linneus Field Day Saturday. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
