ISLAND FALLS, Maine — It seems only fitting that one of the largest parades in the town’s history closed out the Island Falls 150th birthday celebration Sunday afternoon.
Although the temperatures soared into the mid-90s, that did not stop people from lining the streets of downtown Island Falls for the historic event.
The parade provided the perfect curtain call, capping a 10-day celebration of Island Falls’ incorporation as a town back in 1872. Lasting nearly an hour, the parade was filled with a bundle of decorative floats, many of which featured multi-tiered birthday cakes.
Members of the state championship Southern Aroostook boys and girls basketball teams rode on a flatbed tractor trailer, while a small collection of high school band students provided musical entertainment.
There was even an appearance by Teddy Roosevelt, portrayed by world-renowned reprisor Joe Wiegand.
Because of the extreme temperatures, parade organizers were on-hand passing out bottles of water to whomever needed them. At one point on the parade route, Wiegand took a bottle of water and poured it over his head in an attempt to cool off.
Pete Connelly of Island Falls said he was impressed with how nice the town looked for the 150th celebration.
“Everyone has done an outstanding job,” Connelly said. “The town looks absolutely wonderful. I am impressed with how many buildings have been fixed up. The leadership of this town is doing an outstanding job.”
Donna Sewall Davidge, owner of the William Sewall house who splits her time between Island Falls and New York, said she too was impressed with how lovely the town looks.
“I am so happy with how things turned out,” she said. “We gave tours at the Sewall House, which were very well attended. People are really responding, and that is great to see.”
The following is a list of the parade entry winners, by category. Bikes, Sewall House; Side by Side, Acorn Family; Oldest Vehicle, Curry and Webb; Truck, Beals Variety; and floats, first place, Little Steps Big Dreams Day Care; second place, Independence Advocates of Maine; and third place (tie) Island Falls Historical Society and Island Falls Senior Citizens.
In the beard contest, held during the 10-day event, first place went to Marcus Verrin, with Alan Shenck coming in second.
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — Members of the Southern Aroostook Community School high school band perform a musical selection during Sunday’s Island Falls 150th parade. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — Floats featuring massive birthday cakes were plentiful during Sunday’s Island Falls’ 150th celebration. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — With temperatures in the 90s, umbrellas were a good way to beat the heat Sunday in the Island Falls’ 150th celebration parade. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — With temperatures in the 90s, umbrellas were a good way to beat the heat Sunday in the Island Falls’ 150th celebration parade. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — Blowing bubbles in the Island Falls’ 150th parade is Jessica Walker Greene representing the Island Falls United Baptist Church. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
ISLAND FALLS, Maine — August 7, 2022 — Greg Ryan of Island Falls drives an antique tractor hauling a float for the Island Falls 150th celebration parade Sunday in Island Falls. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
