The traditional Houlton Independence Day Parade route was flooded with cheers, laughter, music, sirens and revving muscle car engines as families celebrated the July 4 holiday on Saturday morning.
This year’s mile-long parade, beginning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church parking lot on Military Street, was awash in red, white and blue messages celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday.
“We estimate that it was at least 50% bigger than years past,” said event organizer Jane Torres, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I think the community was hoping for a glorious parade and our business community brought in some top notch floats using the Hats off to America theme.”
The Houlton July 4 parade was one of many around The County and state set to celebrate the nation’s 1776 independence. To mark this important milestone, parade organizers suggested floats with themes – America the Beautiful; Stars, Stripes, Sparkle; and Freedom through the Ages – to keep with the parade theme of “Hats off to America.”
“This year’s parade tips its hat to the people, history and spirit that make America extraordinary,” Torres said.
Independence Day is one of this Aroostook County town’s biggest holidays, starting with a July 2 strawberry shortcake sale and the parade coming in on the heels of Friday’s Midnight Madness summer bash that draws thousands and continues with events through Sunday.
“With help from our police department, public works, Pine Tree Waste, who came out in the early hours to pick up all the trash from the previous night’s festivities and my incredible Board of Directors the process was seamless and came together perfectly,” Torres said.
Even when children move away they return with their families for the annual celebrations that continue all weekend.
Nearly every float had walkers alongside to hand out treats to the parade goers packed along both sides of Main Street and Market Square. This year’s special treat was floats carrying coolers of popsicles to give away to appreciative crowds sitting in the hot sun.
McGills Community Band playing John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” – along with many floats adorned with patriotic messages and even a larger-than-life 250th birthday cake float – set the morning’s tone.
“One of the highlights was the Color Guard made up from our local firefighter team,” Torres said. “The man holding the fire fighters axe recreated his father’s picture that hangs in the firehouse today which shows the continuity and dedication of our local heroes.”
