By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE, Maine — Not even rain could dampen the spirits during Limestone’s annual Fourth of July festivities held from June 27 to July 5. Though the overcast skies that shadowed the Fourth of July parade eventually gave way to showers, floats and parade participants proceeded through the streets completely dry, except for the water balloons and squirt guns wielded by a few parade entries.
So dense was the crowd of parade-watchers, it was hard to find standing room on Main Street.
Many speculated that the fireworks extravaganza held at Trafton Lake were the best that they’ve ever seen despite the rain, a common theme for this year’s festivities.
The band Turning Point played a crowded street dance, sponsored by Cary Medical Center, Pines Health Services and Williams Construction. Their audience was consistently large during the set as individuals enjoyed music and refreshments.
The Beach Blast Car Show, hosted by Blvd Graphix and Caldwell Auto, raised $1,043 for the Hemophilia Foundation of New England. During the show, Scott St. Peter won the award for Best in Show and Charlie McLaughlin won the People’s Choice Award. The event, like many others, were held at Trafton Lake.
The Best Entry Awards earned from the parade were also awarded at Trafton Lake. Jr. Miss Caswell Bailey St. Pierre and Little Miss Caswell Delaney Rossignol won the award for best representation of this year’s parade, which was ‘Celebrate Freedom.’
The Southern Victoria Pipe Band from Grand Falls, N.B. was voted the Best Music Entry Award.
The Rotary Club of Limestone was voted the Best Organization Entry.
Miss Limestone 2009 Kaitlin Good, Jr. Miss Limestone 2009 Jordyn Hopkins and Little Miss Limestone 2009 Taylor Devoe won the Best Queen Entry.
Limestone Class of 2010 made quite a splash with their parade entry, which won the Best School Entry Award.
Home Town One Stop won the Best Patriotic Entry.
Bettie Bradon won the Best Vehicle Entry.
The Cowboy Heritage Trail Eiders won the Best Animal Entry.
Art Thompson was awarded the Best Antique Farm Machinery Entry.
Blvd Graphix won Best Business Entry.
The parade was organized by Grace O’Neal.
