By Barbara ScottStaff Writer
While we have all waited patiently for these long, lazy, hazy (and warm) days of summer to finally arrive and with some schools back in session, one can’t help but bemoan the fact that fall is truly right around the corner. But — right now, today, everyone should take a minute, flip the calendar page to September and start writing. This Labor Day weekend promises to be one like no other and Caribou’s Sesquicentennial Committee is in the process of trying to convince everyone to stay home. Stay at home, as in stay in Caribou and be part of Caribou’s 150th Birthday Triple Blast — the largest parade since Caribou’s 100th birthday; the largest community barbecue ever topped off with the largest ever fireworks display.
Beginning at 1 p.m. at the Skyway Plaza and continuing to the Caribou High School, the Sesquicentennial Parade promises to provided entertainment like no other. With more than 80 entries, some of the performing parade participants will be stopping at designated spots along the parade route. Marching bands from Bangor and Orono among others will stop at these spots for a quick performance(as well as providing entertainment for the crowds at the Caribou High School campus during the community barbeque.
Caribou’s birthday parade will be noisy action-filled — packed with marching bands, the Shriner mini-cars, antique tractors, trucks, cars and an un-imaginable variety of floats carrying your friends, families, neighbors and local business individuals.
A stilt walker and a fire juggler also promise to bring smiles to the crowds. The parade route will follow Bennett Drive, High St., Herschel St., Prospect St and then Sweden St. up to the Caribou High School. Then — everyone will witness Caribou’s huge Community Barbecue.
This “Old-fashioned” Community Barbecue promises a host of entertainment taking place during the event including: the Bangor Community Band (one of the oldest in the country); The University of Maine Marching Band; Small Steps Dance Group; the Maine Dance Academy and the Nadeau Family Band. Also taking place during this afternoon and early evening birthday blast will find the stilt walker, fire juggler mingling throughout the expected crowds and there will be miniature pony rides for the kids and plenty of food to fuel everyone.
The barbecue menu will include hot dogs, chicken and burgers along with potato salad, chips and refreshments provided by Garelick Farms.
The community barbecue will offer every age group something to see, hear and eat. Tickets for the barbecue are available now at Sleepers of Caribou, the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry and at the Aroostook Centre Mall. Ticket costs are $4 for adults and $3 for children. All proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Caribou Athletic Boosters Club.
So, after you witness the largest parade ever, see all the sights and eat all you could possible eat — make sure you have a chair or a blanket with you as things won’t be over yet.
Sit back, look around you, think about the history of your city, enjoy the early evening air then as the Sesquicentennial Committee is willing to announce, “This is it!” Caribou’s 150th Birthday party really going to blast off. With nearly 3,000 firework shots, this show could be the best of all time. At approximately 90 shots a second this one-half hour fireworks show promises a lasting memory — especially since the display will be done to music. Yes, it’s like a Boston Pops event only it will be taking place at the Caribou High School campus.
A fabulous parade, a barbecue with live entertainment and an incredible fireworks show. It’s Caribou’s 150th birthday — Be a part of it!
