Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks 
PREP TIME — At the starting point of the Island Falls Parade on Sunday, Janine Moulton, 10, prepares her float and practices her wave. She was the winner in her age group for the Island Falls Junior Miss Pageant.
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
ISLAND FALLS — A contingent of Maine State Police officers and vehicles led the Island Falls parade of floats, four-wheelers, Indy cars and official vehicles last Sunday as it wound through town along Crystal Rd. and Houlton Rd. before ending at Willis Lane. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
HISTORIC FLOAT — Heidi Rigby, president of the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, waves as her children Ariana and Gage represent Betsy Ross and George Washington.
Aroostook County Sheriff James Madore ran alongside the head car greeting parade watchers as some others did. But, most rode on top of floats or inside trucks or cars while waving and passing out sweet treats to eager residents.
Philip Faulkner, parade organizer, said “it was one of our better parades and it went very well with a good turnout.” He agreed the weather was perfect for the procession that started just after 1 p.m. and lasted less than one hour. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
FREE WHEELING FLOAT — Ramirez and Wally Robinson rode a float of ATVs and handed out candy.
There were babies, balloons, historic references and naturally, as November approaches, a fair amount of electioneering by candidates or their representatives.
Fire Chief Jeremy York said the three Island Falls fire trucks and the town ambulance were backed up by trucks from the fire departments from Sherman, Patten and Oakfield. “We had a very good turnout for Summerfest and the parade. It really went well,” said York.
Flashing emergency lights, horn blasts from fire trucks and piercing yelps of police cars added to the excitement that fascinated young parade watchers while bringing out the childlike enthusiasm of many who were not-so-young.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
STRETCH — Margaret Phillips hands Ed Addington a sweet surprise at the Island Falls Parade.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
TERRIFIC TIARA — Kimberly Goodall holds daughter Adria Goodall who took first place in the Baby Wee One contest.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
ANAH INDY UNIT — Tony Bowers was one the drivers who helped raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
FANCY FLOAT — Elizabeth Moulton drove a four-wheeler carrying her daughter Janine Moulton and Brianna Kaelin. The two girls designed and decorated the float.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
PROUD MAMA — Samantha White holds up Jayden White, the second-place winner in the Baby Wee One contest Aug. 1.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
ROCKIN’ THE 50s AND 60s — Jenica Frazier and Desirae Dubois rode back to the future in their float.
PARTICIPANTS – Carol and Peter Blood participated in last Saturday’s Island Falls Historical Museum fashion show. Carol is wearing a raccoon coat belonging to Edna Grange Blood in 1930, while Peter is sporting wool plaid hunting pants, designed for safety, with no cuffs to collect snow or catch moving objects. He is also wearing high leather LL Bean boots. Additional photos and a story will appear in a future edition.
