By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Aroostook County experiences roughly two weeks of summer, as the axiom goes, so officials with the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce are aiming to help the city’s youth enjoy the short duration of sunshine and fresh air as much as possible with the Caribou Cares about Kids Festival from Thursday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 14.
Community members are encouraged to participate in Movin n’Groovin Day at Collins Pond Park, where youth will be able to tie-dye shirts, have their face and nails painted, get inked with a temporary tattoo (provided by the Caribou Recreation Department) and enjoy beaded bracelet making before sitting down to a free hot dog barbecue sponsored by PrintWorks. Officials with the Caribou Recreation Department will be hosting a Highlight Blacklight Dance for youths of grades 7 through 12 at the Wellness Center.
Healthy Day begins on Friday, and it’s all about food and family. Events start at Kieffer’s with an ice cream social starting at 11 a.m., and continue at the Wellness Center at noon for Family Fitness Day, a Family Fitness Fair sponsored by Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services and farmers demonstrations with the Caribou Farmers’ Market. The Halfway Home Pet Rescue will also be hosting a chicken barbecue starting at 4 p.m. at the Sports Inn.
Healthy Day continues with the notorious Caribou Cares about Kids Parade at 6 p.m. (line-up beginning at 5 p.m.) and the day winds down with Movie Night at dusk in the park sponsored by Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services.
After two days filled with festivities, Sunday is the festival’s Fun Day. The Caribou VFW will be serving up breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Featuring inflatables, vendors and balloons, Fun Day will be held at Teague Park and feature a carnival (with carnival donations to benefit the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp), fun events sponsored by the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, and a variety of home grown goods from the area’s farmers and crafters with the Caribou Farmers’ Market.
Fun Day’s events culminate with a Rolling Stones Tribute Band at 7 p.m. at the Caribou Performing Arts Center (proceeds benefit the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp).
Sunday, July 14, is Kids Free Day Family Day featuring fun family events like free disc golf all day for kids among other exciting events.
Additional information regarding the Caribou Cares about Kids Festival can be obtained by visiting www.cariboumaine.net or by calling 498-6156
