Bette and Bill McVicars settled into their spot under a shade tree in front of the Fort Fairfield Public Library around 11 a.m. on Saturday, more than two hours before the Maine Potato Blossom Parade would begin its slow descent down Presque Isle Street. But the McVicars were hardly early.
By that time, thousands had already descended on the Aroostook County border town ahead of the marquee event of the area’s biggest festival. In lawn chairs and under canopies, on truck beds and car roofs and patio sets balancing on trailers. All to watch the one-mile procession of the things that make The County unique.
This year’s parade was the largest of the last four or five years, according to parade organizer Paul Towle. It featured more than 60 entries and a sizable crowd turnout under sunny skies.
“Everybody rallies around the potato up in northern Maine,” Towle said. “They understand this is the biggest festival in Aroostook County, and one of the bigger ones in all of Maine. They come from all over.”
The McVicars came from Calais, as they have for nearly all of the last 30 years. Bette is a Fort Fairfield High School graduate. Her family has all left. The Maine Potato Blossom Festival — and the parade — are as much a reunion with them as the town.
“I like to see my family that comes up,” Bette McVicar said. “I brought my girls here … and hopefully someday I’m going to get to show my two grandkids.”
The festival — in its 78th year — inspires a pilgrimage of former residents, returning to reconnect with people and place. There is no better evidence of that than the parade crowd.
Sharon and Roger Cote drove up from Lisbon Falls for Sharon’s 40th High School reunion. The parade has changed since the last time they attended a decade ago. The atmosphere has not.
“Friendly Fort Fairfield,” Sharon Cote said. “That’s how I’ve always thought about it.”
Debbie Megna’s husband is from Limestone. They made the familiar trip from Falmouth to join in with the celebration.
“I love the floats. I love the spirit of the people in the parade and how much fun everyone’s having,” Megna said.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills rode along with the delegation of Aroostook County Democrats in the parade. Not far behind was former Gov. Paul LePage — among other politicians — as he ramps up his campaign to oust Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
