Actor Randolph Mantooth
to lead parade
By Kathy McCarty
ACTOR RANDOLPH MANTOOTH, who rose to stardom when he appeared as Johnny Gage on TV’s “Emergency,” will serve as the grand marshal for the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention Parade on Saturday, Sept. 11, in Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE — Parade lovers are in for a treat on Saturday, Sept. 11, as the Presque Isle Fire Department hosts the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention, including a parade that will begin at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and conclude at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.
“The parade on Saturday morning will obviously feature a number of fire trucks, including historic entries, from fire departments across the state. Entries also are being sought by local businesses and organizations,” said event organizer Grant Spinney, a PIFD firefighter.
Trophies will be awarded in several categories: school bands, non-school bands, both fire department and civic floats, color guards and marching units, as well as various classes of antique apparatus.
Three lucky youth will get to enjoy the parade riding in a very special vehicle.
“Three lucky children will have the opportunity to ride on Big Red, the world’s longest and heaviest fire truck monster truck, during the parade. Raffle tickets are on sale now for $1 each at the Presque Isle and Caribou fire departments, as well as at Northern Maine Community College and the Presque Isle and Caribou Inn and Convention centers,” said Spinney.
In addition to the ride for the three winners, Spinney said rides on Big Red will also be offered at the fairgrounds following the parade at a cost of $10 per ride.
“All proceeds will benefit Camp Sunshine, a camp located at Sebago Lake for children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families,” he said.
Lineup will start at 7 a.m. at UMPI, along Route 1 south of the city. The parade is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m., traveling north along Main Street.
“All fire department participants must have a visible registration ribbon to be in the parade and to be judged,” noted Spinney.
Spinney indicated water must be dumped from all apparatus tanks before the parade, unless permission is obtained from either the parade chairman or the convention chairman. This does not apply to mutual aid departments to Presque Isle.
There will be a strictly-enforced quiet zone between Chapman Road to the intersection of State and Main streets. Anyone in violation will be disqualified for any trophies. Candy or other items cannot be thrown from parade entries but can be handed out by walkers.
When the parade reaches the heart of downtown, a special event is planned.
“ At the intersection of State and Main streets, the Presque Isle and Limestone fire departments will use their ladder trucks to drape a large flag over the parade route, with participants passing beneath it as they continue north on Main Street,” said Spinney.
The parade will continue along Main Street until it reaches Park Street. Participants will then turn left, with the final destination the fairgrounds.
“Originally, the plan was to continue to Parsons Street, then turn left and continue to Mechanic Street, then end at the fairgrounds. Because of construction on Parsons, we’ve re-routed the parade along Dyer Street instead,” said Spinney.
There is still time to sign up to take part in the event. For more information, contact 769-0881.
