To the editor:
September 5th is just around the corner, and, as many of you know, this is the date for the big 150th Celebration Parade, Community Barbecue, and Fireworks! As Chairperson for the Celebration Parade, I wanted to take a moment to bring the readers up-to-date on a few items. To all parade participants: Due to the number of entries, it is very important that we are able to get you into the Parade Start Zone with the least amount of congestion. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on September 5. Most participants will be arriving before noon. While the parade starts at the Skyway Plaza, many participants will be asked to “stage” in other area parking lots such as the DMV, Ford Motor, and Plourde Furniture. As we get closer to the date we will be contacting you to tell you which zone you will be in. Please make every effort to arrive in the proper zone. If you are uncertain, feel free to contact me with any questions.
The parade route will be approximately 2.2 miles. During the actual parade, we will have a water zone for parade participants located in front of the Fire Station. Feel free to carry your own supplies to assure everyone is comfortable throughout the route. Also, for safety reasons, please remember that no items are to be thrown from any vehicles along the parade route.
The end zone is Caribou High School. To eliminate congestion and to allow for all of the activities planned for the Community Barbecue, it is important that vehicles within the parade do not stop at the high school unless directed to do so. This is particularly important for floats, trailers, and large equipment. The police and logistics personnel will be directing those entries to the Lombard Road. Any persons riding on floats or trailers that would like transit back to the start zone will be given rides on CHS school buses.
To all parade goers: Don’t forget that there will be plenty of activity before and after the parade. The Civil War group will be encamped at Teague Park. The Queen’s Tea will be going on at the Chan Center. St. Andrew’s Pipes and Drums will be playing at the Teague Park Gazebo before the parade, just to name a few. The Community Barbecue and Picnic is sure to have something for everybody. From mini-concerts to fire jugglers, there will be lots to do and see … all topped off with a gigantic fireworks display. CHS school buses will be available along the parade route to pick-up and drop-off people that would like to simply “park and ride” to the barbecue. In doing so, you will also help to reduce the congestion that may occur at CHS. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or folding chair to make it a true picnic!
Finally, to all of the parade participants, thank you so very much for your support of Caribou’s 150th Celebration. We appreciate the effort you have taken to be part of the parade, and we look forward to seeing you at the start zone. To all of you that are planning on attending the parade and barbecue, we hope you enjoy the many activities. Come early, stay late and make it a celebration to remember!
Caribou
