Staff Writer
During Aug. 12-15, Caribou’s organizations, businesses, health professionals, volunteers and parents once again stepped to the plate in a very successful combined effort, proving one more time that, Caribou Cares About Kids.
The Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry not only organizes the annual Cares About Kids events, employees and volunteers participate in the festivities also.
During the four-day festival, area kids, their parents and visitors participated in everything from racing a russet potato, climbing walls, riding ponies, playing human football, tie-dying T-shirts, watching the parade, walking in the parade, watching a movie outside in the park to being tattooed. And — then there was the food — hotdogs, homemade ice cream sundaes, pizza, barbecued chicken dinners, burgers, funnel cake and of course, strawberry shortcake.
On top of all of those events, there was the music — with members of the well-known band from the mid-1960s, Korporation, once again bringing back generations of tunes for everyone to reminisce over — and even do a bit of that old time favorite dancing. The appearance of Korporation was the second in as many years and the group also played at the Caribou High School Class of 1970 reunion which took place on Aug. 14 (two of the band members, Perrin Peterson and Dalton Winslow, were part of the 1970 class).
Judged Best Non-Profit unit in the recent Caribou Cares About Kids Parade, these members of the Solid Rock Worship Center, carried their music with them as they traveled the parade route.
The annual Caribou Cares About Kids events continued into Sunday, with an Antique Car Show and Shine that filled the parking lot of Burger Boy and at 3 p.m. Caribou native, Tess Collins, the daughter of Sam and Lise Collins, an accomplished vocalist performed at a benefit concert for the Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp Program. Opening for Collins was the band Common Crossing. This event was sponsored by the Aroostook Mental Health Center and the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
(There will be photos and a complete article regarding the benefit concert in next week’s edition).
Cary Medical Center used the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade (and activities) to stress the importance of healthy babies and children.
With temperatures as high as the community spirits, the 2010 Caribou Cares About Kids celebration was nothing less than a hit.
Among the 52 or so units that participated in the 2010 Caribou Cares About Kids Parade, the following were judged as winners in their respective categories. The Maine Veterans’ Home — Best in Show; Tim Hortons — best business; Solid Rock Worship — best non-profit; and Boy Scouts — highest children participation.
Members of the Caribou Pioneer Girls were all smiles as they traversed the parade route during the 2010 Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. The event was just one during the four-day festival which were jammed packed with activities, music and food.
What’s a parade without fire trucks? Although there were several newer models later in the event, Caribou Firefighter Gregg Belanger had no trouble getting the department’s old engine in gear for the annual Caribou Cares About Kids Parade on Aug. 14.
An Elvis sighting took place during the annual Caribou Cares About Kids Parade as Quentin Warren walked the route to the music of everyone’s favorite crooner.
Demonstrating their famous water balloon catapult, Caribou Boy Scouts not only captured the attention of parade-goers within their range but the unit was also named a parade entry winner for having the most kid participation.
Honoring veterans in the area, the Maine Veterans’ Home entry was named Best in Show at the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade on Aug. 14.
2010 Little Miss Caribou Brooke Haney.
The Eastern Aroostook RSU 39 school bus entry in the recent parade was a clear reminder that the new school year was right around the corner.
2010 Junior Miss Caribou Victoria Keaton.
Miss Caribou 2010 Alyson Michaud.
Just can’t resist a cup of Tim Hortons coffee and neither could the parade judges as the efforts of the Caribou employees resulted in their float named best business entry, in the 2010 Caribou Cares About Kids Parade.
2010 Miss Pre-Teen Caribou Samantha Fortin.
