Last week was a fabulous week in the area. Our Caribou Cares About Kids festival dodged a few rain drops (OK, maybe more than a few) and was a big success. The four days of events was bolstered by another hugely successful Thursdays on Sweden. This week’s theme, in keeping with the name of the four days of fun, was Teen Night and the teens did come out in force. Music-X-Press did a terrific job playing a mix of music fun to dance and sing along with and the rains held off all night.
Earlier that day, the Chamber sponsored its annual Tie-Dye Extravaganza. Despite my stumbling in planning this event for the first time, 364 T-shirts were dyed with some terrific results. Much thanks goes to Jenny Coon, who saved yours truly by showing up at the start of the day to help get things started. Thanks also goes to the Parks & Recreation staff at the Caribou Wellness Center as they worked very hard to make this event happen. Fifteen volunteers from Loring Job Corp came to help and I was particularly pleased with their kindness and smiles in making sure the children had a good time.
Tim the Tune Man was terrific in entertaining the kids with music and activities, Representative Carol A. McElwee rolled up her sleeves and helped clean up the mess after. The Aroostook Republican staff, with help from folks at Northeast Publishing, came and barbecued free hot dogs and provided soda. And Channel X Radio did a great job with a remote for the event. The Caribou post office donated rubber bands, On the Run convenience store and Pizza Hut donated plastic bags. Pines Health Services donated some plastic gloves. Thank you everyone!
Besides the tie-dye, which everyone loves, the face painting and jewelry making tables were very busy as was the bounce house. All in all, the Tie Dye Extravaganza went off very successfully.
The rain was a bummer on Friday and it did cancel some daytime activities, but the parade went off as scheduled. The rain kept the participants down to about 40 entries, but all braved the rain cheerfully and the parade put on a good show. The queens even sat on vehicles in the rain and waved to the crowd. We make them tough here in The County, don’t we?
Deb Sirois from OfficeMax and Deb Sutherland from Brambleberry Market joined my wife and I in the judging booth and our choices of winners were unanimous. Houlton Dairy Farms Dairy Bar won the business award for their 75th anniversary spirit, their colorful costumes and kazoo playing. Of course, the free ice cream they handed out helped sway the judges too.
The nonprofit award went to Cary Medical Center/Pines Health Services of which a beautiful float was presented with plenty of accompanying marchers.
The Spirit of Caribou Award went to the employees of the City of Caribou for the best use of our “on the move” theme. The city employees did a wonderful job creating and decorating the float and there were plenty of walkers along too including city manager, Austin Bleess and assistant city manager, Tony Mazzucco.
The Movie Night after the parade went off without a hitch and Fun Day at Teague Park survived some terrible winds to have a good time. The Pig Roast on Sunday had the best weather of the festival.
Much kudos go to the entire city for the events that took place from Thursday to Sunday. A lot of work went into producing such a good time and only better weather could have made things any better than what transpired.
I noticed that Presque Isle is kicking off their balloon festival with a street carnival on Thursday, Aug. 22. I suppose imitation is the best form of flattery. I hope they have a great time.
Our own Thursdays on Sweden will rock on next on Thursday, Aug. 22. If you would like to be a vendor for the event, please go to our website at cariboumaine.net and click the Popular Forms menu to print out and fill out the vendor form.
The next Thursdays on Sweden theme will be, “Luau Night.” There will be a very special performance happening at 7 p.m. during that event that you simply will not want to miss. I cannot tell you what it is because it is a surprise. But trust me on this, you will want to witness this event!
We are very pleased to announce that Maine Benefits Group has joined the Chamber to add to our roster of fine businesses and organizations. Maine Benefits Group works with employers to develop tailored benefit packages (health, life, long- and short-term disability, dental, vision and AD&D), whether employer-paid, employee-paid, shared or a combination. Welcome aboard!
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
