CARIBOU, Maine — One of Caribou’s most popular summer traditions returned Friday, offering people a chance to have fun in the sun while supporting worthy causes.
Despite temperatures above 90 degrees, hundreds of people gathered on the sidewalks or in nearby vehicles to watch the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. Friday marked the city’s second attempt at holding the parade after the event was cancelled July 30 due to rainy weather.
More than 30 floats and vehicles from area organizations, businesses and youth groups drove from the Skyway Plaza and down Main Street before stopping past Sweden Street. Participants of all ages threw candy onto the streets and honked their horns as families waved excitedly from the sidewalks.
The parade is a nearly 30-year tradition for Caribou that began as part of RSU 39’s Caribou Drug Alcohol Education Team that promoted drug-free communities. Since then the parade has broadened its scope to promote any organization that supports area youth, including the local recreation department and church youth groups.
“The parade has evolved a bit over the years while still being true to its roots. It’s a way for us all to come together and celebrate community,” said Christina Kane-Gibson, the city’s events and marketing director.
The Anah Shrine Oriental Band was among the first-time participants in the parade. Float driver Steve Stiles stated that eight out of the 14 band members were taking part in the parade along with the Anah Shrine clowns and members of the Aroostook Shrine Club.
Parades are one of many ways that the Shriners raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Massachusetts, which provide medical treatments for children with orthopedic and neuromusculoskeletal disorders and severe burns.
Stiles noted that the Shriners appreciate the support they receive from people in Aroostook towns like Caribou who attend parades and other events.
“People in small towns really come out and help us help kids,” Stiles said.
Caribou VFW Post No. 9389 decorated its float in American flags and patriotic banners in honor of local veterans. During the parade members distributed boxes of school supplies that they purchased using funds they raised.
“This is our way of giving back to the kids,” said Christine Pelkey, president of the post.
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — Captain America and Deadpool wave to families while taking part in the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — Members of the Caribou United Baptist Church use a catapult made of tree branches to shoot water balloons during the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — 2019 Teen Miss Caribou Naomi Renee Cote waves to the crowd during the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — Members of the Caribou Trail Hawks drive down Main Street during the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — A Caribou Police car rides down Main Street during the annual Caribou Cares About Kids Parade. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — August 13, 2021 — The Anah Shrine Oriental Band plays during the Caribou Cares About Kids Parade on Friday. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
