LIMESTONE, Maine — Limestone’s Fourth of July events got off to a rocky start Wednesday night when a fireworks technician was injured just before 9 p.m.
While setting up the show, a fireworks technician suffered injuries after several fireworks were accidentally set off near the chosen site at Grand Falls Road, said Michelle Albert, president of the Limestone Chamber of Commerce, who organizes the annual Fourth events.
The technician was transported to Cary Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Limestone firefighters quickly put out a fire that started, and the remaining fireworks were set off about 1 p.m. Thursday for safety reasons, Albert said.
On Thursday, hundreds gathered on Main Street in Limestone for the town’s annual Fourth of July parade.
More than two dozen community groups and businesses took part in the line-up, including volunteer firefighters, Limestone Rotary Club, scout troops, pageant queens, Loring Honor Guard, Civil Air Patrol, Limestone Trail Hawks and Borderline ATV Club from Caswell, Trombley Industries of Limestone and Mark’s Towing of Caribou.
This year’s parade theme was “Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” Many vehicles and floats featured red, white and blue streamers and patriotic music honoring veterans.
Contest winners were: Tom Farry of Limestone and his large Army truck, Best Patriotic Theme; Aaron Osterblom of Fort Fairfield, Best Antique Vehicle; VFW District 1, Best Club or Organization; Trombley Industries, Best Business; and Limestone & Caswell Historical Society, Best Farm Machinery.
The parade capped off a week of Fourth-themed events, including a strawberry shortcake sale, the fire department’s chicken barbecue, a children’s field day and July 3 street dance.
Heavy rain in the morning tapered off just before the afternoon, making the parade a go. Limestone resident Julie Weston sang the national anthem just before the rolling antique car show.
“Despite the weather, things have been going well,” said Michelle Albert, president of the Limestone Chamber of Commerce, who organizes the annual Fourth events.
The Chamber will set a new date for the fireworks show, Albert said.
