PATTEN, Maine — For the past 20 years, Lana Mitchell of Bangor has missed only a handful of Patten Pioneer Days.
She spent the majority of her childhood in Patten, where her father worked for the railroad and she grew up attending the annual fete that features a parade, music, children’s games and the always popular bean-hole bean supper.
“It has always been something that everyone in the community looks forward to,” she said as she watched the parade on Saturday. “And I am glad that I am now able to attend it with my grandson.”
Although the rain dampened the festivities somewhat on Saturday, the crowds still came out for the most popular festivities.
The events began on Aug. 3 and wrapped up on Sunday, Aug. 11. At the parade, children waved and laughed as fire trucks, police cars and marching units snaked their way through town, followed by children from various sports teams riding bicycles in the procession.
Jessica Hill, 5, of Houlton attended the parade with her family. She said that she liked Smokey Bear the best and was happy that she was able to catch some candy this year.
“I didn’t get any last year,” she said.
Brian Bouchard of Levant brought all of his grandchildren to the parade.
“My parents used to bring my brothers and I each year when we were kids,” he said. “We used to be fascinated with the railroad. In fact, my brother had a long career with the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, he loved it so much.”
The festivities wrapped up on Sunday.
