New two-day schedule filled with fun

    CARIBOU, Maine — The annual Caribou Cares About Kids festival is once again celebrating youth of all ages — children, teens and young-at-heart adults.    Those who enjoy the festival range in ages, and so does this year’s parade theme of “Caribou: Past, Present and Future.”
Director of the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce William Tasker had over 20 folks signed up for the parade as of last Thursday, and it looks like there will be a strong turnout for the Friday night event. Tasker noted that he’d love to see more classic cars and motorcycle groups participating in the annual parade, and he’d love to see additional businesses entering their company vehicles into the festivities or even having fun with the theme by making their own floats.
“Let’s just hope for good weather for a change,” Tasker said optimistically, noting that it’s rained during the parade for the past two years.
Rain or shine, Tasker’s favorite event is the annual Tie-Dye Extravaganza. It features an opportunity for kids to design their own tie-dye shirts for $2, a bunch of fun games and activities for youths to enjoy, and a free hot dog barbecue sponsored by the Aroostook Republican.
“Watching the kids making their own shirts with help from volunteers — and the smiles on all their faces …” he described. “Every shirt comes out different and it’s just fun to watch.”
One event that also looks to be fun to watch this Friday night is the annual Movie Night at Teague Park — or at the Wellness Center, if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Sponsored by Cary Medical Center, Pine’s Health Services and the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department, this year’s flick is The Lego Movie.
Those same sponsors have orchestrated a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Teague Park, which features a variety of activities for kids of all ages — but later that evening, it’s all about the teens.
“The teen night is new this year,” Tasker said. “We had the kids covered, but teens sort of aren’t kids and they’re not adults, so we want to have something for just them with music and games, and a chance for them to have fun, too.”
Saturday night will also feature a full night of racing at Spud Speedway that will raise funds for Pink Aroostook and The Aroostook Autism Group, and tickets are $5.
“The new two-day schedule packs a lot of fun stuff together and makes it a more concentrated event that all can enjoy,” Tasker added. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the chamber’s website at cariboumaine.net or calling 498-6156.