Once upon a time, I was a parade queen. Of course, it was the Maine Potato Blossom Festival Parade, perhaps the most beloved parade in all of northern and central Maine. The day is always hot and attendance is consistently high. If I was destined to become a parade queen, the powers that be chose the very best.
Back in the days of CB radios, there was an organization called REACT — Radio Emergency Activated Citizens Team. (If I have the last word incorrect, please accept my apologies.) It was decided by our local chapter that REACT needed to make its presence known and what better venue than the parade? A burgundy Cadillac owned by a member of REACT would be decked out with numerous antennas, magnetic signs, and ribbons of white and orange; REACT’s signature colors. It was decided that in addition to a driver behind the wheel of this magnificent and newly designed icon, a female representative was essential. Since my Dad was a very active and devoted REACT officer with a daughter of appropriate age, and a burning desire to become Miss REACT, the rest is history.
As Miss REACT, a white and orange sash with the letters REACT was presented to me. I placed it over my right shoulder, took a deep breath, and climbed into the passenger side of the Caddie. “Just wave and smile,” the sash seamstress advised me. “What about a tiara?” I asked. The seamstress, thinking I was just trying to be funny, whooped with laughter. “Yeah, right!” she said, dismissing me, the driver, and the embellished Caddie with a flick of her hand.
We were placed directly behind the bagpipe marching band from Canada, and I couldn’t have been more delighted. I adore the sweetly haunting, rich sound of the bagpipes. We slowly began our journey down the parade route and I settled back in the plush car seat, smiling and waving as instructed. I even experimented a bit with my wave; pivoting my wrist back and forth and moving my elbow slightly.
In no time, we were at the finish point. I reluctantly slid out from the luxurious confines of the Cadillac and spotted my family and friends in the small crowd. Straightening my sash, I thanked my driver. He assured me I was very welcome as he began to disarm the car of its various CB radio paraphernalia. Someone called out to me, “Hey, REACT lady! Are you supposed to be some sort of a beauty queen or something?” I turned to find a young man, perhaps 15 years old, glaring at me; eyes squinted and quite obviously on the verge of unkind laughter. “I am not exactly a beauty queen,” I said. “I am representing the organization known as REACT.”
“Oh, yeah? Where’s your crown?” He couldn’t hold back the laughter any longer as he glanced around, looking for some encouragement from the small gathering around us. My head held high, sash shining on my chest, I responded, “I left my crown in my other Cadillac.” I sashayed across the Fort Fairfield High School parking lot where my friends and family stood waiting for me.
I am quite sure I still hold the title of Miss REACT. Just recently, I found the sash folded neatly in my cedar chest. With no hesitation, I put the sash on once again and studied my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I know now that there is royalty and beauty within each of us, whether we live in castles or cottages. Miss REACT gave one final wave for all of the kings and queens in the world, slowly removed her sash, and gently put it away — for now.
Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives Connor TWP with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
