CARIBOU, Maine — The annual Caribou Cares About Kids festival is back again for two fun-filled days of activities for children of all ages on August 7 and 8.
Inspired by Caribou-native and NASA astronaut, Jessica Meir, this year’s parade theme is S.T.E.A.M. or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Over 35 businesses, nonprofits and members of the community have signed up to be part of the parade and are competing for the chance to win trophies for best of show, best business entry, best nonprofit entry and best use of theme.
Director of the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce, William Tasker, has his fingers crossed for good weather this year as it has rained in year’s past.
Tasker, a fan of old cars and tractors, would love to see more of those attractions make their way through the evening parade and wishes for a day when marching bands can be incorporated into the event. “When I was a kid growing up I loved marching bands,” he said.
New to the annual two-day blast will be food vendors and music. Incorporating the talents of newly hired marketing and event director for the city of Caribou, Lydia Kieffer, Tasker has had a helping hand in inviting area vendors to the event with access to the ever growing vendor list tied in with Thursdays on Sweden. “With Lydia’s help we’re able to cover the event from two different angles,” he said.
Kicking things off on Friday is Tasker’s favorite event the annual Tie-Dye Extravaganza. The Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center will again be home to kids who want to stretch their artistic muscles and design their own tie-dye shirts.
While kids are sporting their new tie-dye apparel they’ll have the chance to grab a free hotdog at the annual hotdog barbeque sponsored by the Aroostook Republican, and listen to Tim The Tune Man.
Later in the evening, following the parade will be comedian Keegan Page at Teague Park cracking wise with games and food available.
The annual Movie Night at Teague Park — or at the Wellness Center, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, is sponsored by Cary Medical Center, Pine’s Health Services and the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department and they’re happy to announce this year’s showing of Paddington. “I think the movie night is a really cool thing,” Tasker said.
Those sponsors along with S.W. Collins have made Saturday’s annual Family Fun Day at Teague Park possible. A day of activities for kids of all ages including inflatables, games, food and music.
“[Caribou Cares About Kids] is another chance to celebrate who we are as a community,” Tasker said.
