LIMESTONE: An Invitation to
Celebrate Independence Day
by Limestone Chamber of Commerce
Almost 75 years ago, Limestone put
together its first 4th of July Parade and
began a community-wide tradition of
celebrating Independence Day.
Local
historians remember the first few parades
as being mostly a horse show and marching
band presentations. But as the years went
by, various organizations got involved and
participation in the parade increased. There
are recollections of organizations such as the
Civics Grange, the 4-H Club, the American
Legion, and the Rotary Extension being
present. Today, the parade still occurs on the
4th of July (starting at 2 P.M.), runs down
Main Street, and is made up of nearly 100
entries. The parade has definitely evolved
over the years and has since become a highly
anticipated regional event, but it’s no longer
the one-and-only event … certainly not the
finale!
tradition: a recitation of the Declaration
of Independence followed by a patriotic
sing-a-long. Local not-for-profits often
hold fundraisers at this time including a
chicken BBQ (Fire Department), a pancake
breakfast (United Methodist Men), and
the Annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival
(Maine Preceptor Tau Sorority). You will
NOT go hungry during this festival!
One of the highlights of the celebration is the
Annual Party at the Park (previously called
the Street Dance). Held the evening of July
3rd, Limestone comes alive as music fills the
air and food booths and a beer garden take
over the Alfred E. Michaud Memorial Park.
Community members, alumni, family and
friends all look forward to this fun event
throughout the year - and why not, when
there’s plenty of food, beverages, music and
laughter available for young and old alike!
And when the Party at the Park is over, it
is officially the 4th of July and the “party”
keeps going, with various events being held
downtown. After the parade, townsfolk
head once again to the Alfred E. Michaud
Memorial Park for a town-wide celebration
including music, food vendors, games
provided by the Chamber of Commerce
with help from the Recreation Department,
or they simply sit back and relax … and wait
for the fireworks!
Since that day, years ago, when the first
Independence Day Parade was held, the
town has continued to expand the events
to allow families and friends to gather
and celebrate their independence through
a six-day celebration. Events such as an
antique tractor pull, a golf tournament, an
interfaith church service, various activities
geared toward children (Teddy Bear Picnic,
Scavenger Hunt, etc.), and a pet show
have all become staples that make up
Limestone’s 4th of July celebration! An
addition this year is the renewal of an old There’s one more thing that Limestone does
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SUMMER 2016