Buxton and Standish to host community parades this weekend
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the York County town of Buxton and its neighboring Lakes Region town of Standish will both hold their annual community parades. Here is what to know about both celebrations.
ROCKIN’ IN THE USA
The theme of this year’s Buxton Community Parade is ‘Rockin’ in the USA.’ Floats will interpret the theme, likely resurfacing the red, white and blues of the United States’ 250th birthday celebration in July. The annual event in Buxton originated with the town’s bicentennial in 1972.
Roughly 30 floats or walking groups of of local organizations, businesses and bands will traverse the route of the parade, which Town Clerk John Myers estimated attracts 1,000 spectators each year.
Kicking off at 11 a.m., the floats will begin on Depot Street beside the Saco River, turn left onto Main Street, right onto River Road and end on Woodman Road at the Tory Hill Meeting House cemetery fence.
Myers said he recommends parking at the South Buxton Cemetery, by the Buxton Historical Society on Main Street, and by the end of the parade at the Tory Hill Meeting House and the Royal Brewster House.
There will be a lawn sale and craft vendors set up outside of the Tory Hill Meeting House, and the Dorcas Society will host its 11th annual Cars & Coffee Show at the Royal Brewster House from 7:30 a.m- l p.m. Entering a car can be done the morning of the show for $10 at the gate.
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STANDISH SUMMER SPECTACULAR
Standish’s annual parade will be followed by an all-afternoon gathering with food trucks, activities for kids and fireworks at Standish Memorial Park.
The parade of about 30 floats, walking groups and vehicles will kick off at 12:00 p.m. at the Standish Congregational Church on Oak Hill Road and finish at Randall Orchards down the road. Matthew Duplisea, director of parks & recreation, said that atendees usually park at surrounding businesses for that event.
The rest of the festivities will begin in the park after the parade. Overflow parking will be at Living Stone Community Church, from where a shuttle will take visitors to the event.
A bounce house, obstacle course, and a petting zoo for kids will all be available, among other games.
Live performers will be Ross Gregor Adam, Blues Express and Don Campbell Band. The seven food trucks will include Mainely Meatballs, Kelly’s Ice Cream Truck and Pink D’s Poutine.
Fireworks will be launched from the Standish Dog Park and begin at approximately 8:30 p.m.
“(The fireworks show) last year took the event to another level,” Duplisea said. He said he anticipates about 2,000 people will attend.
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Madeleine is a community reporter for Gorham, Buxton and Standish. She started her journalism career in Vermont, where she reported for Seven Days and served as the editor-in-chief of Middlebury College's. More by Madeleine Kaptein
