The Town of Wiscasset held a double-bash Sunday as hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and the 250th birthday of Lincoln County. The crowd was entertained by a grand parade of cars and characters from all 250 years of Wiscasset’s history. From Sheriff Todd Brackett’s horse-backed procession in 18th century costume to the raising of Old Glory in front of the Wiscasset Middle School, those who attended Sunday’s festivities were inspired by the celebration of both town and country.
Planning for this parade-of-parades began over a year and half ago, even while planning for last year’s 4th of July celebration was still ongoing. Knowing the theme for this 4th of July celebration would be “250 Years of History,” members of the planning committee met once or twice a month to coordinate Sunday’s events.
Despite the long-term planning, organizing for the event went down to the last minute.
“There is some sort of order in all the chaos, but once everyone is passing by the judge’s stand I’ll be so proud and relieved,” said Executive Assistant Lisa Garman.
While those who organized the event were sweating bullets until the very end, those who partook in the parade could not help but exude enthusiasm.
“I’m really excited to ride in this parade, “said Sheriff Todd Brackett, who rode the parade route in an 18th century Sheriff’s uniform, “I haven’t ridden since I was a young fella.”
Others, though working to the very end making adjustments to their floats, conveyed the same excitement.
“We’ve made a float for this parade for several years, “said Ann Duffy, whose family worked on a bubble releasing “steamboat” for the event, “It’s so much better to be a part of [the parade].”
Regardless of whether a person organized, watched, or took part in the parade, all recognized that this day also carried a certain solemn symbolism. Said Dale Skillin, a Vietnam veteran and member of the parade’s Honor Guard:
“On this day we remember all those who served and, most importantly, those who served and didn’t come back.”
