July 4, 2016 Independence Day Parade, Eastport, Maine

People told us that Eastport has the Largest July 4 Parade in Maine.  Of course we had to go see it!  It was crowded but not packed, and the day was hot.  Yes, hot.  The sun was blazing down and it was almost up to 80!  We found a spot of shade in front of the library and settled in to wait.  First came the fire trucks with sirens and horns blaring.  Then came the parade!  Now, I think of July 4 parades as having marching bands and floats, but this was a little different.  The only orchestra-type band was on a float, the steel band was on a float, and there were THREE bagpipe marching bands.  In between the bands were the Shriners in their crazy little jitneys.  They showed up in about 6 different types of vehicles, zooming all over the street, including cars, boats, teeny motorcycles, jeeps, and more.  The bagpipe bands all came down from New Brunswick, Canada.  There was plenty of entertainment on the main stage, including Elvis!  The final vehicle that ended the parade was a Coast Guard boat on a trailer.....this IS waterfront town!  All in all, we count this parade as a one-of-a-kind to remember!

Regular band.

These guys were driving the little jitneys up and over the top of the SUV with the track on top.

ELVIS!

The Coast Guard boat is towing a boat in distress....

Steel band.  They were really jamming!

The end.

I tried to post a video, but it's not working.  One of the bagpipe bands was performing an impromptu concert on the street after the parade, and they played Amazing Grace.  Never in my life have I heard this hymn in quite this way.  It was so beautiful!  Too bad I couldn't make that video upload.