Aug
10
What makes an Aroostook County festival? That is, what do you “need”?
My friend Ben and I discussed this in jest one summer, at the end of what we semi-lovingly called “festival season.” After covering one every weekend for the previous eight weeks, we were well-versed on the subject. The list has expanded since our original version, so what I offer here is the “complete (for now)” list.
1. A parade. An Aroostook County festival is not a true AC festival unless there is a parade. But don’t expect marching bands, dance squads, or floats with giant hot-air balloons. This is rural Maine — and it’s summer. The school kids are on vacation and folks don’t have the money for those balloons or floats built out of roses. Instead, there are pick-up trucks emblazoned with the names of local businesses, fire, police and National Guard vehicles, a color guard and more. The “more” make up numbers 2-5 on the list.
2. Politicians. Once again, it’s summer, so the election countdown has begun. The eager candidates and their trusty volunteers are out in force, pressing the flesh, handing out pamphlets to adults and candy to kids along the parade route.
3. Queens. Little Miss, Jr. Miss and Miss — three age brackets of banners and crowns, smiling and waving from convertibles, horse-drawn carriages, tractors (see #4) and even ATVs. Like the politicians (see #2), the bigger the parade, the more you’ve got. At least one Potato Queen is guaranteed.
4. Tractors. Now these may or may not be in the parade, but there will be tractors — likely antique — on display somewhere. This is potato-growing country. Diggers, windrowers, and massive harvesters rumble down the road, and may be topped by a queen or two (see #3).
5. Anah Shriners. The Anah Shrine Club is big in Aroostook County, and no parade is complete without the miniature race cars zooming in figure-eight patterns along the parade route, fezzes flying in the breeze.
6. Bean-hole bean supper. Moving on from the parade, you have the bean-hole bean supper, an event at least two days in the making. The bean-hole must be dug and lined with hot coals while the beans are properly dressed. Once the pit is ready, the bean pot is buried in it. The beans cook for 24 hours and become the centerpiece of a community dinner the following night. As I do not like baked beans, I cannot testify as to their tastiness, but I’ve been told by many an Aroosticrat that they are tasty indeed.
7. Barbecue (BBQ) chicken supper. This I have first-hand experience with. Yummy — very yummy. In Washburn, the supper is actually a lunch served after the parade (see #1) in the bay of the firehouse. Fixings include baked beans and mashed potato salad. Yes — mashed. Also delicious beyond belief. You might find a green salad served, but don’t hold your breath. This dinner isn’t mean to be healthy.
8. Gospel concert. We end our list with the gospel concert. Aroostook County is the Bible belt of Maine; there are more churches here per capita than most major cities. The gospel concert featuring local talent — often a reigning queen or two (see #3) — is a big draw. It’s most often held in the local high school auditorium/gymnasium, which will be stifling hot, much to the chagrin of screaming babies and grumpy senior citizens.
Comments
Christmas in SoCal
I shall consult with Mr. Zak regarding any other trends in the festival season.
LOL — excellent. The list continues to evolve.