Come join the parade in the charming town of Northeast Harbor, Maine

The charming town of Northeast Harbor, near my home in Seal Harbor, ME, hosts its own Memorial Day Parade every year, which I love.  It starts on Memorial Day morning at 10:30 sharp.  It’s a great opportunity to get reacquainted with both the year-round locals and the summer residents at the beginning of every summer season.  Come take a look at a bit of Americana.

Here are some old friends catching up.

This is the main street of Northeast Harbor - we love to shop here, sometimes meeting friends for coffee or an ice cream. There are several very interesting shops where I often find 'local treasures.'

There were two marching bands and local luminaries, veterans, and school children who marched that day.

Francesca waiting for the parade.  She and Shakey were not very well behaved - they barked at every other dog and were quite voluble.

Antique cars always come out on Memorial Day.  I believe this is an old Model A Ford in very nice restored condition.The Fords - Henry and Edsel - were frequent visitors to Mount Desert Island.  They were also activists in the formation of Acadia National Park.  It is fitting that so many Ford automobiles are on the Island - both old and new.  I even have an Edsel.

 

This driver was very casual and proud and friendly
 

Elroy, a local schoolboy, captivated the Frenchies.

another band wearing jeans

Sharkey had to be confined in a 'time out' stranglehold - she actually stopped barking when thus controlled.

 

There were three beautiful steeds bedecked in red, white, and blue - they marched proudly in the parade.

This entire group hula-hooped while marching!

Unfortunately, we did not make it to the barbecue, but it sure smelled delicious throughout the town

A very somber note was struck by these marchers who carried panels with the names of those brave soldiers who have died in Iraq.

More than 4000  American soldiers have died battle in Iraq

The fire departments always make a great showing - proudly displaying the fire equipment that hopefully will not have to be used.

Hook and Ladder 1

This youngster rode proudly with one of the firefighters.

Its so nice to see families like this gathered for the parade

Liesl, my assistant, waving an American flag.

The Pine Bough Book Shop is one of our favorite stops - great books, exquisite antiques, and fascinating memorabilia.

 

The plywood floor boards of the Model A - the owner said they had been made from the wooden boxes in which car parts were delivered to the Ford factories. I wonder if that is really true?

great dash board

the three horses

This is Lisa Hall of sea glass jewelry fame and her lovely daughter.

another view of the main street

There is always an ambulance or two in the parade.

A red, white, and blue swag decorating the back of another Model A.

Comments

[Jeanie Curry]

Martha,

It's nice to see old fashion parades in this modern time. I too live in a nice area (with the Amish outside of Lancaster Pennsylvania), and enjoy the "smaller town" feel of the area. However my parents joined us for the weekend, and we did many DIY projects together. We were fortunate to see a play about the riots of Christianna PA, that many believe started the Civil War on Sept., 11th many, many years ago. Yes, it is the same date as our terrible terrorist tragedy - years latter. It was a very nice way to learn the local history of the area in which I live.

Have a great day!

[stephanie]

Thanks for sharing this! It's so nice to share in the traditions of other communities. Something about Maine/New England states always seems so purely American to me!

The names of the lost soldiers was heartbreaking - but necessary to see.

[Lil]

Northeast Harbor's Memorial Day Parade brought back fond memories of the annual parades held in Duxbury, Ma. a town in which my family lived for many years. I share your appreciation of such holiday celebrations in small towns. They capture the best of American traditions. As always, thanks for sharing your experiences.

[Gloria Brown]

Thank you for the great parade photos! It is fun to see how other communities celebrate.

My husband and I spent the holiday digging for clams on Sears Island in Searsport, ME. The town issues 40 non-resident permits for the year. We live in a nearby town.

Clams are a great source of protein for a summer dish and they seem to taste better when you dig them yourself.

Clamming and ice cream is a fun way to kick-off the summer months.

[MMC from San Diego]

Lisa's jewelry is a real treasure. I love my earrings from her shop. We also had a most interesting visit with Gary the day we visited her shop. Nice guy!

[Angie D]

I love American holidays and a showing of the ole red, white and blue. We have a parade on 4th of July, but not Memorial Day. Looks like a lot of fun.

Oh... today is my birthday. Any advice for someone turning 52?

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha. How nice that you were able to enjoy the Memorial Day parade in Northeast Harbor, Maine. I haven't been to one of those parades in a long time and it was nice to be able to enjoy this parade through your photos. It looks like everyone enjoyed the event, especially Francesca and Sharkey. I love this return to good old Americana. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Isle Dance]

How cute is that!

[Beverly Davis]

As one of the busiest women in North American, it is grand to know that you can find the time to attend a small town parade and include all of us with your notes and pictures. Thank you for being so well-rounded.

[Mike]

Nice to see this kind of America still exists.

[Angelica]

I really enjoyed the pictures. Looks like a town one might dream to grow up in.

[Kathy]

I enjoyed the glimpse into the Northeast Harbor Memorial Day parade. Both Francesca and Sharkey look fascinated with all the action. I would love to stop in at the Pine Bough Book Shop. Sometime please show us your Edsel.
Kathy

[Diane R. from New Hampshire, Lakes Region]

HI Martha,
I'm new to your Blog,since yesterday. I'm enjoying all of your great photos and getting inspiration from your life experiences and especially this one of the parade hits home. We have these traditional holiday parades and festivities in New Hampshire as well, and hope they continue for many years to come.
Thanks so much for sharing, I especially enjoy photos of your gorgeous homes, gardens and pets.
Sincerely,
Diane R.

[amy]

Now this is what makes you so special. You can enjoy fabulous trips around the world, or completely appreciate a local small-town parade. It's why we love you, Martha!

[carson]

I have an endless supply of admiration for anyone with the courage to ride their horse in a parade. The non-equine-owning world has no idea what it means to have a parade-trained horse. Look up "horse hell" in the dictionary and it will be defined as "a place of never-ending parades and plastic grocery bags."

http://the7msn.blogspot.com/

[Lori Stewart]

I loved the pictures of the small town parade. They are always so patriotic. I had to chuckle about the Frenchies acting up. I chuckled even more at the picture of Sharkey in time out!

[Sherey]

How nice this is...a simple but charming parade to instill the wonderful spirit of America! I always think that American citizens do this soooo very well. Looks like there are some fun shops there, too.

[Cherry Menlove]

That's a lovely post. Here in England we have Summer Fete time getting ready to roll in to full swing. Its just nice to have people out of their homes and on to the streets having fun in the sun!

Cherry Menlove

[Maureen]

Loved the pictures of the vintage cars and...you have an Edsel ! How fun is that. It got a bad rap when first introduced in the 50's but after seeing many of them up close I don't think it's such a bad car at all. Very unique looking.

Thanks for another interesting blog.

[Hardboiledegg]

It is fitting that Americans have the freedom of assembly thus a parade on Memorial day to pay tribute to the valor of soldiers who have died fighting for our freedom and the freedom and liberty of others on the planet Earth. It is a wonder why some balk a moment of silence in the class room or those that refuse to stand up and say the pledge of Allegiance It is a wonder some don't bother to learn the Star Spangled banner anthem. But it was good to see the Caparisoned horse in the parade -- the riderless horse historically followed the fallen warriors casket in the funeral procession. Black Jack was the name of the caparisoned horse in the funeral of John F Kennedy.

I did not notice a pair of boots reversed in the saddle though.

[Tiff@Three Peas]

I love living in a small town don't you??? Our town is small and we love to get together for the parade every year!! The kids have so much fun seeing the fire trucks, dogs, and their friends! I have only been to ME once but fell in love with it's charm.

[Marlene]

Thanks for sharing Martha, this really makes me home sick. I'm originally from Bergen County NJ. Now living here in the west, Las Vegas you just dont see things like this...this brough back a flash of me sitting curb side with my three boys on our Main St. waiting for our parade.

Thanks agian!

[Trish]

Where's Kevin, curled up and sleeping on top of one of the fire trucks? :)

Like a few others who commented here, I miss small town parades too. We mostly have boat parades at Christmas but they are way too crowded for my taste! Nice pictures again, Martha. Trish

[Margie]

Great pictures--next year get Liesl in the parade. She just looks way to shy. Sharkey and Liesl could toss out treats to the crowd. Well maybe Sharkey could bark at the crowd...
Thanks.

[carillon]

Thanks for the memories, Martha. I grew up in small-town Minnesota, and marching in the school band was always a part of my high school days; we were expected to be there, and then school was done for the summer! The whole town turned out for the Memorial Day parade, the VFW guys and veterans all marching, too; the Boy Scouts, and the Ladies' Auxilary. Then, often we had a family reunion picnic in the afternoon, if weather permitted. Since moving to PHX 25 years ago, I have missed the cool, Memorial Day weather we often had - except this year, when Phoenix unexpectedly had a 75-degree holiday!
Carillon in Phoenix