Islesboro’s annual fourth of July parade, sponsored by the island’s volunteer fire department, began at 10 am on July 4th, starting at Rabbit Corner and winding its way up-island to the Historical Society building. Paraders rode and marched the parade mile in the blazing sun to an enthusiastic and appreciative response from the assembled crowd of friends, family, and summer visitors.
Islander Craig Leach and summer resident/spider authority Randy Purinton teamed up to capture an infamous up-island spider (see Purington’s story on gigantic spiders in the August, 2000 issue of Working Waterfront) to ride on the back of Leach’s pick-up truck in the parade. Animal lovers, please note: the spider was released unharmed in Pripet Woods after the parade, none the worse for wear.
New to the parade this year were the Marvelous Marching Menopausal Marionettes, who asked parade spectators the burning question, “Is it hot, or is it just me?” Proudly proclaiming, “Power Surges, Not Hot Flashes,” these ladies were the toast of the town’s parade proceedings.