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CANTON — The town celebrated the 200th anniversary of its incorporation at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 with sirens, horn honking and flashing lights as a car parade made its way through town.
Approximately 25 cars participated in the parade, decorated with balloons, streamers and signs. People of all ages watched from their homes or came out to shout and wave at the passing cars. Several residents on the route put up special lights, flags and homemade signs for the celebration. There were also fireworks in two locations around town, providing by Rene Ouellette and Steve Willis.
The parade began at the town’s highway department and was led by the town’s fire truck, driven by Canton Fire Chief Jason Vaughan. The town truck was driven by Canton Road Foreman Paul Mckenna, and the final participant in the procession was Oxford County Sheriff Chris Wainwright.
Even the Canton Hi-Riders Snowmobile Club trail groomer was spotted along the way. The route covered a dozen Canton roads, and included swinging by Whitney Brookside Homes, Lake Anasagunticook and the Canton Point Trailer Park. The parade grew to 35 cars as it progressed. The driver of each participating car was given a ribbon as a souvenir of the event.
Feedback from the townspeople following the parade was enthusiastic, and Facebook was abuzz with comments, photos, and videos: “We had a blast and are so blessed to be part of such a wonderful community!” “Small town America at its best! What a great time.” “So proud of my hometown.”
Also, residents mention the fine job the Canton Volunteer Fire Department did with traffic control along the parade route.
The car parade was held in lieu of a Grand Gala celebration originally scheduled for the same date, but postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions. The Canton Bicentennial Committee sponsored the event, publicized it and oversaw logisitics.
Committee members Phyllis Ouellette, Loretta Blancato, Brian Keene, Anne Chamberlin, Liz Rothrock and others have been meeting since 2016 to fundraise and plan for the town’s anniversary.
For more information about other Canton Bicentennial events (including the rescheduled Grand Gala), email office@cantonme.com, or go to www.1821canton2021.org or visit Canton, Maine Bicentennial Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cantonmainebicentennial.
