Direct descendents of Buckfield’s founders attended the event.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

BUCKFIELD – Kathryn Lawson left her hometown more than 50 years ago. But one thing she does every summer is return for the annual Buckfield Community Day parade.

This year was no exception.

“You have to go to the Labor Day parade. It’s a tradition,” said the Buckfield High School graduate who was born in a brick house on the Paris Hill Road. “Every year it gets bigger and more fun. I always see so many families. I love it.”

Connecting with family and friends is the main reason many attend the annual parade, and for the past couple of years, other events spread over the long weekend.

Lifelong resident Donna Coburn wants to see the parade because her father is a World War II veteran. “It’s important to support them,” she said.

But she also wants to see people she hasn’t seen in many years, like former teachers of her children and friends who only see each other during a community event. There are lots of people she doesn’t know, too.

Among the hundreds of cars parked along the street or in the municipal parking lot are those from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, others.

“This pulls people back to the town,” said Coburn.

Nathaniel and Jan Buck and their five children have a very special reason for attending the parade. Nathaniel is a direct descendant of Abijah and Nathaniel Buck, brothers who founded Buckfield in the 1770s. In fact, Nathaniel grew up in a house the son of the 18th century Nathaniel built. His mother, Elsie, still lives there.

Nathaniel, an estimator who works in Lewiston, said the parade, children’s games, hundreds of youngsters and Nathaniel’s own five children, and other community events give him a chance to connect with his friends and neighbors.

Sherry Knox, a native of Buckfield who now lives in Canton, her mother, Hazel Ackley, now of Sumner, and Sherry’s four-month-old daughter, Jordan, were among the hundreds of spectators lining the street between Buckfield Junior-Senior High School and the Buckfield Town Office.

“It’s such a good parade and a lot of fun,” said Ackley who attends often. Sherry, who was attending for her first time, thought the whole event was pretty cool.

Dozens of antique vehicles tooted by, including a vintage 1930s Maine State Police car, horses pranced along the pavement, the bright green and white uniforms of the Leavitt High School band contrasted with the camouflage clothing worn by other parade participants.

Tim Brackett pulled his race car, a small army of costumed youngsters drove their decorated bicycles, a contingent from Hartford proclaimed their past bicentennial, and campers from Pine Tree Acres announced on their float that they had survived the Great Ice Storm of 1998, the flood of 1987, and several hurricanes.

Sean Abbott drove a heavy-weight 1930s paving roller, while 14-year-old Austin Abbott demonstrated how to ride two horses at the same time, something called Roman riding.

Everett Tilton, a member of the Parade Committee, said his committee and the town’s Recreation Committee joined together to plan the annual event about two years ago. Now, in addition to the parade, a rubber ducky race zips down the Nezinscot River, a street dance with more than 300 attending took place Saturday night, craftspeople display their wares, a pancake breakfast was served, a horseshoe tournament pitched, and a variety of games for children offered at the field at the rear of the town hall.

For the past three years, organizers have been trying to get the word out about the festivities.

“It’s a chance for the town to get together,” said Tilton.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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