Bucksport Thanksgiving Day Parade Brings Community Together to Celebrate with Santa Claus

Bucksport Welcomes Santa Claus with Open Arms at Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

This Thursday morning, Bucksport came alive with laughter, music, and a whole lot of joy as the community held its 47th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade has become a beloved tradition, a gathering of families and friends from near and far, reminding everyone of the true spirit of the season.

A Tradition Born from a Simple Idea

The heartwarming story of how the parade began is almost as sweet as the pies baking in many homes that day. It all started years ago when Dorothy Sherman and her sister found themselves chatting in Dorothy’s cozy living room. They pondered over the lack of activities during the long wait for Thanksgiving dinner. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have something fun for the community?” they thought. And just like that, their idea blossomed into what we now know as the Bucksport Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is followed by a delicious free pig pickin’.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

This year, Dorothy, now a seasoned organizer, shared her hope for the parade with a heart full of optimism: “We’re doing it for the community, and we just pray that everything goes well, including the weather!” While entries and donations seem to be trickling in more slowly this year, she’s still holding out hope for a fabulous turnout, expecting between 60 to 100 units to join the fun.

What can parade-goers expect to see? Well, the lineup is genuinely exciting! From the Conway High School band and ROTC to the cheerful Boy Scouts and, of course, Santa Claus himself! There will also be horses, local dancers, and even the Shriners with their playful go-carts. Motorcycles will roar, the Corvette Club will shine, and a special float dedicated to veterans will surely tug at everyone’s heartstrings. The parade will also feature enthusiastic football fans showcasing their team spirit. It’s a feast for the senses!

A Growing Challenge

As much as Dorothy is dedicated to keeping the tradition alive, she admits that organizing the parade is becoming a bit more challenging. Her team of dedicated volunteers is getting older, and some are even facing health issues. “We got this. We got this. It’s going,” she reassured everyone, exuding optimism that this year’s parade would draw large crowds once again.

Mark Your Calendars

The parade kicks off bright and early, with lineup starting at 10 a.m. and the parade rolling out at 11 a.m. Families are encouraged to arrive around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to secure the best viewing spots. After the parade, folks can head to the James Frazier Community Center for the much-anticipated pig pickin’, along with snacks, drinks, and a lively deejay spinning tunes for everyone to enjoy.

Looking Ahead

Dorothy is determined to keep the parade alive as she sets her sights on a special milestone—the 50th anniversary. “I want to see this continue, to keep our wonderful supporters involved at least until then,” she said passionately. Over the years, people have traveled from all over states like North Carolina, New York, Florida, and Connecticut just to take part in the fun and rekindle connections with loved ones.

Get Involved!

It’s not too late for anyone who wants to join the parade, either by volunteering, donating, or riding on a float. If interested, reach out to the organizers: Shonda Sherman, Lindell Sherman, Jannett Aklin, Lee Sherman, or Vermell Greene. They’d love to hear from you!

In the end, whether you’re there to cheer, march, or simply soak in the holiday spirit, the Bucksport Thanksgiving Day Parade promises to be another cherished memory in the making for this vibrant community.