The USCG Rockland Personnel have been volunteers at the Maine Lobster Festival for many years; volunteering at the cooker, serving up lobster in the food tent, escorting our Sea Princesses at the Sea Goddess Coronation, providing security during entertainment, and marching their Color Guard in the Big Parade. The Maine Lobster Festival is honored to celebrate them as our Grand Marshal. The day of the parade also happens to be the U.S. Coast Guard’s 228th birthday.
In addition to being Festival volunteers, Coast Guard personnel are also active throughout the year volunteering with Rockland Main Street to build the famous Lobster Trap Tree that kicks off the Festival of Lights Celebration, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, reading in our local grade schools, and coaching for Special Olympics.
The United States Coast Guard, one of the country's five armed services, is a unique agency of the federal government. They trace their history back to August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal revenue. Known variously as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, they expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew.
In times of peace they operate as part of the Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's front-line agency for enforcing our laws at sea, protecting our coastline and ports, and saving lives. In times of war, or on direction of the President, they serve under the Navy Department.
The Big Parade will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, on Rockland’s Main Street. This year it will feature the Grand Marshal, the Sea Princesses and their escorts, and the newly crowned 2018 Maine Sea Goddess. King Neptune and his court will also be making an appearance. Bands, marching units, and drill teams, along with different floats will be there as well to ensure an entertaining and lively parade.
About the Maine Lobster Festival
With five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival attracts thousands of people to the Midcoast region and has a long tradition of giving back to the local community. In recent years, the festival committee has given more than $500,000 to Midcoast Regional Child Development Services, Trekkers, Meals on Wheels, and many other organizations. The 2018 Festival will be held August 1-5.
For more information about the Maine Lobster Festival, visit the website at www.mainelobsterfestival.com and “like” them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter at @MELobsterFest.
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