Maine200 announces Lewiston and Auburn as co-hosts of State of Maine Bicentennial Parade in 2020

AUGUSTA – The Maine Bicentennial Commission announced today that the official State of Maine Bicentennial Parade will take place in Lewiston and Auburn during the Spring of 2020. The commission, which is known as Maine200, made the announcement in partnership with the twin cities’ mayors, via their parade float during the City of Auburn’s Sesquicentennial Memorial Day Parade.

“Parades have been a part of our celebratory traditions for generations in Maine and we are very pleased to partner with the cities of Lewiston and Auburn to make this bicentennial parade a truly special event that will go down in history,” said Commission Chairman Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham.

The State of Maine Bicentennial Parade will be a statewide celebration exploring Maine history, celebrating Maine’s present people and places, and envisioning a bright future. Modeled after the Maine State Parade that took place in the twin cities for many years and ended in the early 2000s, the State of Maine Bicentennial Parade is slated for early spring 2020 and planning will begin this summer. 

“I can’t think of a better gift for our 150th birthday than to know that our city has been selected to once again co-host the Maine State Parade as part of Maine’s bicentennial celebration,” said Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque. “We are honored and humbled to host this special celebration of Maine’s history and heritage.”

“We are thrilled to have been selected to co-host the official State of Maine Bicentennial Parade in 2020,” said Lewiston Mayor Kristen Cloutier, “and look forward to highlighting the rich history and diversity that Lewiston brings to the great State of Maine.”

The Maine200 Memorial Day float featured a “Living State Seal,” with a life-size display of the shield and banners. The Living State Seal will be featured at future events during the bicentennial commemoration, giving Mainers a chance to pose with it as the husbandman and seaman. It was designed and constructed by Steven and Kristen Muszynski of Auburn. Scythe Supply of Perry, Maine, sponsor of the Living State Seal, lent an antique scythe to the commission for this display, and Rep. Dick Campbell, R-Orrington, constructed the seaman’s anchor.

Visit www.Maine200.org for more information about Maine’s bicentennial plans and to learn how to get involved. Visit www.Auburn150.com for details and information about other celebratory events during the City of Auburn’s 2019 sesquicentennial.