PORTLAND — Expect bells and whistles.

Sirens, too.

More than 150 fire trucks are expected to take part in a Sept. 22 downtown parade as part of the 55th Maine State Firefighters Convention, to be held Sept. 21-23 at the Cross Insurance Arena, and the 250th-anniversary celebration of the city Fire Department. 

The parade and festival permit was approved by city councilors Aug. 13.

The 10 a.m. parade will begin at Spring and High streets, then turn from High to Congress Street and proceed past a viewing stand at Monument Square to the intersection of Congress and Pearl streets.

“Adjoining sidewalks, parks and squares, including Congress Square Park, Monument Square, and Lincoln Park, are also part of the Festival Zone,” DeLuca said.

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A July 30 memo from city Director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities Management Sally DeLuca notes that while some fire trucks from out of town will leave following the parade, others will remain in designated areas the public can visit.

DeLuca expects as many as 2,000 spectators will view the parade.

The parade assembly area will be along Spring Street from High to Center streets. Those and other intersecting streets will be closed from 7-10 a.m. on Sept. 22. High and Congress streets, as well as intersecting streets all the way to Franklin Street, will be closed from 9:45 a.m. to noon.

The parade will be preceded on Sept. 21 by the Muscular Dystrophy Association Boots, Brews & Bites Festival at Payson Park from 4-8 p.m.

DeLuca said the festival, a fundraiser for the MDA, will include food, live music and a beer garden. There will also be a chance for attendees to vote on the best boot and best brew. The festival will be held in the lower area of Payson Park near Baxter Boulevard.

David Harry can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or dharry@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHarry8.


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