HARMONY — Tradition. Tradition. Tradition.

Repeatedly people along the parade route in Harmony said it’s tradition that brings them to the Harmony Labor Day Free Fair and parade.

“It’s meeting and eating,” said Bruce York, a longtime resident of Harmony. “I’ve been coming for 30 years. It’s a great time to get together. Like a big family reunion.”

York was busily waving, smiling and snapping pictures as floats, cars and trucks passed by, many carrying people with whom he was acquainted.

He turned occasionally to share memories of last year’s parade entries or comment on this year’s. He wasn’t sure if this year’s parade was as big as last year’s, but it didn’t lessen his enthusiasm or those of hundreds lining the streets in the tiny community.

“Throwing candy,” that was the highlight of the parade for young Ryan Edgerly of Dover-Foxcroft. Edgerly was attending his first Labor Day fair in Harmony, and was quick to scoop up candy thrown from trucks and floats. His mom remembers coming as a child.

“I’m really impressed with the turnout. It was a pretty big parade for a small town,” she said. “Is the fair still free? That’s a real help.”

Although the fair was part of the attraction, the Edgerlys came to hear the music provided by the Foxcroft Academy band, citing it as the best part.

Family tradition brought 11-year-old Tara Butler down from Wellington.

“I liked the float my cousins were on. We come every year to see what they’ll do. It’s always funny,” she said.

“This is always a good time,” said Mark Brooks of Hartland. “It’s fun because the whole family comes. I always liked the livestock when I was a kid.”

The Brooks family is like many others attending, calling out to friends and acquaintances; looking forward to favorite parts of the fair and the parade.

Mark’s mom, Jackie Brooks, said, “We always came as kids. Then we brought our kids. And this time I’ve got some grandchildren here.”

The heavy rains that hit much of the state Monday held off in Harmony until after the parade ended.