BANGOR – As many as 2,500 people are expected to converge on Bangor this weekend, when the Anah Temple Shrine of Bangor holds its ceremonial.

Among the highlights are today’s parade, during which spectators can expect to see the antics of the Keystone Kops, the spectacle of grown men tooling around in pint-sized vehicles, the exotic costumes of the Oriental Bands, the Highlanders’ bagpipes and drums, and the comedic shtick of the clowns, among other things.

According to Potentate Clyde Reynolds, a Shriner since 1982, the parade will form at 10:30 a.m. in Brewer at the corner of Acme Road and Wilson Street. It will come down Wilson Street, cross the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge, bear left onto Main Street and head west onto Dutton Street, where it will disband at about noon in Bass Park.

The parade will temporarily disrupt traffic, according to Bangor police.

Between 10:45 a.m. and noon, Bangor traffic traveling toward Hampden will be detoured at Water Street and sent to Hammond Street. Motorists traveling toward downtown Bangor will not be allowed to turn left into any business and will be detoured at Main and Railroad streets. Main Street businesses will be accessible from Third Street and its side streets. Through traffic will be sent to Summer Street to avoid the Union-Main Street intersection.

The ceremonial is a weekend event during which new members are initiated into the organization. Close to 50 new candidates will join the organization this year. The ceremonial opened Friday night with a dance and social. After today’s parade, Shriners will meet at the Bangor Civic Center for a banquet and more dancing.

The Shriners organization, which was formed by Masons in 1872, opened the first of about 22 hospitals for children in 1922. The organization funds orthopedic units and burn units for children.