Petit Rex miniature parade makes big splash in Belfast

Sun, 05/24/2026 - 9:30am

Erica Thoms

Bridget Matros, parade organizer, leads the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People ready to take part in the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People take part in the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros moves her mini float into position. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Birdget Matros, parade organizer, leads the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros, parade organizer and community creative.

(photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros, parade organizer, leads the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

People take part in the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros moves her mini float into position. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Birdget Matros, parade organizer, leads the procession. (photo by Erica Thoms)

(photo by Erica Thoms)

People line up for the second annual Petit Rex parade. (photo by Erica Thoms)

Bridget Matros, parade organizer and community creative.

(photo by Erica Thoms)

BELFAST — While the displays pulled behind them may have been small, the joy in the air was as big as the smiles of those participating in the Petit Rex parade Saturday afternoon.

This was the second time children and adults in the community channeled their creativity into creating quirky floats, akin to those seen in any other parade.The major difference between the Petit Rex parade and a more typical parade is largely down to the tiny size of the floats, often pulled in wagons, wheelbarrows, among other methods.

Both years of the parade have been organized by Bridget Matros, though last year she was still working with Waterfall Arts and area children to bring art into the every day. This year, Matros organized the parade herself, as part of her ongoing initiative to bring art to the community.

Matros, who walked a puppet goat, while was decked out in a hot pink wig, said she was inspired by the original Petit Rex parade, which takes place in New Orleans and also features tiny floats. She said her friends, aware of her affinity, mentioned the New Orleans version, prompting her to form her own iteration, New England style.

Matros said the parade is especially fun because many of the kids who participate were kids who were in her Bridge program when she was still with Waterfall Arts. Other programs started by Matros include the annual summer Chalk Walk, which brings art to the section of the Belfast Harbor walk near Heritage Park and the boat ramp.

Though almost every float was attached to a child, there were just as many adults walking proudly with their children and the floats they often help create.

"It's nice to parents get so excited about getting to be creative," she said of those in attendance.

Although Matros is no longer associated with Waterfall Arts, she hasn't lost an ounce of creativity, or the desire to bring art to her community. She currently maintains a page on the website Wix, where she lists programs, and upcoming events.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com