HOULTON, Maine — The Fourth of July festivities started and ended with a bang with two spectacular fireworks displays.
About 12,000 people attended this year’s Houlton Agricultural Fair, according to president Paul Cleary.
“We were right on the average for what we have had in recent years,” he said. “My only wish is that the weather forecast wouldn’t scare off so many people.”
A high-wind and heavy rain alert was broadcast on Monday evening, and while the area did see a brief pocket of rain, it lasted for about 10 minutes. The worst of the weather was located in northern Aroostook County.
“This year’s fair seemed to be a less stress environment for everyone,” Cleary added. “There were no big issues to deal with and everyone seemed to have a great time. For a small fair, I think we a really good job.”
On Friday evening, Midnight Madness took center stage in downtown Houlton, drawing hundreds of individuals to Market Square searching for good deals, tasty treats, and music. A new twist to the event came as the town commissioned a fireworks display from Riverfront Park over the Meduxnekeag River. With the North Street bridge closed to traffic, spectators gathered along the bridge, and in Market Square for an impressive display over the Gateway Crossing Bridge.
“The crowds are filling in nicely and it’s shaping up to be a great night,” said Lori Weston, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director.
The 2011 Houlton Agricultural Fair was busy Friday-Monday with its events in Community Park. The celebration came to a close Monday evening with an even larger fireworks display over Community Park.
“I think it was an excellent Fair, with a lot going on,” said Leigh Cummings, a member of the board of directors for the Fair. “We always do a lot of shows for the price of admission, and I think that is part of the reason why we are so successful. I think a lot of people appreciate the fact that the rides and shows are all included in the price of admission.”
Monday’s parade drew thousands to the streets of Houlton for the popular agricultural parade. Bartlett Farms once again showed off its impressive array of antique tractors. One of the more applauded entries was Cameron Clark of Houlton who rode a three-wheeled unicycle along the parade route, decked out in red, white and blue.
Sara Wotton Deveau of Houlton said her family follows the tradition of watching the parade in front of the Cary Memorial Library.
“My family (parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins) have watched the parade every year from the front of the library,” she said. “When I was little, my grandfather or uncle would go down early in the morning to park there so we would have our spot. Forty years and a few generations later, we still all know where we can find each other. The group has grown to include great-grandchildren and in-laws. Having little ones around and seeing their delight makes the parade! I think of the many other families that gravitate to the same spot each year. I can count on seeing the same people in the same spots.”
Robyn Nickerson Skvorak, originally from Houlton, said her favorite activity when coming home to Houlton is walking around downtown.
“The architecture is beautiful,” she said. “I wonder how many people actually stop and look at the details of the buildings?”
Former Houlton resident Tamara Shea said there was one event missing from this year’s fair that she enjoys.
“One of the things I always enjoyed watching over the fourth while I am home is the “Lil’ Firecracker Pageant,” she said. “I enjoyed watching this even after all my children became too old to participate. To my surprise this event was omitted this year. This is the first year they didn’t have it that I can remember since my oldest was born and she is now 18. They should definitely bring this event back next year.”
The following is a breakdown of winners in various games and events held at the fair.
Friday July 1
Oreo Cookie Stacking — Under 8 years of age, 1, Ethan Carver; and 2, Aiden Jackman; ages 8-12, 1, Aspen Flewelling; and 2, Connor Grant.
Egg Toss — 1, Colby Putnam and Kimball Putnam; 2, Cameron Cleary and Jacob Worthley.
Soccer Ball Contest — 1, Colby Putnam; 2, Clairee Putnam; and 3, A.J. Bustard.
Saturday July 2
Egg Toss — 1, Colby Callnan and Nate Mooers; and 2, Dillan Buzzell and Kaelin Williams.
Moxie Chugging — Women, 1, Karen Kiley and 2, Sarah Verville; and Men, 1, Bob Strout; and 2, Michael Holmes.
Salsa Chugging — Women, 1, Amy Sherwood; and 2, Sarah Verville; and Men, 1, Jeff Verville; and 2, Tyler Clark.
3-Legged Hackey Sack —1, Sarah Verville and Jeff Verville; and 2, Jesse Sherwood and Trace Cyr.
Sunday July 3
Skillet throw — Women, 1, Amelia Callnan; and 2, Hannah McGary; and Men, 1, Noah Grant; and 2, Isaac Jurson.
Egg Toss — 1, Jimmy Buzzell and Dilan Buzzell; and 2, Cole Winslow and Jonathan Worthley.
Frisbee Throw — 1, Gary Caron; 2, Kora Lambert; and 3, Gabby Noble.
Monday July 4
Parade winners: Best Commercial Entry, Acotts; Best Non-Commercial Entry, Anah Indy Cars; Best Walking Entry, Southside School Band; Best Agricultural Entry, Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum; and Chairman’s Choice, McGill’s Community Band.
Pie Eating — Heat 1, Coreen Jurson; and Heat 2, Courtney Jurson.
Softball Contest — 1, Cole Winslow; 2, Malachi Cummings; and 3, Jacob Winslow.
Basketball Contest — 1, Malachi Cummings; 2, Jacob Worthley; and 3, Devin McLaughlin.
Kiddie Tractor Pull — Under 45 pounds, 1, Amanda Poulin; 2, Brock Black; and 3, Amelia Callnan; 45-60 pounds, 1, Malachi Cummings and 2, Charles Connery; and 60-75 pounds, 1, Seth Rand; and 2, Landon Sherman.
Egg Toss — 1, Bruce Gagnon and Eric Brown; and 2, Connor Grant and Hunter McLaughlin.
