By Jane Torres
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
HOULTON — Call me crazy, but I think this is the best time of the year. The leaves are turning colors and falling; the air is crisp; and the weather is looking good for the second annual Riverfront Harvest Festival.
This Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Market Square and Riverfront Park will be hopping as the regular Community Market is expanded with additional vendors and things to do for the family.
Beginning at 9 a.m. the Marketers will be in their usual spots in Historic Downtown Houlton and will be joined by other craft vendors to make the day a true street fair.
Are you a runner? There will be a 5K River Run starting near the kiosk at Riverfront Park at 10 a.m., winding around the town and ending back in the park. Pre-register at the Chamber on Thursday or Friday or sign up the day of the race starting at 8:30 a.m. There is a sign-up fee for the race, but the first 50 people to sign up will get a coveted T-shirt.
If you missed the Antique Tractor Train last year then this would be the perfect opportunity to jump on and get a ride around town. Yes, it is for children but you may have seen a group of older ladies, taking a ride around town late in the day last year! The train will be on the corner of Water Street and Market Square and be offering rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or as long as there are takers. In between rides bring the children down to the park to play some kids games, paint a pumpkin, take a swing at the piñata, make some apple cider or join the scavenger hunt.
Can you envision a pie extravaganza? We can and you will not be disappointed if pies are your sweet of choice! Come to the Gateway Bridge starting at 9 a.m. and choose from over 100 pies made by the finest bakers in all of Houlton. Apple, raspberry, mincemeat, chocolate and lemon, are just a few of the flavors that we have been promised. You might want to come early. Last year, despite the rain, we sold out of pies by 11 a.m. The proceeds go to improvements to the park so please come and offer your support.
One of the most exciting events of the day will be for all ATV riders who want to gather and take that trail ride down through town and, yes, across the Gateway Bridge! After the bridge, the ride will proceed along the river and come up on Lincoln St. then on to Route 1 to meet a police escort to the next part of the trail. The ride is open to all registered ATV’s and will gather at the Houlton High School at 2:30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. parade start. Please spread the word on this because the more riders we have the better the parade. Wouldn’t the energy be great if we could get 100 machines?
What would a festival be without music? We will have a stage set up in the parking lot on Riverfront Park and we are inviting all who are musically inclined to come and set up and play some tunes!
Under the Main Floor will be on stage from 2-5 p.m., but the morning is available to anyone so please call Jane at the Chamber of Commerce if you are interested in providing music.
Join the Chamber and the Riverfront Park Committee for this celebration of one of Houlton’s finest assets. Invite your friends, bring the family, throw on a sweater and enjoy the day.
