HOULTON, Maine – In its own brand of Polar Express madness, Houlton is pulling out all the stops for this weekend’s historic downtown holiday offerings of late night shop till you drop cash giveaways, live music and caroling, holiday foods, a holiday party on ice, free movie favorites and elf shopping buddies for kids.
For the past few years, the Aroostook County town’s local business leaders and town officials have been trying to find ways to draw people to the downtown for the holidays. It’s a move reminiscent of vintage Houlton when the downtown was packed with shoppers and window gazers.
This year’s celebration schedule, starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 with an ugly sweater contest and running through Sunday, Dec. 15, is packed with events and offerings for everyone.
“The fun starts Friday the 13th when we block the streets to create a cozy shopping experience,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.
With the exception of the ugly sweater contest, most Friday events begin at 5 p.m. and end with the Matchup Under the Mistletoe Dating Game at Bastions Tavern on Market Square. There will be choral presentations by local high school groups, hayrides, street games and a public skate.
On Saturday, there will be shopping and discounts and special holiday themed foods including Lotus & Leaf Boba Tea Sip and Shop at the Serendipitous Dragonfly, cookie decorating for kids and music by Event Horizon at the Cup Cafe.
Sunday promises more treats and surprises, say organizers.
The weekend came together with the combined efforts of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Alliance, Community Impact Alliance, the Southern Aroostook Development Corp. and others, said Nancy Ketch, the Houlton director of community development.
“With every $10 purchase you will get a ticket to put in for a drawing of $500 worth of Chamber Bucks so the money stays local,” said Ketch. “There is a second prize for a $250 dining package of gift certificates for eating establishments downtown.”
The Civic Center has a really cool ice show this weekend, Ketch added, referring to the Ice Dance International Holiday Party on Ice.
Several ice skating notables – two-time U.S. champion Alissa Czisny, U.S. solo dance champion Brooke Tufts and Olympic silver medalist Tim Koleto – will be at the John A. Millar Arena on Saturday for two free shows at 2 and 6 p.m.
In lieu of an admission fee, bring a non-perishable food item for Southern Aroostook County food banks, Ketch said.
