HOULTON, Maine – One of Aroostook County’s biggest summer events that draws close to 8,000 kicks off next Thursday, July 3.
For the 29th year, Midnight Madness will feature food, vendors, artisans, game booths, three bands and grand finale fireworks in downtown Houlton.
This year’s theme, Treasure Island, has inspired vendors, said event organiser Jane Torres, who is the executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce
“I am getting lots of calls from people wanting to sign-up,” she said.
Last year’s event was so packed they ran out of food early. This year they aren’t taking any chances. Organizers are bringing in more food this year to make sure they have enough, Torres said.
Some of the food offerings include crowd favorites like Maple Pig, Shiretown Smokehouse, the Maple Moose and of course Sadie’s Bakery fried doughboys that get block-long lines waiting for the once-a-year treat.
Early weather predictions indicate near perfect weather in the high 70s for the July 3 event.
Midnight Madness started as a shopping experience with shops remaining opening at night, but over the years it has evolved into a fabulously fun-packed street fair that gives participants plenty to choose from including live bands and street dancing, kids games and tons of decadent treats like maple cotton candy.
There will be three music sessions this year opening with the Marionette Party Band, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Market Square; McGill’s Community Band at 7 p.m in the downtown amphitheater, and headliner Star City Syndicate, a 20-piece northern Maine motown and contemporary band at 8 p.m. in Market Square.
Torres said she is expecting a big crowd this year.
The event winds down with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display from Riverside Park and at 10 p.m. the downtown historic Temple Theater is showing the new Jurassic Park film, Jurassic World: Rebirth. The film premieres on July 2. Keeping with the Midnight Madness theme, there will be treasure maps to locate items around town handed out at the Jurassic event, said theater owner Fred Grant.
The town’s annual Strawberry Shortcake sale on July 2, a precursor to Midnight Madness, is also booming, said Torres, adding that what makes the strawberry shortcake such a big draw is the whipped cream.
“We buy our cream from Houlton Farms Dairy in gallon jugs and it’s so rich. I make my own vanilla and add a little confectioner’s sugar,” she explained. “It’s wonderful and it has a following.”
People can order strawberry shortcake in advance, $7 each, or walk up to the booth on Market Square between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or until they sell out.
To round out the holiday events, this year’s famous July 4 parade will be bigger than ever, with more than double the applicants, not to mention the town craft fair in Monument Park on Saturday, July 5.
