Pioneer Times photograph/Shelby Hartin
WINNERS — Winners of the Miss Sparkler Pageant held July 2 at the Gentle Memorial Building were, from left, Alexis McNinch, with mom Heidi; Ondine Beaton, with her grandmother hidden behind; and Olivia King with mom, Melinda.
HOULTON — A Fourth of July holiday tradition was held last Tuesday, as the Little Mr. and Miss Sparkler and Firecracker pageants took center stage at the Gentle Memorial Building.
Isabella White, 4-year-old daughter of Pam and Scott White was crowned Miss Firecracker, while Alexis McNinch, 2, daughter of Jacob and Heidi McNinch and Brayden McDonald, 2, son of Lisa and Travis McDonald were honored with the Miss and Mr. Sparkler titles.
The pageants were traditionally held in conjunction with Houlton’s State Agricultural Fair celebration at the park, but fair organizers opted not to continue the popular event. Not wanting to see a tradition die off, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce has held the pageant for the second year and tied it in to the annual Midnight Madness celebration.
The only category which didn’t receive any nominees was Mr. Firecracker, but host Wade Hanson took claim to the title.
Pioneer Times photograph/Shelby Hartin
CUTIES — Taking home the top three places in the Miss Firecracker Pageant held July 2 at the Gentle Memorial Building were, from left, Isabella White, Alexa Reeves and Makala Sennett.
For just having three divisions, the event drew 70 contestants this year.
Other finalists in the Miss Firecracker division were: 2, Alexa Reeves, 4, daughter of Brandy Peabody and Reggie Reeves; and 3, Makala Sennett, 4, daughter of Terri and Chris Sennett.
Rounding out the top contestants in the Miss Sparkler category were: 2, Ondine Beaton, 22 months, granddaughter of Col. and Mrs. Keith Harrington; and 3, Olivia King, 8 months, daughter of Joseph and Melinda King.
Finalists in the Mr. Sparkler division were: 2, Iver Hall, 10 months, son of John and Kathy Hall; and 3, William McArthur, 2, son of Rebecca Small.
The winner of the Business Decorating Contest held during Midnight Madness was Country North Gifts, owned and operated by Robin Crone.
Pioneer Times photograph/Shelby Hartin
TOP 3 — Winners of the Mr. Sparkler Pageant, with one of their parents, held July 2 at the Gentle Memorial Building were, from left, Travis McDonald and son, Brayden, first-place; Iver Hall, second, being held by his dad, John; and third place, William McArthur and mom, Rebecca Small.
