Staff Writer
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
DECORATING FOR THE SEASON — This window shows a festive scene, along with a reflection of downtown Houlton. Merchants in Market Square have begun to bring back the Christmas of “yesteryear.”
HOULTON — Downtown Houlton was the place to be during the holiday season. For those who can remember, it was the most exciting time of the year and it was even more exciting to be there in person.
Windows were decorated to the nines. Businesses were all decked out and for several weeks out of the year, patrons and their families were lulled into the holiday spirit with the sounds of carols and the feeling of togetherness.
Bringing that feeling back into the area is a personal goal for Lori Weston, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, and it appears that her goal may become a reality.
“I wanted the downtown of yesteryear,” she explained. “You can’t talk to anyone in Houlton who can’t remember the downtown of our youth. It was beautiful downtown.”
Weston put the challenge out to local merchants to take part in the Chamber’s window decorating contest. For anyone taking a stroll along Market Square it’s obvious to see that several of the town’s merchants have accepted the task.
“The downtown was always exceptional,” she said. “It was a great atmosphere for shopping and people would stop and talk to each other in the streets. It’s that memory that we wanted to bring back and the response from the businesses here have been very positive.”
So far, the Chamber has signed up more than 10 businesses for the contest, however, based on the numbers, many have yet to get their names in for the event.
“If people want to participate in the judging, they do need to contact us,” explained Weston. “We can do it over the phone.”
Weston said participation in the past has been low and seeing this year’s progress has made their efforts worthwhile.
“I think it just took a catalyst to encourage participation,” she remarked. “People want to be a part of helping to create that atmosphere and sometimes that just needs an extra motivation to do it. It’s going to be a wonderful time to be in Houlton for Christmas.”
The business window decorating contests has categories: best overall window display; best exterior display and best combination of all. Trophies will be awarded for each category with a grand prize trophy awarded. The trophy will be displayed at the winning location until the next year when the trophy will travel to the next winning location. Plaques will be added to the trophy as it travels from winning location to winning location.
Judging will take place on Dec. 7, 8 and 9 and winners will be announced on Dec. 10.
A Gingerbread House Building Contest is also another first for the Chamber. The Chamber staff is selling building permits for $1 to hopeful designers.
Another highlight to this year’s festivities is going to be the Christmas Home Decorating Contest. This event will feature area residents who take the time to decorate their home for the season. The Home Decorating Contest will recognize those talents and hopefully encourage folks who have always thought about decorating to actually get on board and do it.
There are six categories: religious (best display with a religious theme); nostalgic (most old-fashioned, best childhood memories); Clark Griswold (excessive use of outdoor lighting or decorations); Anything Goes; Martha Stewart Would Be Proud (if she is – you win); and Charlie Browniest (Snoopy won first prize … this category is for the best decoration on a doghouse, tool shed, barn or outhouse … anything but your home). One home will be judged the best overall (regardless of category) for a grand prize.
“Folks who enter will be listed in media announcements so that the entire community can enjoy the labors of those participating,” said Weston. “Those wishing to participate must complete an entry form that is available at the Chamber office or online at www.greaterhoulton.com.”
Entries must be received no later than Dec. 3 in order to be on the judges’ list. Judging will occur on Dec. 7, 8 and 9. Homes will be judged based on curbside appeal only. Judges will not enter the property. Prizes will be awarded in all six categories.
Call the Chamber for more information at 532-4216.
CELEBRATING THE SEASON — From left, a winter village is seen in the storefront of one local business; center, a Christmas Elf, right, a decorated tree with accessories delight the eyes of passerbys.
