Potato Feast draws a crowd

Under sunny skies and warm autumn weather, the 52nd annual Houlton Potato Feast weekend was celebrated.
“Potato Feast Days celebration was a wonderful success,” said Lori Weston, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director.
    Last Friday, the celebration kicked off on Broadway Street with the annual Touch a Truck event, sponsored by the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department.
“Both young and old had the opportunity to get close and personal with a variety of vehicles,” explained Weston. “These vehicles normally aren’t available to see up close or sit in.”
Children and adults explored and checked out the Houlton Fire Department ladder truck and equipment; Houlton Police Department cruiser and an Aroostook County Sheriff’s SUV, along with a tractor-trailer, garbage truck, delivery truck, propane tanker, a pull truck, Houlton Water Company line truck, school bus and a John Deere Gator.
Children and adults were able to see and talk with “the people in their neighborhood.”
In Monument Park, Paula Dahlk made a postal truck piñata for children. A line of children took turns at whacking the truck, awaiting the fall of candy.
A group was also playing music in the park making the area festive.
Then, the annual Doll and Wagon Wrangler parade moved through Market Square from the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.
“It was one of the largest in recent memory,” said Weston.
Leading the children’s parade was “Tim the Tune Man” Humphrey, playing songs as the youngsters walked.
“The little marchers with their dolls, strollers, wagons and stuffed animals made the trek with their serious “smiles” as encouraging onlookers waved and clapped,” Weston added.
After arriving back at the chamber office, participants enjoyed cookies and juice before taking part in the 50 cent scramble, sponsored by the local banks.
“The event draws a crowd,” Weston said, “as kids scramble for the 50 cent pieces hiding in the sawdust.”
After a successful night of activities, Saturday brought on a beautiful and busy day.
In Monument Park, crafters displayed their goods at the annual Arts and Crafts Fair.
“It’s a great place to reconnect with folks home for the event,” Weston said.
In the morning, potato contests drew children of all ages with cash prizes awarded.
“The Mr. Potato Head decorating contest was very successful with more than 16 extremely creative entries,” Weston said.
The potato salad contest was won by Carla Harrison, while the “always competitive” potato peeling contest yielded Staci Grass the winner, followed by Meghann Clark and Kelly McLaughlin.
Weston is already thinking about new ideas for next year’s event.
“I welcome any and all suggestions,” she said. “And, thank you to the many sponsors and folks who attended the Potato Feast weekend activities.”