Sparklers, firecrackers receive crowns

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — A Fourth of July holiday tradition returned with a bang last Tuesday as the Little Mr. and Miss Sparkler and Firecracker pageants took center stage at the Gentle Memorial Building.
    Gage Addington, son of Erin Addington; and Waverli Harris, daughter of Stephanie and Daivd Harris, were crowned the 2012 Mr. and Miss Firecracker, while Trynt Porter, son of Becky Cole and Reggie Porter Jr., and Allie Swallow, daughter of Chris and Jenna Swallow, were named Mr. and Miss Sparkler.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
SPARKLERS  — Winners in the Mr. and Miss Sparkler pageant July 3 were, front from left, Mallory Maynard, with mother Heather; Angelina Jackman, with daughter Jaida; Brady Allen Bailey with mother Lauren Cote; and Elisha Haney, with son Logan Guertin. And back, Mr. Sparkler Trynt Porter, with mother Becky Cole; and Miss Sparkler Allie Swallow, with mother Jenna.
    The pageants were traditionally held in conjunction with Houlton’s Agricultural Fair celebration at the park, but was cancelled last year, when fair organizers opted not to continue the popular event. Not wanting to see a tradition die off, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce resurrected the pageant after a one-year absence and tied it in to the annual Midnight Madness celebration.
    And if the number of participants is any indication, the move was a good one as a total of 69 contestants participated this year. Jane Torres, executive director for the chamber, said she was amazed at the number of entries. By holding the contest prior to July 4, the winners were able to ride in the parade.
    “The tradition behind the pageants is dear to the hearts of so many Houlton area residents,” she said. “They want to see the little ones in the parade again and they want to have the opportunity to show off their children and grandchildren in a friendly and safe environment.  It’s a fun event that has been a part of Houlton 4th of July celebrations for many years. We were pleased and proud to be able to offer the pageant once again.”
    Other finalists in the Mr. Firecracker category were: 2, Chandler Hetherington, son of Willie and Toni Hetherington; and 3, Carter Carmichael, son of David and Cassie Carmichael.
    Other finalists in the Miss Firecracker category were: 2, Madeline Beals, daughter of Heather Beals; and 3, Hailey Ann Goodall, daughter of David Goodall and Brittany Hartt.
    Other finalists in the Mr. Sparkler category were: 2, Logan Guertin, son of Steve Guertin and Elisha Haney; and 3, Brady Allen Bailey, son of Lauren Cote and Douglas Bailey.
    Other finalists in the Miss Sparkler category were: 2, Jaida Jackman, daughter of Charles and Angelina Jackman; and 3, Mallory Maynard, daughter of Spencer and Heather Maynard. Jackman earned special praise from the judges for her “dress” made of red, white and blue duct tape.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
FIRECRACKERS — Winners in the Mr. and Miss Firecracker pageant July 3 were, from left, Chandler Heatherington, Carter Carmichael, Miss Firecracker Waverli Harris, Mr. Firecracker Gage Addington, Madline Beals and Hailey Ann Goodall.
    Others participating in the Miss Firecracker (3-4 years old) were: Faith Schools, Jasmine Vieria, Sabrina Williams, Thea White, Allison Worthley, Zyle Cullins, Hannah Faye Goodall, Samantha Romanelli, Vanessa Silverthorn, Karyssa Kenney, Kaitlynn Bragg, Aubrey Swallow, Lainey Henderson, Reina Boyer, Keegan Brown, Cloey Nightingale, Chole Tuck, Aliyah Schools and Cheynne Cabanaw.
    Others participating in the Mr. Firecracker event were: Jaxyn Fitzpatrick, Landon Botting, Jimmy Williams Jr., Carmichael, Waylon Ryan Davis and Logan Caron.
    Others participating in the Miss Sparkler pageant (2 years old and younger) were: Adria Goodall, Presley Goodwin, Gracie Leigh Dawn Trecartin, Sophia Sprague, Elizabeth Charette, Abigayle Jay, Addison Sutherland, Maynard, Ellis Wright, Madigan Wright, Mia Sutherland, Cheyanne Stockley, Sophie Judith Bailey, Neoma Plotegher, Hannah Elizabeth Valiante, Jackman, Zoe Elizabeth Wainwright, Lauren Tucker, Abigail Lakin, Kristyn Brooker, Brooklyn Foster, Brooke Estey, and Madigan Rose Wright.
    Participating in the Mr. Sparkler pageant were: Knowell Mathieu, Chase Hetherington, Mason White, Landon Winslow, Aiden Smith, Jesse James DaEira, Guertin, William MacArthur, Paxton Clark, Christian Keaton, Gunner McAfee, Joshua Castleigo and Jace Morse.