HOULTON, Maine — If you have driven by the Chamber office at 109 Main St. in the last few days you may have seen the giant potato basket on the side lawn. Thanks to the generosity of Ed and Dawn Degenhardt we now have the “World’s Largest Potato Basket” to kick off Potato Feast Days Aug. 15-17.
I know it’s hard to believe that it’s time again to celebrate the mighty potato and the farmers who grow them, but it is and we will commemorate this year with our 55th annual celebration.
Friday, Aug. 15 events kick off around 4 p.m. when the pots start to boil in Monument Park and the Chamber presents its 3rd annual Lobster Feast complete with Maine lobster, new potatoes, corn on the cob, Houlton Farms Dairy Butter to drench everything in and topped off with a homemade cookie.
For those less adventurous souls, there will be hot dogs available with Houlton Farms Dairy lemonade. It’s fun to enjoy a meal and watch the kids get up close to their favorite work vehicles with Touch-A-Truck on Broadway presented by the Rec Center.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber office the magical Doll and Wagon Wranglers Parade will wind its way through Market Square led by Tim “the Tuneman” Humphrey. When the parade ends in front of the Cary Library, the children are treated to juice and cookies and line up to take part in a coin scramble.
Don’t go home yet! Join us at the amphitheater for a concert by Wally and the Virginians. Beginning at 7 p.m., this awesome band will present their unique brand of rock, country, and popular music. This is a great time to sit back and relax and enjoy some music, have some food, talk to neighbors and friends and appreciate this wonderful community!
Saturday’s schedule celebrates our farming community with a display of farm equipment courtesy of the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum. Each year, the museum generously loans us potato-picking implements for everyone to enjoy. Our ever-popular Community Market will be in their spot in Market Square from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a spectacular array of locally grown vegetables, baked goods, and crafts. Shopping local supports the small independent farmer and celebrates that unique entrepreneurial spirit of The County. Two blocks away in Monument Park the popular Potato Feast Craft Fair will open at 9 a.m., highlighting a group of talented crafters, cooks, and non-profit organizations.
Just up the street at the Church of the Good Shepherd will be the annual Pie and Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The wonderfully talented bakers of the church will be working their magic with homemade pies, ice cream, and a drink for only $5. This is a popular place so stop by early and enjoy your favorite flavor pie!
Still looking for something to do after the festivities downtown? Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Friends and Needles Quilt Guild will be holding their annual quilt show at the Houlton Higher Education Center. You will be amazed at the skill and artistic talent presented by this marvelous group of people. Don’t miss this once a year event.
So gather the kids, and invite your relatives, neighbors and friends to the 55th Annual Potato Feast Days and help to celebrate the spirit of The County. Small town traditions are what make this community so great!
