HOULTON, Maine — The annual Houlton Agricultural Fair drew many people from the area to Houlton Community Park over the weekend as part of the four-day celebration.
Saturday’s cooler temperatures and brief rain showers did little to deter thousands of people from coming to see the demolition derby and enjoying the midway rides for the opening day of the fair.
Sampling foods, seeing the animals, and watching fireworks are among the most popular reasons why people attended the fair.
“Greater Houlton Christian Academy has been a vendor at the Houlton Fair for many years,” said Kelly Little of Houlton. “I spend several hours wor
Jessi Mallory performs as Elvis Presley at the Houlton Agricultural Fair Saturday.
(Joseph Cyr)
king the GHCA food booth along with many other GHCA parents, staff, alumni, alumni parents and students. I enjoy the camaraderie and cooking food for the community that is so supportive of our little food booth.”
For others, it is the feeling of small town goodwill that they enjoy the most.
“The feeling of ‘community’ when the whole town comes together, even if it’s just to watch cars smash into each other,” said Moriah Erickson of Houlton.
“Everyone is a friend during the Fourth of July,” added Karen Jodoin Sattler of Hodgdon.
Jacqueline Marie Nicholson-Conley of Hodgdon said she enjoys being with family at the fair and seeing all the various farm animals.
And still for others it is seeing the joy on their children’s faces as they ride the midway.
“For me, it is the smiles on the kids faces … and the fireworks,” said John White, Jr. of Houlton.
Chris Carmichael of Hodgdon said the smile on his grandson’s face is what he enjoys most about the fair, regardless of the cost of admission.
Jody Barker Merritt of Hodgdon said watching the fireworks with family on the ball field is her fondest memory of the Fourth of July.
For Penny Guerra, a Houlton native who now lives in Machias, seeing old friends at the fair is what she enjoys the most.
“I love being able to see those I don’t normally see and making long lasting memories,” added Dillon Meserve of Houlton.
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- Robert Clarke, a comedian magician based out of Boston, entertains the crowd at the Houlton Agricultural Fair Saturday. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Anna Oliver of Hodgdon is all smiles as she swings on one of the midway rides Saturday at the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Amelia Callnan of Houlton braces herself for impact during the egg toss competition Saturday. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Stacking cookies is serious business for Victoria Ervin of Houlton as she participates in one of the children’s games at the fair Saturday. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Brock Wilson, right, and Parker Foster compete in the lawnmower races Saturday at the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Joseph Cyr)
