HOULTON, Maine — Not even an intense thunderstorm could keep the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Midnight Madness celebration from drawing a large crowd to downtown Houlton Friday evening.
Cameron Clark entertains a large crowd Friday night in downtown Houlton during the Midnight Madness celebration. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
According to Chamber Director Jane Torres, the crowd continually rolled in once the storm clouds passed through and by 6 p.m. Market Square was bustling with activity.
“I would have deleted the two rainstorms and the thunderstorm but, overall, I think it was a great event,” she said. “Water Street seemed to be extraordinarily busy with Sadies Bakery selling their famous doughboys and the opening of TNT Takeout.”
Following a performance by McGills’ Community Band, “Circus Cam” Cameron Clark entertained a big crowd with his impressive juggling and unicycle skills in front of the Houlton Elks building.
After that, Ted Bither and his band “Teddy and the Boys” put on a concert, also in front of the Elks building. Torres said that location, which was a change from last year, was chosen by the concert’s sponsor.
“I was surprised that the sound did not really travel down into the square,” she said. “It is good to know because next year I can have a band at either end and they won’t compete.”
Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, flips burgers Friday evening during Midnight Madness. Several thousand people filled Market Square again this year. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
Nolan Porter, a student at Houlton Middle-High School, gave an impromptu performance in Market Square to fill the void of no music near the vendors.
“The fireworks were, once again, beyond anyone’s expectations,” she said. “It’s always heartwarming to hear the crowds reactions. And the line dancing exhibition was very popular.”
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- Lori Levesque McNutt, front, and her sister Lucie Levesque Royal perform as part of the County Line Dancers Friday evening during Midnight Madness in Houlton. (Joesph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
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- Rhetta Vega pours “sand candy” into a container at one of the many booths offering goods during Midnight Madness Friday evening in Houlton. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
