HOULTON, Maine — Hundreds of people filled downtown Houlton Friday and Saturday for the 59th annual Potato Feast Days celebration.
“Wow, it was an amazing community centered, fun filled two days,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “We cooked 325 lobsters and served them all in a two-hour span. We can already see this growing into a huge event and have plans to increase our numbers by 50 next year.”
Ted and the Boys entertained a crowd of around 250 with country rock from inside the Houlton Amphitheatre until well past dark Friday evening. According to Torres, “The crowd did not want to leave and asked for, and received, three encores.”
Earlier in the evening Friday, the Doll Parade and Touch-a-Truck events kept younger children occupied. Those who participated in the parade received a token for a free popsicle at the Thirty-Two Below ice cream truck. Albert Fitzpatrick Farms ran a miniature tractor race with all participants winning a 50 cent piece and a blue ribbon.
On Saturday, the Houlton Fair Association’s bingo tent saw a steady stream of participants. Also on Saturday, the Houlton Fire Department hosted a donation based chicken barbecue as a fundraiser for a firefighter, drawing more than 200 people to the event. It proved so popular, firefighters hope to do it again at the 60th Anniversary of Potato Feast Days, Torres said.
“The two day event draws so many young families who have returned home that, here at the Chamber, we have a renewed sense of hope that Houlton will continue to grow and prosper,” she said.
(Photos by Joseph Cyr)
