HOULTON, Maine — For the first time in generations, there will be no fireworks or Fourth of July parade in the Shiretown this year.
Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Torres confirmed Wednesday that the Chamber board has reluctantly decided not to hold either event this summer, due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
The news will be difficult for many individuals who look forward to the Shiretown’s massive Fourth of July celebration and impressive fireworks show each year. For the past several years, the town has actually had two pyrotechnic displays — one over the Gateway Crossing Bridge as part of the Midnight Madness celebration put on by the town, and the other organized by the Houlton Fair Association at Community Park.
“We had originally planned to just do it, but after consulting with the state and the Houlton Police chief, we have decided it was probably in our best interests not to go ahead with either event,” Torres said. “Everyone’s a little bit antsy right now, so we thought it was best to cancel.”
While there was no directive from the state to specifically cancel the town’s parade, coming up with a way to maintain social distancing and limiting the number of spectators proved to be too daunting of a challenge, Torres said.
The popular Midnight Madness downtown Houlton celebration organized by the Chamber has also been canceled.
Back in May, organizers of the Houlton Agricultural Fair announced they would not be hosting a festival for the first time in 34 years.
Torres is still hopeful the Chamber will be able to host its popular Blackfly Brewfest and Potato Feast Days celebration on the calendar for Aug. 21-22, she said. The Brewfest is traditionally held in May, but was pushed to the end of August.
