HOULTON, Maine — Youngsters will have ample opportunity to bag lots of candy this Halloween as Houlton will celebrate two days of trick-or-treating.
On Saturday, Oct. 30, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, along with the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department and Serendipitous Dragonfly, is hosting a “Shiretown Spooktacular Halloween Event” from noon to 2 p.m.
This free event is for preschoolers through age 12 and will feature local businesses and organizations handing out candy and goodies. There is no registration required. Youths can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and stop by the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street to have a picture taken and participate in the costume contest.
“We wanted it to be earlier in the day,” explained Jane Torres, executive director for the Chamber. “We did it this way last year and parents seemed to enjoy it.”
A portion of Main Street will be closed for traffic to allow youngsters to safely roam the street in their pursuit of sugary loot.
On Sunday, Halloween night, downtown Houlton is hosting a community trick-or-treating event from 4 p.m. until the candy runs out.
Organized by Kim Coker, the event returns after a one-year hiatus last year due to COVID-19.
“Two years ago I watched as a festival erupted on Market Square,” Coker said. “It was a really beautiful, organic, grassroots community event wherein no one asked for anything for themselves. They showed up ready and willing to help. I was in awe that evening. I watched as a whole group of people put aside their differences and for one night did something totally unselfish. It was inspiring.”
The event is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Those who would like to have a table to pass out their own candy may do so at no charge.
“I hope we can reach those community members that would like to pass out candy, but no one comes to their street any more,” Coker said. “We would also like to reach out to families that are looking for another good place to celebrate the holiday with their kids. Market Square is a community gathering place and trick or treating is a great use of that space.”
In addition, the Houlton Wesleyan Church will host its “Trunk or Treat” event at the church parking lot on Kelleran Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Halloween night. Children will enter a line under the church’s carport and go to each vehicle before leaving.
Organizer Hollie McAfee said the one caveat they have is that scary costumes are not allowed. The church will also have a car decorating contest where guests will vote for their favorites and the winner gets a gift certificate to The Vault. Those who want to volunteer may do so by visiting www.houltonwesleyan.org.
Other communities are also hosting events on Halloween night. The town of Danforth is hosting a “Spooktacular” event in its downtown from 5 to 8 p.m., while the Island Falls Fire and Ambulance service will be distributing candy at its station.
