HOULTON, Maine – Reunion 2022 – the multi-class reunion sponsored by the Houlton High School Alumni Association – is underway and will continue throughout the weekend. Activities began last week and continue through Saturday, July 9.
The Alumni Association had held multi-class reunions every five years beginning in 2000. Plans for a reunion were set for 2020, but had to be put off until this year, because of COVID-19. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the association.
The multi-class reunion has become a major event for the region, brings hundreds of people home, and builds off the Houlton Fair. The events are made possible in large part due to sponsorships obtained from businesses and individuals.
Last week, various classes were busy decorating windows in the downtown with photos and memorabilia from their class year. The displays will remain up through the weekend. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to stroll the sidewalks and view the displays.
A Hospitality Center has been set up to allow people to register, purchase tickets and merchandise and locate other alumni items. The center is located at the County Co-Op & Farm Store, 53 Main St. Hours for the center for the rest of the week are as follows: Wednesday, July 6, through Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m.-noon.
A raffle is ongoing featuring artwork by several alumni and local artists. There are eight items available including: pencil sketches of Watson Settlement Covered Bridge Pencil Sketch and of an old barn and wagon wheel both by Corinne Lynds Bongiovanni; three vintage photos donated by John Bushey – Ingraham Farm, “The Willows” (Smyrna Street) and Houlton Railroad Station; boat on the water painting by Barbara London (Class of 1966) donated by Patty Fitzpatrick (Class of 1963); Boy and the Boot print by Esther Faulkner (framed and matted) donated by Joseph Cyr (Class of 1989) in memory of his father Leland Cyr (Class of 1961); and an 1884 map of Houlton from George N. Colby Atlas of Main (framed and matted) donated by Leigh Cummings (Class of 1972).
Tickets for either raffle are $5 each or a book of 5 for $20. Those purchasing tickets can choose which prize or prizes they would like to try for.
Alumni merchandise that will be available during the activities will includes tote bags, hats, and shirts as well as Houltonopoly Games, which are available for $25 each, or two for $35.
On Wednesday, July 6, an Alumni Soccer Game will take place at 6 p.m. at the Houlton High School Soccer Field. Former players are welcome to participate and a rousing crowd is encouraged to attend and cheer them on.
The Aroostook Historical and Art Museum at 109 Main St. will be open on Thursday, July 7, from 1-3 p.m. for those interested in tours. Downtown Walking Tours guided by local historian Leigh Cummings will leave from the museum at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. In the evening on Thursday, alums are invited to take in the McGill’s Community Band concert in Monument Park.
Those wishing to step back in time can tour the high school and reminisce by walking the halls with tours of the High School on Friday, July 8. Tours will begin at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. leaving from the cafeteria.
Friday evening brings the return of the popular Alumni Variety Show at 7 p.m. at the Houlton High School Auditorium. The show will feature the Alumni Band under the direction of Mike Hutchinson who is director of both the Middle School Band & McGill’s. The Alumni Chorus will also perform and will be directed by Rick Nickerson who was a member of HHS Class of 1981 and who is currently the director of the renowned Windham Chamber Singers.
There are several other acts that will be featured. There is no charge for the variety show. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis at the door, which will open at 6:30pm. Donations will be accepted.
The Houlton Community Golf Course is the site of the annual Alumni Golf Scramble on Saturday, July 9. This is a 9-hole Texas Scramble which is open to alumni and guests. The cost is $40 per person. Entrants can register their own foursome or can allow organizers to put them in a group. Registration begins at 8:30am with a shotgun start at 9:00am. Registration is available by calling the Golf Course at 532-2662.
The reunion events conclude with the Gala on Saturday evening at the John Millar Civic Center. The event features food prepared by the Downunder Sports Pub including hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a variety of desserts. The evening will run from 5:30-11 p.m. with a cash bar, DJ, photo booth, lounge areas and dancing. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online at www.houltonalumni.com in the online store. Tickets are also available at the Hospitality Center and may be purchased there with cash or check. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Additional information on Reunion 2022 and the events is available on the alumni web site at www.houltonalumni.com or on their Facebook page. Information is also available by contacting Nancy Ketch (Class of 1982), Alumni Association president at nketch64@gmail.com.
