HOULTON, Maine – A new king and queen were crowned at the 65th annual Houlton Peanut Carnival Thursday evening at the Gentle Memorial Building.
Lillien Robinson, the daughter of Kersten and Joshua Robinson, and Colton Sylvain, son of Danielle and Shawn Sylvain, were chosen as this year’s royalty. The king and queen are selected based on votes placed by attendees of the Peanut Carnival.
The annual Peanut Carnival drew a large crowd to the recreation center for the first time since 2019, as youngsters played a variety of games, paying with peanuts and winning peanuts as prizes.
“We are so excited to be back after a couple years of not having the carnival,” said Marie Carmichael, recreation director. “We have really enjoyed having all of your children in our program all summer.”
For 65 years, the Houlton Recreation Department has closed out its summer program with the popular peanut carnival tradition.
The tennis court area of the Gentle Memorial Building overflowed with children as they eagerly waited their turn to play games such as ring toss, splash ball and the classic “Wheel of Prizes,” one of the staples of the carnival for many years.
The new royalty received their crowns from 2019 queen Madeline Beals, daughter of Heather Beals.
Sylvain and Robinson represented the 11-13 age group. Other candidates were: Aspen Gallop and Owen Corson, ages 5-6; Avery McPhee and Silas Goodwin, ages 7-8; and Emma O’Donnell and Toryn Bettencourt, ages 9-10.
HOULTON, Maine — August 5, 2022 — Isabella McGillicuddy gets splashed in the face with a sponge ball at one of the many children’s games at Thursday’s Peanut Carnival. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — August 5, 2022 — A large group turned out for Houlton’s Peanut Carnival Thursday evening. It marks the first time since 2019 that the event was able to be held. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — August 5, 2022 — Adrian Norton (right) paints a tattoo on the hand of Gloria Matthews during Thursday evening’s Peanut Carnival in Houlton.(Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — August 5, 2022 — Malon Harbison tosses a bean bag at one of the many children’s games at Houlton’s Peanut Carnival Thursday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
