HOULTON, Maine — Friday, June 2, marked the 35th anniversary of Midnight Madness, Houlton’s major downtown event held the Friday of Fourth of July weekend, full of vendors, live music, and fireworks.
But while the event first began 35 years ago, this year’s Midnight Madness is only the 34th one to be held by the town. That’s because last year, the event which normally draws hundreds to downtown Houlton had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One year later, the event returned in full force, with a large crowd returning to enjoy Houlton’s Market Square and Main Street. Local businesses and organizations such as Temple Cinema, Betty Marie’s Sweet Shop and Houlton Elk’s Lodge catered to the downtown crowd, serving food such as popcorn and hot dogs.
Other food vendors such as the Greater Houlton Christian Academy and Adopt-a-Block offered items such as homemade pastries and pulled pork sandwiches. Lobster rolls, gourmet coffee and fudge were also available.
The Houlton Football Association also had a dunk tank set up near the entrance of Market Square serving as a fundraiser for new equipment. The water proved to be especially chilly as the temperatures for the evening were uncharacteristically low with many people wearing sweatshirts and fleeces.
Jane Torres, the director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, was present at the event to help serve out burgers and hot dogs, and judged this year’s Midnight Madness to be a resounding success.
“We’ve gotten at least twice as many as we thought we would have,” she said. “It’s so great, especially for the kids to be able to come here and have a good time.”
Many of the food vendors sold out of items to eat before the first pop of fireworks illuminated the night sky around 9:30 p.m.
Nancy Ketch, who currently serves as the town’s director of economic and community development, was a member of the town’s chamber when the first Midnight Madness took place. She said that after all these years, she still enjoys coming down to Market Square when it takes place.
“It’s kind of cool to see how it’s evolved over time,” she said. “It’s kind of like my baby, so I always come and check it out.”
Long lines could be seen for popular items such as doughboys at Sadies Bakery and french fries at The Bus in Monument Park, with some people waiting 30 minutes or longer to order and eat.
McGill’s Community Band entertained in Monument Park earlier in the evening, while the Brad Hutchinson Project played contemporary music from a makeshift stage in Market Square.
The evening culminated with a large pyrotechnic display over the Gateway Crossing Bridge.
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — Fireworks light up over Houlton’s Riverfront Park during the Midnight Madness event held on July 2. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — A view of the crowd gathered in the early hours of Houlton’s Midnight Madness event. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — Amanda Ciccione, a visual artist based in Hodgdon, stands with some of her artwork at the Midnight Madness event in Houlton. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — Brad Hutchinson performs live music at the Midnight Madness event in Houlton. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — Paul Gentle, a member of the Houlton Elk’s Club, prepares hot dogs to be sold at Houlton’s Midnight Madness event. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 2, 2021 — Fireworks light up over Houlton’s Riverfront Park during the Midnight Madness event held on July 2. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
