HOULTON, Maine — It’s hard to believe that it’s already August and Potato Feast Days are only a few days away, but indeed, here at the Chamber of Commerce we are in full event mode. There is plenty of time to rest when the snow flies and the “dog days of summer” are meant to be enjoyed in the outdoors. With that in mind, here’s what’s happening on August 16-18.
The cutest event of the year may just be Friday’s “Doll and Wagon Wrangler Parade.” Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber at 109 Main St. boys and girls with their dolls, stuffed animals and wagons will line up and follow Tim “the Tuneman” Humphrey through Market Square and back to the Cary Library to the music of “Teddy Bear Picnic.”
After the parade Bangor Savings bank is sponsoring the ever popular, 50-cent piece coin scramble and cookies, juice and balloons will be provided for the little ones. From 4-6 p.m., the Rec center is also sponsoring Touch-a-Truck on Broadway, so there will be lots for the kids to do!
Last year’s Lobster Feast was a great kick-off for Potato Feast Weekend and, with Ted and the Boys once again scheduled to entertain us in the amphitheater, we have ordered the lobster and are ready to provide a full dinner to those wanting to enjoy the ease of having someone else doing the cooking on a Friday night.
Starting at 4 p.m., the water will be boiling for the lobsters and corn on the cob and the Houlton Farms Dairy butter will be melting. Baked Russet Potatoes will be served so we don’t forget what the weekend is all about, and the tables will be set with Houlton Farms Dairy lemonade. Bring the family, enjoy the scenery, listen to some great music and sit back and relax. Remember to bring a chair so you can enjoy the band in comfort after your meal.
Saturday’s schedule celebrates farming and the true entrepreneurial spirit of the community in a big way. Our popular Community Market will be set up in Market Square from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the bounty these small farms provide is a joy to behold. Bring your basket and shop local! Two blocks away in Monument Park, the popular Potato Feast craft fair is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At noon, kid’s games will be scheduled, including the potato decorating contest, potato sack race, potato scavenger hunt and lots of other potato games! After the games bring the kids to see the old potato picking equipment on display on Broadway and provided by the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum.
Don’t forget to stop at The Church of the Good Shepherd for their Pie and Ice Cream Social. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the wonderful bakers of the church will be serving homemade pie, ice cream and a beverage for only $5. This is a popular stop so be sure to get there early so you can enjoy your favorite slice of pie.
Still looking for something to do after the festivities downtown? Stop at the Houlton Higher Education Center and prepare to be amazed by the quilting skill of the Friends and Needles Quilt Guild members. This quilt show is an amazing testimony to the artistic talent of our local women. Don’t miss this once a year event!
Gather the kids, invite your relatives, neighbors and friends to join you at the 54th Annual Potato Feast Days. Small town traditions can’t be beat and Houlton does it best!
