Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
HELLO — Nora Kenney of Houlton waves as Sonny Folsom’s antique Farmall train comes to a halt during last Saturday’s Harvest Festival. Children of all ages enjoyed the train rides, booths, ATV parade, music and all of the activities included in the annual event.
By Jane Torres
Chamber of Commerce
HOULTON — As with all successful events the key to a good day is the weather.
Nothing deters the crowds more than cold and rain so the organizers of this year’s 2nd Riverfront Harvest Festival were thrilled when the sun broke through the early morning clouds and the thermometer rose into the low 70’s!
This festival is the last of the season and is a celebration of two of this town’s finest assets, Historic Market Square and Riverfront Park, with a beautiful walking bridge to connect one to the other.
Houlton Pioneer Times photos/Gloria Austin
HARVEST FESTIVAL — In the top photo, Mike Folsom pulls a long line of children on tiny tractors during the annual Harvest Festival event in downtown Houlton Saturday.
Runners for the 5k Meduxnekeag RiverRun began arriving in the park at 8:30 and by the time the children’s race started at 9:30 there were 51 adult runners and 14 children eager to begin.
People were wandering over the bridge to see what was happening in the park and were met with the awesome sight of a busy and beautiful recreational area.
In the photo below, patrons visit the many food booths available, offering tasty treats. Market Square was closed to traffic, allowing patrons to stroll the street and take in the many booths available.
Community Market, crafters, and non-profits were enticing the crowds with baked goods, farm fresh produce and handmade items all set up in Market Square giving the event a street fair feel
When the Antique Tractor Train arrived on the corner of Water Street and Market Square the party could really begin! Sonny Folsom brought his antique Farmall and spent the day hauling the train and chugging around the downtown area to the delight of the little children on their miniature tractors. What festival would be complete without food?
The Chamber of Commerce set up Tom and Sue McAfee’s super, flame red barbecue grill and offered hamburgers, hot dogs and Maine grown baked potatoes.
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
LOOKING TO BUY? — Vendors Judy Eastham, left, and Jill Hurd show off some of the products they have for sale at a booth in downtown Houlton Saturday during the annual Harvest Festival event.
The 4H group was offering popcorn and hot dogs and Tammy Thompkins set up her BBQ Shack in the Park to provide delicious food for the crowds. For take home options the Riverfront Committee sold 100 pies and there were two fine bakers who were part of Community Market. To bring the event into the afternoon an ATV parade was scheduled to roll across the Gateway Bridge and into Riverfront Park at 3 p.m.
The parade coincided to music by “Under the Main Floor” who were on stage entertaining until the close of the event at 5 p.m.
All of this could not happen without the dedication of many individuals who invest time and love into bringing these great events to our community. A festival such as this takes coordination and a month of planning to bring all the elements together
Thanks go out to the Houlton Fire Department who washed 120 pumpkins for the little children.
Also to the Houlton Police Department who take time out of their schedules to consult, lead races and parades and to offer crowd control. We musn’t forget the men at Public Works and the Airport who set up and took down that very heavy stage or the Millar Civic Center for letting us borrow it plus the tables and chairs. Lastly, thanks to the community for helping us to celebrate and for supporting us every step of the way!
