HOULTON, Maine — The Riverfront Harvest Festival, an annual event that has become quite popular with the community, takes place this Saturday in downtown Houlton. The event celebrates the coming of fall and, what is hoped to be a bountiful harvest for area farmers.
Downtown Houlton will be buzzing with activity as the Community Market continues in historic Market Square. Additional vendors will set up shop at Riverfront Park, where there will also be a 5K River Run. A Tractor Train will be available to give rides, and pumpkin painting and a mega pie sale highlighting some of the town’s most incredible bakers, will also be held.
“Started four years ago as a way to bring people over the Gateway Bridge and into the park, the festival has become a favorite family-centered event,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “Last year we had the first cold blustery day of the season which led people to drop in, check things out then run to someplace warm. This year we have been promised sunny skies and beautiful temperatures.”
The River Run this year will be hosted by the Houlton Track Team and their coach, Chris Rhines. The event is a true harvest-inspired cross country run and will bring the participants along the Meduxnekeag River, up a trail and through potato fields, down North Street, up into town where they will loop around to Main St. and finish somewhere on the Gateway Bridge. There is a $10 registration fee but that includes a T-shirt to the first 50 runners so arrive by 9:30 to pre-register.
The Northern Maine Wood Turners will once again be demonstrating their skills in Riverfront Park. Always fun to watch, this dedicated group has spent every festival delighting the crowds by turning wood into wonderful toys, bowls and curiosities. “You never know what they might be selling, so stop by,” Torres said.
Back in the Square on the corner of KeyBank and Water Street, the Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club will offer rides on its popular Tractor Train from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The route will be a little different this year bringing the riders through Market Square so if you see the train, hop on for a ride.
“What would this event be without its popular Pie Sale and pumpkin painting?” Torres said. “Well, it can always be better and the Chamber of Commerce will be cooking Jon’s Famous Burgers, grilled hot dogs and Houlton Farms Dairy Lemonade. Enjoying one of the last true days of summer in Riverfront Park is just what you need so bring the family and come see us at the fourth annual Harvest Festival.”
