Hot diggity dog, Houlton Water Company continues free lunch

14 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — What better way to enjoy the summer weather than with a free hot dog lunch?
That’s precisely what happened Friday as the Houlton Water Company held its annual Hot Dog Luncheon in Market Square. According to John Clark, general manager for HWC, the company has been holding its free luncheon for more than 10 years as a customer appreciation event.
“We started this years ago because we felt it was something good for us to do,” Clark said. “I know the elderly really seem to enjoy it, because they get to see a lot of people they haven’t seen for awhile. I don’t think it’s really about the eating, it’s more about the socializing.”
Tables were set along Market Square under white tents, providing welcomed shade on a hot Friday morning.
Clark estimated between 700-800 hot dogs would be grilled for the event, along with soda and chips. Residents formed long lines along Market Square and were able to have as many hot dogs as they wanted. Several businesses sent representatives to the event to collect lunch for their offices.
The Houlton Water Company is a municipally owned utility providing electricity, water and sewer services to Houlton and surrounding communities. The company serves about 5,200 electricity, 1,700 water and 1,800 sewer customers. The company employs 22 people, most of whom are located at the Bangor Street office.