HOULTON, Maine — It was not a traditional Fourth of July, but that did not stop residents from celebrating America’s birthday Saturday.
Getting a good seat in downtown Houlton for the Independence Loop parade Saturday, July 4, are Bethany Sanders, left, and Josh Hall. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
As the Houlton Community Market was in full swing in Market Square, dozens of vehicles streamed by as part of the “Fourth of July People’s Parade,” a non-traditional 6-mile parade through many town streets.
Organized by Fred Grant, owner of WHOU radio station in Houlton, participants were encouraged to decorate their vehicles in a patriotic manner, and many did not disappoint as cars, trucks and military Jeeps were adorned with a wide variety of regalia.
One vehicle, a minivan driven by Rosa McNally of Houlton, featured a large mask over the front of her bumper to represent a mask — which has become synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the evening, a brief thunderstorm threatened to put a damper on the fireworks display, but passed through quickly enough to allow the show to go on as planned. The display featured a number of unique pyrotechnics not seen in the area before, including designs featuring smiley faces, hearts and dollar signs.
Fireworks light up the night sky in Houlton July 4 as a small group of people gathered at Pierce Park, near the Boy and the Boot statue, to watch the show. The event was organized by WHOU, with many businesses contributing funds for the display. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Shot from the top of Drake’s Hill, the fireworks could be seen from as far away as Littleton and Hodgdon. The display was also organized by Grant, and included donations from more than 70 businesses and individuals.
