HOULTON, Maine — Meals consisting of corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes and turnips were enjoyed by many Houlton residents the weekend of March 13-14, thanks to drive-thrus put together by St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the local American Legion.
The meals were in commemoration of the upcoming March 17 St. Patrick’s Day holiday. While celebrations remain limited due to continuing health protocols against COVID-19, organizations see it as a welcome improvement from last year when all St. Patrick’s Day events were canceled as the pandemic began to affect the state.
“Traditionally on St. Patrick’s day, or the weekend after, we always had a St. Patrick’s Day bazaar, where we would have a nice meal, and also have some games for kids and prizes we’d give out,” Al Burleigh, the deacon at St. Mary’s, said. “Sadly, last year it got canceled at the last minute because of COVID. This year we have to do social distancing, so we’re having a curbside takeout meal.”
Jen Conley, a volunteer for St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houlton, brings a box of prepared meals for the church’s St. Patrick’s Day drive-thru meal event on Saturday, March 13. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Meals were prepared in the church’s kitchen then placed into containers and bags, to be handed out by volunteers to those waiting outside in vehicles. Some of those who arrived took several meals to go, to give to seniors or those unable to leave their homes.
“We’re blessed because a lot of our parishioners know of shut-ins” Burleigh said. “So they come and say ‘Hey, can I have one for so-and-so,’ and then they take it to them, which is wonderful.”
While no payment was required for the St. Mary’s drive-thru, donations were accepted from those receiving meals.
At the American Legion, the meals cost $8 per person as part of a fundraiser for the organization. Opening at 3 p.m. on March 13, the legion sold out completely within the first hour of availability.
