HOULTON, Maine (WAGM) – Until the Covid 19 pandemic, the Houlton Rec Department’s “Just for Kids” summer camp program hosted its annual Peanut Carnival every August. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the carnival is back!
Marie Carmichael, director of the Houlton Recreation Department, says, “So today we have the parade, and then on Thursday from 6:00-7:30 we have the peanut carnival. And here all the children, we have about 40 games. So you buy your bag of peanuts to get in, and you play all the peanut games. Then at 8:00 that evening in the Rec Center gym, we have the crowning of our Peanut King and Queen.”
Carmichael says this tradition has continued for more than 65 years and says the parade is always a great way for kids to show off their costumes and bikes in downtown Houlton.
Carmichael explains “We’re very excited to have it back, the kids have been looking forward to it. We have some kids who haven’t experienced the parade at all, because of two years off. So, yes, we’re very excited that it’s back.”
The parade started from the Houlton Rec Department, then went through the Market Square downtown in Houlton.
Alison Fagnant: “What I really like about this event is that you can walk and see your friends come and watch you. You also get to see everyone in all these amazing costumes.”
Carter Carmichael: “My favorite part of walking in the parade was seeing all the cute costumes and handing out peanuts.”
Isaac McPhee: “My favorite part was throwing peanuts and getting to walk. And I saw my cousin and my little sister.”
Presley Goodwin: “My favorite part is seeing how the carnival has grown and how the parade has grown over the years. And it’s fun to walk in the parade and look at the kids and see how they took an interest in it.”
Having fun with friends and enjoying the summer. A fun way to end the Just for Kids summer program.
Isaac Potter, News Source 8.
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