Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 25 : Summer 2015 | Page 35

Houlton International

Wings & Wheels
By Jane Torres

In every chamber director’s life, there is one event
that they grow from a tiny spark of an idea into what
proves to be the event of their career. For me, here
at The Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce,
this is it. The big one. The one that I hope to grow
into the monster that it and the Houlton Regional
Airport deserves it to be.

idea in my head and the light bulb went on. A true
“Aha” moment. The idea was presented to a very
indulgent board of directors who gladly have never
said, “Jane that’s a stupid idea!”
Houlton just happens to have that wonderful
combination of a large airport which is beautifully
maintained, just begging to be shown off to the
community and beyond, with the added bonus of
having historical WWII significance. It might not
be the busiest airport in Maine, but there isn’t one
that could beat us on history! At one time Houlton
International was the home of the Houlton Air
Base and held thousands of prisoners throughout
the war.

Three years ago a local pilot by the name of Wes
Tidd appeared in my office and said, “Have you
ever thought of putting on an air show here in
Houlton? I have been thinking about it for years
but don’t know where or how to start.” Well
Wes, as a matter of fact I had. A town manager
had mentioned the idea to the very proactive
Community Development Director Lori Weston,
who in turn mentioned it to me. They planted the So plans were made for the First Annual Wings &

Photo © 2015 Kerri Pendergast
SUMMER 2015

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