July brought the Houlton community together for a multi-year reunion weekend that transformed Millar Arena into a nostalgic drive-in and sent golfers out to Houlton Country Club — a celebration of old friendships, shared memories, and deep Shiretown pride.

It started on the fairways. The Alumni Golf Scramble, organized by Jerry York '70 and assisted by Misty Gallop Marino, launched the day's activities on July 5th at the Houlton Country Club. With 68 participants on the course, it was another strong showing for one of the HHSAA's most beloved annual traditions.

⛳ 2025 Golf Scramble Results

  • 1st Place: Marty Bouchard '87, Kyle Bouchard '15, Kolleen Bouchard '18, Scott Spurling '80
  • 2nd Place: Pat Howe '18, Dana Brown, Sean Dolomont, David Tucker '20, Barrett Good '00
  • 3rd Place: Ryan Bushey '97, Chris Bell '96, Caleb Bell '95, Daniel Peabody '93
  • 4th Place: Isaac Vega '20, Ben Grant '19, Tyler MacDonald '19, Jed Gilpatrick

Then came the evening — and the alumni committee outdid itself. The goal: transform the cavernous Millar Arena into something that felt like a homecoming. What they built was a drive-in theater crossed with a dairy bar memory, complete with vintage cars, a massive screen, and the warm hum of hundreds of conversations happening all at once.

Popcorn, Onion Rings, and Old Photographs

The arena was dressed in traditional black and white swag, anchored by a giant balloon arch stretching from one giant popcorn centerpiece to another at the entrance. Three gleaming vintage cars — loaned for the night by Raymond Carmichael '71, Gail Sanders Marshall '74, and Doug Fitzpatrick '84 — sat parked inside the arena, adding an unmistakable Borderland Drive-In feel to the room.

Food was a highlight from start to finish. Eric and Heather LaFontaine of "Wine Until Nine" handled the social hour with charcuterie boards and a full beverage selection. Serena Vandevender Fitzpatrick '95 reprised a fan favorite — the famous fried onion rings from York's Dairy Bar recipe — prepared with help from Laurine Thompson Wilson '71. Sliders, finger foods, fresh fruit, and treats from Sweet Pea Pantry and the Pastry Corner rounded out the buffet. Admission was $25, with proceeds going toward senior scholarships.

The giant screen showing music videos was almost the size of the Borderland!! Lots of area for dancing — believe it or not I didn't dance.

— Tammy Ritchie '74

Thanks to Fred Grant '88, Owen Gallop '17, and their crew, a 30' × 17' screen displayed music videos and provided the soundtrack for the evening, while a second large screen ran a continuous loop of yearbook photos — sports teams, clubs, class events — giving attendees a living slideshow of shared history.

More Than Just a Party

Seating areas with sofas and easy chairs (courtesy of Rent-A-Center) gave guests space to settle in for deeper conversations. Temple Theatre popcorn made the rounds. Corn-hole and cribbage offered alternative entertainment. The popular photo booth — hosted by Chuck '90 and Tina Daly of Maine Magic Mirror — captured hundreds of smiles from people who may not have seen each other in years.

The following morning, the celebration continued with a Sunday brunch at Lakeside Restaurant at the Houlton Community Golf Course. Clear skies, calm lake water, and a beautiful summer day provided the perfect backdrop to close out the weekend.

The social event planning team included Fred Grant '88, Rachel Fitzpatrick '93, Karen Eleiott Donato '69, Nancy Ketch '82, Susi Ingraham Walbridge '77, Bonnie Burton Upton '69, Lainey Herring Tarr '09, Owen Gallop '17, and Serena Vandevender Fitzpatrick '95 — months of meetings, countless details, and an event that will be remembered for years.

Can't make it to every year's events? The multi-year social happens every five years. Mark your calendars now — the next one is in 2030.