Staff Writer
HOULTON — The holiday season is right around the corner and the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Holiday Light Parade to kick off the festive season.
On Saturday, Nov. 24, residents will be treated to a Victorian Christmas-themed holiday light parade. Beginning at 6 p.m., participants are asked to be at the Andy’s IGA parking lot and the parade will travel down North Street and through Market Square. Last year’s parade drew in a large numbers of onlookers, as well as a larger number of float entries with its cartoon character theme.
Lori Weston, executive director of the Houlton Chamber is hoping this year’s parade will be bigger and better than last year’s.
“We want people to come out and take part in this year’s parade so it will be good, if not better, than last year’s,” she said.
Galen Wilde, owner and operator of Shiretown Coins will also play host to his good friend Santa Claus following the parade and tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday. Area children are invited to come in for cookies and hot chocolate and have a chance to meet Santa.
Weston said local merchants have already begun preparations for this year’s shopping season and some are even taking part in the Chamber’s window decorating contests as well. The categories will be: best over-all window display; best exterior display and best combination of all. Trophies will be awarded for each category with a grand prize trophy awarded. The trophy will be displayed at the winning location until the next year when the trophy will travel to the next winning location. Plaques will be added to the trophy as it travels from winning location to winning location. Weston encourages businesses to get their windows ready for the holiday kickoff this weekend.
“Participating businesses will be listed with the local media so that folks will be able to cast their vote for a ‘People’s Choice award,’” said Weston. “Judges will be judging on Dec. 7, 8 and 9 and winners will be announced on Dec. 10.”
A Gingerbread House Building Contest is also another first for the Chamber. The Chamber will sell building permits for $1.
Another highlight to this year’s festivities is going to be the Christmas home decorating contest. This contest will feature area residents who take the time to decorate their home each year. The Home decorating contest will recognize those talents and hopefully encourage folks who have always thought about decorating to actually get on board and do it. There are six categories: religious (best display with a religious theme); nostalgic (most old-fashioned, best childhood memories); Clark Griswold (excessive use of outdoor lighting or decorations); Anything Goes; Martha Stewart Would Be Proud (if she is – you win); Charlie Browniest (Snoopy won first prize … this category is for the best decoration on a doghouse, tool shed, barn or outhouse … anything but your home). One home will be judged the best overall (regardless of category) for a grand prize.
“Folks who enter will be listed in media announcements so that the entire community can enjoy the labors of those participating,” said Weston. “Those wishing to participate must complete an entry form that is available at the Chamber office or on line at www.greaterhoulton.com.”
Entries must be received no later than Dec. 3 in order to be on the Judges list. Judging will occur on Dec. 7, 8 and 9. Homes will be judged based on curbside appeal only. Judges will not enter the property. Prizes will be awarded in all six categories.
Call the Chamber for more information at 532-4216.
