Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
CHRISTMAS CAROLS — One of the floats in the first-ever Oakfield Light Parade had children gathered around the Christmas tree, as Roger McGary, right, and Adam Anderson sang carols.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
OAKFIELD — The first-ever Oakfield Light Parade was celebrated last Friday night in very chilly weather, but for those participating and watching, their spirits were enthusiastic.
At the beginning of the Light Parade, the temperature was a frosty 12 degrees and by the time it ended, it was a raw 5 degrees.
Each participant on a float and those walking were smiling and visiting with brave spectators along the parade route, while children were dressed in costume and enjoying the whole scene.
“We had walkers handing out little bags containing candy, a tract and invitations to area churches for the Christmas Eve services,” said Adam Anderson, one of the event organizers. “There were 100 bags and they were all handed out on the first third of the route.”
The main theme was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but Santa Claus found his way into the parade, as well. One float had Santa waving to the crowd, while another had Santa kneeling beside the cradle in the manger, with a little one dressed as the star that shone from the East. One float depicted the nativity scene and another had the Hysterical Players, along with Ebenezer Scrooge, as they sang and laughed in their vintage-style dress for their Victorian Christmas program. One float went by with singers belting out Christmas songs and another had the traditional Gingerbread House. And, no parade would be complete without a fire truck. The Oakfield Field Fire Department had one of their trucks decorated in lights coming at the rear of the parade.
“We had seven floats, various people walking and greeting people, along with music and lights galore,” Anderson added. “It was so very cold, but people were waving and supporting us all the way.”
Organizers felt the Light Parade was a success and are planning on making this an annual event.
“I heard others say that they will have a float next year, so yes, we will be back another year,” said Anderson.
The goal of the Oakfield Light Parade was to show the Christian viewpoint of the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ.
“There was a large number of people lining the streets all the way through,” said Anderson. “I feel the parade was a grand success and we accomplished what we set out to do. Shine the light of Jesus Christ and show the true reason for the Christmas season.”
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| Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT — Katahdin Forest Products employees supported the first-ever Oakfield Light Parade with their own float, with walkers handing out candy. |
Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin HO, HO, HO — Santa Claus came to Oakfield last Friday night during the Light Parade on the Katahdin Forest Products float. As the float made its way down the parade route, Santa was waving to all those boys and girls waiting for him to come Christmas Eve. |
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| Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin NATIVITY — Children dress in costume to portray the Nativity scene, representing the Christian belief of the real meaning of Christmas. |
Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin PARISHONERS — In the float above, the gingerbread church had its parishioners dressed for the occasion. |
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| Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin HYSTERICAL PLAYERS — The Hysterical Players had their own float in the first-ever Oakfield Light Parade. They were very jovial with songs and laughter. After the parade, the Hysterical Players held a small skit and served gingerbread men and egg nog at the Smyrna/Merrill Historical Society celebrating a Victorian Christmas. |
