Snow advisory did not stop Limestone tradition
LIMESTONE, Maine — While Limestone and surrounding towns received their first big dose of snow last weekend, the community still held their popular holiday light parade as scheduled.
According to Limestone Chamber President Michelle Albert, the Light Parade has been a town tradition for well over a decade, a tradition where several town departments come together in the spirit of the holidays.
Though the parade is the event’s highlight, there is far more to Limestone’s yearly event. At 5:30, Mr. and Mrs. Claus light the Christmas tree in Rotary Park and lead those in attendance in singing carols. The Parade begins promptly at 6, after which Rec Department staff drives a school bus, called “Santa’s Express,” down Main Street and takes children to the school cafeteria where they can meet Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas.
“Everything is part of our annual tradition,” said Albert. “The Chamber does the majority of the work, but we come together with other town organizations to put it all together. It’s not a big or elaborate event, but we do come together and have an event page with every organization coming together to do something. So we not only have the parade, but a few other things going on throughout the month.”
Upcoming events include the Lunch with Santa at the Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 3, the Elf Pal Academy on Friday, Dec. 9 at the local library, which also hosts Stories with Mrs. Claus, a Thursday, Dec. 22 event that includes crafts and cookies.
Due to small volunteer numbers in the Chamber, this year’s event did not introduce anything new.
“The Chamber is a very small organization with typically four or five people who try to do all the work throughout the year,” Albert said. “We always want to do more, don’t ever think we don’t, but we hope other organizations and citizens help out, and that doesn’t always happen. It’s not just Limestone having this problem, either.”
Those who did participate in this year’s parade, which carried a “Silver and Gold” theme, worked hard to make the event festive.
“The Highway Department did an excellent job getting all the poles ready with decorations. The local sorority decorated the Rotary Park lamp post, and we’re thankful that a citizen was able to bring in a tree; it looks like a Charlie Brown tree, but all trees, no matter their shape and size, are beautiful. It was nice to see these people and organizations come together.”
About 15 minutes before the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Claus dropped by Rotary Park to light the tree and sing Christmas carols. A handful of attendants gathered at the park, including Limestone Town Manager Fred Ventresco.
“Hoping a lot of people show up,” said Ventresco. “We have a good number here, so I hope everyone comes out and joins. The Light Parade is a signal that brings in the holiday season. Santa drops by and greets the children, which he’s doing right now. It’s a good time. Even though the snow’s a little heavy, it makes it feel more like the holiday season.”
Albert, on the morning of the parade, said she was grateful for all the help she received from the community.
“I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart that helped put the event together,” Albert said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the Light Parade at all.”
