PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — In what has been a tradition for 28 years, Presque Isle’s annual Holiday Light Parade made Main Street the place to be Saturday night.
Crowds thronged the sidewalks and parking lots, and children’s excitement filled the air from the time the first police cars approached until Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in their float.
As in years past, the parade was about more than visual appeal, also emphasizing giving to those in need. Catholic Charities Maine’s Feed the County collected nonperishable food items, while United Way and partners, as well as Toys for Tots, accepted toys.
The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce coordinated the annual event, which began from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and made its way down Main Street, ending at the North Street Healthcare parking lot.
“The streets were absolutely jam-packed. I think it was a fabulous parade, and there certainly were some amazing entries,” said Chamber Executive Director Theresa Fowler on Tuesday afternoon.
“And the weather was perfect, of course,” she said, adding that the lack of precipitation and the absence of snowbanks allowed bystanders easy viewing.
There were nearly 60 entries, which is about the same size as usual. “There were no gaps, and everybody was moving at the same pace,” said Fowler. “The organizers at lineup at UMPI and the law enforcement people who set the pace at the beginning did a great job.”
Feed the County collected more than $600 and a sleigh full of nonperishable food items, she said.
Early Saturday morning, police roped off Main Street parking spaces from State to Academy streets, to create a space for parade watchers to gather safely without traffic worries. Earlier in the day, wreckers towed away cars that had been parked there in violation of the no-parking zone.
The Presque Isle Wesleyan Church captured the Best of Parade prize for its brightly lit trailer, hauled by a decorated semi truck, which featured church members and screens proclaiming the Christmas message.
Other winners were: Freedom Church, Best Faith-Based Entry; Mapleton Girl Scout Troop 187, Best Nonprofit; Caldwell’s Auto, Best Business; and Ashland Queens, Best General Entry.
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- The Presque Isle Fire Department’s decorated firetruck, bearing a Minion character on the back, rolls along Main Street during Saturday evening’s Holiday Light Parade. (Paula Brewer)
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- The Presque Isle Wesleyan Church won Best of Parade for this entry, featuring a truck and trailer festooned with lights and carrying church members. (Paula Brewer)
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- A “snowman” steps out of the parade line to interact with the crowd during Saturday’s Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle. (Paula Brewer)
