HOULTON, Maine — That old familiar holiday spirit has returned to the Shiretown now that the official town Christmas tree has arrived in Market Square.
Members of the Houlton Water Company and Houlton Public Works Department volunteered their time to cut down, transport and erect the tree in downtown Houlton Wednesday, Nov. 20. Volunteers are expected to string the lights and decorations Sunday morning. The tree, which was donated to the town by Bruce and Jean Collett of Houlton, will officially be illuminated on Saturday, Nov. 30, as part of the annual Holiday Light Parade.
“I think they (Bruce and Jean Collett) told me they planted this one 40 years ago,” explained Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “We have been very fortunate over the years that we have not had to purchase any of the big trees. They have all been donated.”
A second tree erected on North Street, next to Domino’s pizza, was donated to the town by Judy Deprez of Houlton.
Saturday, Nov. 30, also marks the beginning of the free matinee series at the Temple Theatre, which is another popular draw for families. With the help of business sponsors, the theater is able to show free matinees every weekend leading up to Christmas.
Jane Torres, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director, watches Wednesday, Nov. 20, as the town’s Christmas tree gets lowered into its base in Houlton’s Market Square.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
The Holiday Light Parade draws thousands of people to the Shiretown each year as people line the streets to watch from either the comfort of their vehicles or by standing alongside the road. A tradition that has gone on for longer than most can remember, the parade has evolved over the years. It was once a mid-afternoon parade, complete with marching bands and floats decorated with tissue paper carnations.
Torres said nobody seems to remember when the first nighttime light parade took place, but it has been going on for at least 15 years, if not longer. Entrants are encouraged to come up with interesting, eye-catching floats using generators to power the thousands of lights adorning their entries.
This year’s theme is “12 Days of Christmas,” which Torres feels will give people more leeway in coming up with ideas for their floats. The parade usually features at least 20 floats, but Torres said she never really knows for sure until the night of the event.
All parade entries will meet in the North Street Shopping Plaza at 5:30 p.m., with the parade scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The parade route is the same as it has been for years, proceeding down North Street with a police escort, before turning left onto Union Square and up into Market Square.
The float carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop in front of the Christmas tree in Market Square where Santa will disembark, light the tree then proceed on foot to the County Co-op and Farm Store at 53 Main St. for photo opportunities. The rest of the floats proceed to the Rec Center and then disperse.
The following rules apply to those who wish to enter floats:
Commercial entries are limited to one car or truck, which must be significantly decorated with lights. Vehicles towing floats are excluded from this limitation.
Oversized (not street legal) vehicles must have an adult walking by each wheel.
Walking participants may hand out items to spectators, but throwing items such as candy into the street or crowd is expressly prohibited.
There is no cost to register a float. Floats will be judged and prizes awarded to the top entries. Those who have not pre-registered may still show up on the night of the parade, but are asked to come by at 5:30 p.m. to check in. For information, call the chamber at 532-4216.
