PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce will hold its 30th annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Presque Isle.
Line-up will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, with the parade starting at 6 p.m. Floats will leave UMPI and head down Main Street before turning onto North Street and gathering at the North Street Plaza parking lot.
Parade co-chair Casey Bouchard said that the Chamber has seen 25 float entries thus far. Although the Chamber encourages businesses and organizations to sign up as early as possible, they will allow folks to enter on the day of the parade.
Judges will present awards to floats in five categories: Best Business, Best Nonprofit, Best Faith-Based Float, Best General Float and Overall Parade Champion. The Chamber will announce the winners on their Facebook page soon after the parade and deliver trophies the following week.
As part of the parade’s 30th anniversary, the Chamber has purchased new decorations for its float, which will showcase Santa and Mrs. Claus, courtesy of its sponsor Emera Maine.
Bouchard said that the Holiday Light Parade has become the ultimate way for Presque Isle to kick off the holiday season year after year.
“We know how much folks look forward to this annual event and the laughter and cheer that it brings,” Bouchard said. “We are so excited for our 30th year and are honored that we can continue this tradition with the help and support from area businesses, organizations and local law enforcement agencies.”
On Dec. 7, the Chamber will also host a Holiday Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sargent Family Community Center.
LeRae Kinney, co-chair of the Going Places Network, said there will be minimal interruption of the PI Loop bus service on the evening of the Holiday Light Parade. That night, the bus will eliminate its normal 5:33 p.m. stop at UMPI and will continue on its regular route up Academy Street, diverting the bus away from Main Street for the remainder of the parade.
