LIMESTONE, Maine – Thanks to the help of community members, Limestone kept its most popular holiday tradition going.
Every December, Limestone’s Chamber of Commerce hosts the town’s light parade, inviting residents and community groups to showcase their most creative floats.
The Chamber was set to cancel the parade in November due to a lack of volunteers. But after word got around, around 20 volunteers eagerly signed up. On Sunday, most were at Limestone Community School to help the parade’s seven floats line up.
At Rotary Park, Chamber President Michelle Albert served hot chocolate and snacks to children, all of whom came to visit Santa Claus near the town gazebo.
“If it weren’t for our volunteers, we would not have had a parade, so we’re so grateful,” Albert said. “Our parade is small but mighty. It’s important for us to continue doing something for the community right here.”
This year, volunteers held the meet and greet with Santa and parade earlier in the afternoon to better accomodate families. Many folks who attended were from Limestone and other Aroostook communities.
Tyler Mills and Amanda Dwyer of Easton brought their children Leon, 6, and Aria Dwyer, 4, to meet Santa at Limestone’s Rotary Park.
“We go to pretty much all the community holiday events,” Amanda Dwyer said.
After the skies darkened, dozens of folks gathered on Main Street to watch the parade, whose theme was “A County Christmas.” Officers from Fort Fairfield Police Department led the procession. Limestone resident Jim Leighton followed in his mini convertible, pulling a small Christmas tree.
The parade featured floats from Cub Scout Pack 193, Caldwell’s Auto, the Limestone SnowHawks, Big Dog Power Washing, Limestone Fire Department and Justin’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal.
