HOULTON, Maine — The holiday season officially returns with a flurry this weekend as the annual Holiday Light Parade kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 25.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas Carols,” which opens the door for a wide interpretation of float entries. Music also likely will play a large part in the parade entries, with so many popular holiday tunes to choose from.
“We seem to have more applications this year and are hoping that this year is the biggest light parade ever,” said Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “Traditionally the light parade is the last chamber sponsored event of the season, so we hope to end with a wonderful light filled evening to kick off the holidays.”
Raymond Jay of Houlton strings lights on the town’s Christmas tree Saturday morning. Jay was one of several volunteers to assist with hanging the lights in preparation for the town’s annual Holiday Light Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. The tree was donated by Joyce Folsom.
(Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr)
The popular yuletide event draws thousands to the Shiretown each year. The Christmas parade is a tradition that has gone on for longer than most can remember, but has evolved over time. What was once a mid-afternoon parade, complete with marching bands and more, changed to a nighttime holiday light parade, in which entrants are encouraged to come up with interesting, eye-catching floats using generators to power the thousands of lights adorning their entry.
Once again a section of downtown will be closed, to allow for a bonfire in Market Square, starting at 5 p.m., with hot chocolate and cookies available for the children. Starting at 6 p.m., the parade begins in the Houlton Shopping Plaza on the North Road and continues down North Street to Market Square.
Santa and Mrs.Claus will be on the last float and will stop in Market Square to light the town tree before proceeding on foot to the County Co-op for a visit and photo opportunity with the children. The remaining floats will continue to the Gentle Memorial Building parking lot.
Torres added that Toys for Tots will have a float in this year’s parade, and spectators are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the cause.
Saturday 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 theatre is able to show free matinees, and typically features family-friendly movies.
The following rules apply to those who wish to enter floats:
— Commercial entries will be 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 more information, call the chamber at 532-4216.
