As they have done for the last 30 years — and in minus-2-degree weather this year — the Mapleton Lions Club officially closed the holiday season for 2017 this past Sunday as they took down the Christmas lights.
The club installed the 22 lighted Christmas wreaths along Main Street on Thanksgiving weekend, the official start of the holiday season. The wreaths lit the street every evening from Nov. 26, 2017, to Jan. 14, 2018.
Approximately 30 years ago, the City of Presque Isle decided to eliminate their Christmas lighting program. The Mapleton Lions Club decided to approach the city to find out if the lights were for sale. Upon learning about the inquiry, the Presque Isle City Council agreed to sell the lights to the Lions Club for $500. Maine Public Service agreed to a reduced rate help the club with the Mapleton Christmas lighting.
Mapleton Lions Adam Nicak and Ron Leonard steady the ladder as Mapleton Lions Club Lion of the Year Richard Fowler lowers a Christmas wreath to Christmas Lighting Chair Steve Hanning on a recent day with a -15 windchill. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Over the years, the original decorations were worn out and replaced with new designed lighting by Northern Maine Community College assistance, which uses modern, low-cost LED lights.
The Mapleton Lions Club wishes to thank everyone who attended one or more of the club’s fundraising events during 2017. A portion of the funds raised are used to cover the costs of the annual street lighting. The lights have been stored and will be back out on Thanksgiving weekend in November.
Renew Dog Tags
If you have a dog, please keep in mind that two weeks from today is the 2018 deadline for purchasing dog tags at the town office. Remember, dogs need to be registered by Jan. 31. Owners of all dogs registered after Jan. 31 will be assessed a $25 late fee.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
