HOULTON, Maine — Downtown Houlton will be aglow with a variety of colors this Saturday evening as the annual Holiday Light Parade officially kicks off the Christmas season.
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.
This year’s theme is “Joy to the World,” and in order for floats to be considered for awards that theme must be worked into the design.
According to Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, once again a section of downtown will be closed, and hot chocolate and cookies will 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.
Torres added that she was not sure if there would be a bonfire in Market Square, as has been the case for the past few years.
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 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. The rest of the floats proceed to the Rec Center and then disperse.
Walking participants may hand out items to spectators, but throwing candy to the crowd is strictly 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.
