PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The 25th annual Holiday Light Parade, sponsored by Emera Maine and organized by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, was a huge success again this year, with dozens of entries and hundreds of spectators turning out to watch the festive event.
“We had 66 registered entries and approximately 55 unregistered, for a total of around 125,” said Lyn Frederick, executive assistant with the CACC. Frederick stepped in to help oversee lineup and judging when Theresa Fowler, the Chamber’s executive director, was called out of town on a family emergency on Friday.
Though the weather caused the cancellation of Bangor’s parade, Frederick said conditions were perfect for Presque Isle’s parade.
“There had been a rumor that the parade was cancelled, because Bangor had cancelled theirs. We had to go to the press (WAGM-TV, Channel X radio and Facebook) to get the word out that it was still on,” she said.
Entries lined up at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, then traveled north on Main Street to the North Street Shopping Plaza — a reversal of the parade route from last year.
“Lineup started out slow due to the weather, but kicked into high gear the closer we got to the parade,” she said.
The Presque Isle Historical Society used the parade as a fundraiser, offering rides on Molly the Trolley for a fee, with proceeds going to benefit the organization’s various projects.
“I invited a friend to join my son, Brad, and I. We arrived early for lineup — we were some of the first to arrive. We waited about an hour, but once we were on the trolley, it was great fun. They served refreshments and the inside was decorated. We had a great time and plan to do it again next year, if we can get tickets,” said Carla Cyr, of Presque Isle.
Frederick credited the milder weather for the good turnout.
“Downtown was very busy; I think that the mild temperatures drew many more people out than usual,” Frederick said, adding, “I’d like to thank all the volunteers and everyone who stepped up to help in Theresa’s absence.”
Winners of the 25th annual Holiday Light Parade include:
• General — Mars Hill queens;
• Faith-based — Cornerstone Christian Academy;
• Business — North Country Auto;
• Non-profit — Life By Design; and
• Parade Grand Champion — the University of Maine at Presque Isle, with their “Let It Snow” snow globe entry.
“It was a beautiful parade with weather that cooperated. Every entry was wonderful. We look forward to next year,” said Frederick.
