Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Lots of entries and a large crowd made Presque Isle’s annual Light Parade a success, according to organizers.
“The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of the participants in the 2008 Holiday Light Parade. In total, there were 66 parade entries this year, making it one of the largest (parades).
The ingenuity shown on all of the entries made it difficult for the judges to determine the winners,” said Theresa Fowler, PIACC executive director.
Fowler also wished to thank the Maine State Police and the Presque Isle Police and Fire departments for staging the event.
“Without them, the parade would not have run so smoothly and could not be deemed a success,” she said.
Holiday Light Parade Co-Chairs Brian Colton and Otis May extended their thanks to Valerie Lunn for her efforts to organize the event at the Chamber office. Rick Fowler, Brian Grew and Megan Fowler were also recognized for their help closing driveways and lining up parade entries.
“Patrick Patterson did a wonderful job announcing the parade from the viewing stand on Maine St., provided by MPG,” said Fowler.
Pine State Motorcycle Club was selected as this year’s Parade Champion.
“The chopper on their float was constructed from waste parts. They’re to be commended for their creativity, originality and capabilities. There were also a large number of club members walking in the parade,” Fowler said.
Other entries winning awards included: the Northern Maine Fair Association, winning a trophy in the General category; Columbia Forest Products captured the Business trophy; Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry was judged the Best Non-Profit float; and Catholic Charities of Maine was thrilled to be named the Faith Based category winner.
“The parade attracted over 2,000 people who enjoyed a lovely winter evening on Main St. in Presque Isle, where there was a light dusting of snow and above-normal temperatures, which made it a pleasant evening to meet your neighbors and enjoy the beauty of the 19th annual Holiday Light Parade – which, as one viewer was heard to comment, ‘puts everyone in the holiday mood,’” said Fowler.
In addition to the trophy winners who received awards, some entries chose to hand out items, while others did the collecting.
“NMCC passed out over 500 books to children watching the parade. TAMC and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club gathered toys which were distributed to less-fortunate children at Christmas. And Catholic Charities of Maine, as always, gathered food items to stock their pantry,” said Fowler. “The people of Presque Isle should be congratulated on their community spirit and generosity.”
Staff photo/April Michaud
PARADE CHAMPION – Pine State Motorcycle Club’s entry was named Parade Champion during the 19th annual Holiday Light Parade, held in December in Presque Isle.
Photo courtesy of Dave Allen
THE Presque Isle Fire Department had their Ladder One fire truck decorated to the hilt for the annual Presque Isle Light Parade held Dec. 6. Many braved the light snow and cold temperature to enjoy the cheerful holiday event.
Photo courtesy of Dave Allen
Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance at the Presque Isle Light Parade on Saturday night. Many turned out to enjoy the annual holiday festivities.
Photo courtesy of Dave Allen
Norma Levseque of Presque Isle was one of the many Presque Isle Light Parade participants who got “lit” for the event. The parade was held Saturday night. Many braved the light snow and mid-teen temperature to enjoy the many brightly lit floats.
Staff photo/April Michaud
SANTAS, CHRISTMAS TREES, snowmen, beauty queens and more could be spotted throughout Presque Isle’s 19th annual Holiday Light Parade.
