Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host the 20th annual Holiday Light Parade and is reminding anyone interested in participating to register as soon as possible. “The PIACC will be hosting the parade this year on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. Once again this year, the parade route will begin on North St., with lineup beginning at 5:30 p.m., with entries heading south toward the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where festivities will continue at Gentile Hall,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
Fowler said, as in past years, judging will take place at the North St. Plaza parking lot, prior to the parade, starting at 6:15 p.m.
“Judging will take place during line-up festivities before the parade. This may be the last year it’s done this way. We’re thinking of changing it so entries are judged as they pass through downtown,” said Fowler.
Participants in the parade as well as spectators are invited to take part in activities at the Presque Isle Rec Center and at UMPI on Saturday evening.
“The Rec Center will be open, starting at 6 p.m., with arts and crafts for kids of all ages from 6 to 7 p.m. They’ll also have hot chocolate and coffee available throughout the evening and will be open to the general public, providing a place for all to warm up throughout the evening,” she said.
Fowler said the fun will continue at UMPI, with the large evergreen at the president’s house being lit as parade entrants reach the campus.
“As the parade comes to an end, participants and spectators are invited to Gentile Hall for hot chocolate,” she said.
Several groups and organizations will be collecting items during the parade which will be distributed to those in need at a later date. Catholic Charities plans to accept non-perishable food items along the route, while The Aroostook Medical Center has teamed up with the Kiwanis Club to gather toys.
“Help bring joy to a child this holiday season by donating a toy at the Holiday Light Parade. TAMC and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club are teaming up again this year to hold a toy drive during the parade. All toys collected will be distributed to local children through the Kiwanis Club’s Christmas Basket Program,” said Andy Saucier, public relations, TAMC.
Saucier said members of “the Peanuts gang from TAMC and the Kiwanis Club will pick up new, unwrapped toys when the TAMC/Kiwanis float passes by.”
“Gifts of any size are encouraged; even small gifts can make a difference in a local child’s life,” said Saucier.
“Please come prepared to share during this holiday season,” Fowler said.
For more information on toy donations or the Christmas Basket Program, call 768-4044.
Northern Maine Community College will also be distributing children’s books along the parade route, in an effort to encourage area youth to read more.
Parade participants are asked to hand out candy along the way, rather than tossing it out of vehicles, to ensure no injuries occur during the evening.
“Parents are advised that children need to maintain a safe distance from vehicles and floats in the parade. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. There will be no throwing of candy. If you wish to give out candy, we ask that you have walkers hand candy and goodies to children. This will prevent accidents from happening,” said Fowler.
Fowler said there’s still time to register for the annual parade.
“Anyone interested in taking part can register by calling the Chamber at 764-6561,” she said.
Organizers have put a lot of effort into making this annual event a success and hope that trend continues this year.
“Over the years, this parade has gained enormous popularity. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business or organization and join in the fun,” said Fowler.
