Parade delay
doesn’t dim participants’ excitement
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade lit up downtown Sunday night, with hundreds turning out to view the spectacle.
This marked the first time in 21 years the event, hosted by the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, was rescheduled. Typically held on a Saturday evening, weather concerns caused organizers to decide to move festivities to Sunday. Parade entrants and onlookers were greeted by milder temperatures compared to past years, with light rain rather than snow falling intermittently.
Staff photo/Michael Gudreau
ON DISPLAY after the Holiday Light Parade at the Wintergreen Arts Center were gingerbread houses created at the center as part of a seasonal contest in creativity held annually at Wintergreen Arts.
Officials began lining up entries on North Street beginning at 4:30 p.m., with the parade getting under way at 6 p.m. and traveling south to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. A number of organizations used the occasion to collect items for those less fortunate, as well as to pass out goodies to those watching.
Staff photo/Michael Gudreau
AFTER THE PARADE, The Wintergreen Arts Center hosted a gathering with holiday entertainment and refreshments. Taking part in the Dec. 5 festivities were members of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church Bell Choir, including from left, Sue Chaffee, Effie McPherson, MaryAlice Boulier and Lauren West.
Catholic Charities of Maine took the opportunity to “Feed the County,” collecting nonperishable items along the parade route. The Aroostook Medical Center and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club teamed up to collect toys for distribution to local youth. Northern Maine Community College and ACAP volunteers walked Main Street, passing out new and used books to children of all ages. UMPI concluded the event, inviting the public to watch the films “Wind 101” and “The Proposal” inside Gentile Hall, providing hot drinks and treats.
Staff photo/Michael Gudreau
RIDING IN STYLE were Santa’s Helpers from southern Aroostook who rode motorcycles attached to a sleigh in this year’s Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle.
The festive occasion also saw area businesses get in the holiday spirit, with the Braden Theatre and others offering refreshments during the evening.
Organizers were pleased with the turnout and credit all those who helped spread the word of the parade’s change in dates.
“We want to say thank you to all who helped in getting the word out that the date of the parade was changed. The date change did not seem to affect either the participation or the crowd,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
Staff photo/Michael Gudreau
HELPING TO SPREAD Christmas cheer during the annual Holiday Light Parade, at left, were members of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, from left, front row: Sheila Currie, Isaac Adams and Carol West. Middle row: Wes Lavigne, Dave Adams, Isabelle Jackson, Magee Currie and Kacey Haley. Back row: Rachel Davis, Libbee Currie, Machaela Dube, Kristen West and Ryan West.
Parade participants included a wide variety of the population, from beauty queens and churches, to fire departments and businesses.
“We had over 100 entries,” said Fowler. “We recognize the amount of work and time that it took for all the entries and thank you for that. Thanks to all who contributed and will contribute to Catholic Charities of Maine’s food drive and TAMC, Kiwanis and Rathbun Lumber’s drive.”
Staff photo/Michael Gudreau
RIDING IN THE PARADE were members of Ride Aroostook, from left, front row: Donna Raymond, Allie Fullen, Loretta Harmon, Wyatt Fullen, John Saucier, Garrett Fullen, Heather Fullen, Avery Knowles and Penny McHatten. Back row: Mark Fullen, Drew Bates, Mike Michaud, Andrew Michaud, Ralph Knowles, Kyle Washington, Denise Theriault-Young, Kate Knowles, Kati Foster, Jonathan Kelley and Brent Jepson.
Fowler said toys are still being accepted at TAMC on Academy Street and Rathbun Lumber, located on State Street.
Winners this year include:
• Overall Parade Champion — Catholic Charities of Maine;
• Non-Profit Category — Presque Isle Elks Club;
• Faith-Based Category — Presque Isle Wesleyan Church;
• General Categary — Fort Fairfield queen float carrying Miss Fort Fairfield Kelsie Wilson, Teen Miss Fort Fairfield Aleesha Campbell and Junior Miss Fort Fairfield Janae Libby; and
• Business Category — University of Maine at Presque Isle.
“I’d also like to thank all the many volunteers and organizations that made this year’s parade such a big success. As always, their efforts are appreciated,” said Fowler.
AMONG SPECTATORS at the 2010 annual Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle were, at right, from left, front row, Piper and Sierra Galipeau of Presque Isle. Back row, Susanne Sandusky of Mapleton and Scott and Christa Galipeau.
REPRESENTING the Mapleton Fire Department at the Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle were, from left, Pam Sutherland, Kord Putnam, John Hoffses, Nathan Kinney and Chris Woodworth. In front is mascot Mike Perkins, whose father Mike Sr. drove the fire truck in the parade.
PUPPY TALES were shared at the Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade, with Howard Cote’s pet pooch Logan getting a personal visit from Sparky the Fire Dog. The Presque Isle man and his dog were just two of many owners and their pets who stood along Main Street Dec. 5 to enjoy the annual event.
