Light Parade magical for all
Photo courtesy of Joel Johndro/The Aroostook Medical Center
HADLEY McLEAN, a 9-year-old brain cancer survivor of Presque Isle, rode high in the Holiday Light Parade Saturday on this tractor provided by MPG Truck & Tractor. Once the tractor reached the Lights of Life tree at the Main Street business, McLean, who has since been named Miss Maine Princess, flipped the switch to illuminate the 20-foot tall tree which represents survivors, family and friends of survivors, caregivers, and others who have been touched by cancer in some way.
PRESQUE ISLE — Saturday night’s 23rd annual Holiday Light Parade, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, put smiles on many peoples’ faces and filled them with the Christmas spirit. The parade traveled from North Street to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The magic of the well-decorated floats was increased by the equally decorated businesses greeting them along the way.
At the North Street Plaza just before the parade began, The Aroostook Medical Center unveiled the large poster featuring the December honoree for the County Cancer Hall of Courage, Hadley McLean.
The parade, led by Presque Isle Police Department and Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, Presque Isle Key Club carrying the opening banner and Presque Isle Boy Scouts serving as the Honor Guard, stopped at MPG Truck & Tractor to allow McLean, Miss Maine Princess, an opportunity to light the “Lights of Life” tree. As TAMC celebrates its 100th anniversary, the “Lights of Life” tree lighting will be a tradition carried forward.
The streets were lined with anxious spectators before 6 p.m. for the parade that started at 7 p.m. In addition to TAMC, other businesses offered hot chocolate and hot apple cider along the route.
Representatives of Toys for Tots, the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club and TAMC collected toys for Christmas baskets. Catholic Charities of Maine, with a float that demonstrated the magic of giving, collected food valued at $1,200 and $500 in cash donations to aid those in need through the holiday season and beyond. Northern Maine Community College employees and students shared books with children of all ages as they accompanied their magical float along Main Street. A group of young men giving free hugs was one of the highlights for many. This group has been walking the parade route offering hugs for five years.
“It is thrilling to see the enthusiasm and magic of the season spread and shared by so many,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the chamber.
Floats this year for the first time included the Acadian Congress and Can-Am Sled Dog Race.
There were winners in five categories. Parade Champion was Aroostook Regional Transportation System whose entry resembled a train caboose with a conductor inviting everyone to climb aboard the Christmas Express.
Best General Award went to Bigrock Mountain with a ski lift carrying the Mars Hill royalty. State Road Advent Christian Church from Mapleton took home the Faith-Based Award. Donovan’s Tree Service captured the Business category with an elaborate “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” entry. The Grinch certainly did not take the Christmas spirit from Presque Isle Saturday evening. Mapleton Fire Department with a well-lit patriotic fire truck was the non-profit category winner.
UMPI hosted the general public and parade participants at Gentile Hall after the parade where trophies were presented by Chamber President Jim McKenney. All spectators were treated to a beautiful evening of amazing color and light.
“The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the Presque Isle Police Department for escorting the parade, the City of Presque Isle and the Maine Department of Transportation for allowing the parade to travel Route 1 (Main Street), and the many organizations and businesses who contributed to the success of the parade by creating floats and decorating everything from horses to snowplows,” said Fowler.
