HOULTON, Maine — Holiday lights illuminated the night sky Saturday in Houlton as thousands of people gathered along the streets and in Market Square to watch the annual Holiday Light Parade.
More than 20 floats were featured in this year’s parade, which according to Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca, drew more than 2,500 people to the Shiretown.
“It really exceeded our expectations with some of the best decorated floats I have ever seen,” said Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “For the first time ever I didn’t think Santa was going to make it to the Co-Op because there were so many kids who wanted to touch and talk to him.”
Torres said putting the parade together each year is “nail-biting” because she never knows for certain how many floats will actually be in the parade. Groups do pre-register, but sometimes those that have signed up do not show, if the weather is bad. Conversely, there have been years where few pre-registered, but many showed up on the night of the event.
The parade heralds the official start to the holiday season, complete with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus. The couple then met with a long line of children eager to whisper their Christmas wish list at the County Co-Op and Farm Store on Main Street.
“I like seeing all the families out to watch, and all the smiling faces of the kids,” said Henry Gartley of Houlton. “It is a great family event and it’s great to see so many people here in Market Square.”
For Brynn Stewart, 5, of Hodgdon, the best part of Saturday’s parade was a certain man in a red suit, but not the one most would think of. “I like the Grinch,” she said. “Because I have that movie.”
Ellie Moore, 8, of Amity, and her little sister Gwen, 6, on the other hand were more interested in the traditional jolly old elf. “I can’t wait to see Santa,” Ellie said. “I am super-duper excited,” added Gwen.
(Pioneer Times photos/Joseph Cyr)
