The town of Limestone kicked off the Christmas season in style with its annual Holiday Light Parade on Sunday. Before the start of the parade, cars filled the parking spaces on Main Street, and children waited eagerly on the sidewalks for the chance to see Santa and Mrs. Claus ride down the street in their sleigh. The theme for this year’s parade was, “Jingle Bell Rock.”
“I like seeing Santa Claus and getting candy,” Jayden Ireland said, during the parade. Jayden attended the parade with her parents Amanda and Justin Ireland and sister Payton and family friends Tiffany and Layla Hershy. A few minutes into the event, the Caldwell’s Auto float drove by and someone granted Jayden’s wish, tossing out bags of toys and candy from an open window.
“It’s become a family tradition,” Justin Ireland said. “We like to bring the children every year and they always enjoy seeing the floats.”
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- Floats start lining up at the Limestone Community School just minutes before the start of Limestone’s Holiday Light Parade on Dec. 3. (Melissa Lizotte)
Local businesses and town entities such as Caldwell’s Auto, Crown Ambulance and the Limestone Fire Department made up many of the 12 floats that appeared in the parade. The Cub Scouts of pack 193 won Best Theme for their float and other prizes went to Crown Ambulance for best lights; the Limestone Fire Department for most creative; and Caldwell’s Auto for best business entry.
Though the parade, which began at 6 p.m., was the highlight of the evening, there were many festivities that took place before and after. At 5:15 p.m., Santa Claus had the honor of lighting the town Christmas tree, which was decorated by students from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics’ Key Club. During that event, Julie Weston, owner of Manaus Books and Coffeeshop on Main Street, led community members through many Christmas carols, in Rotary Park including “Deck the Halls,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
After the parade, children hopped on an RSU 39 school bus and headed to the Limestone Community School for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and McGruff the Crime Dog. Families got to enjoy coloring sheets and craft projects while waiting for their turn to meet Santa.
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- The back end of Caldwell’s Auto light parade float, which won best business entry, featured a very large Santa Claus and polar bear. (Courtesy of Susan McCartney)
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- The Limestone Fire Department was named the most creative float during Limestone’s Holiday Light Parade on Sunday, Dec. 3. (Courtesy of Susan McCartney)
Michelle Albert, president of the Limestone Chamber of Commerce, was at the school when the floats were lining up for the start of the light parade. She stated that the parade, which the town has hosted since 1993, has become an essential part of people’s holiday traditions.
“The parade is a great way to officially kick off the season and get everyone in the holiday spirit,” Albert said. “We have had a lot of collaboration within the community, from the fire department to the chamber of commerce to the recreation department and the highway department, to make this event possible and we’re really grateful for everyone’s support.”
Community spirit was present throughout the evening as families watched in awe while the parade floats passed through Main Street on their way to MSSM. Carol Beil attended the parade with her son, Frank Beil, and her granddaughter, Jenna Beil. She remarked on how great it was to see so many community members, from families to town officials, enjoying one another’s company.
“I’ve been watching the parade every year for 15 years and I think it’s great that the townspeople come out to see it, too, and to talk with people,” Beil said.
As Beil talked, Jenna ran around excitedly, still thrilled from seeing her favorite Christmas icon in action. “She really liked seeing Santa Claus,” Beil said.
She later noted that the parade, “gives people a nice start to the season.”
(Photos couresty of Melissa Lizotte and Susan McCartney)
