PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The scent of hot chocolate wafted through the crisp December air Saturday evening as Presque Isle’s 32nd annual Holiday Light Parade lit up Main Street.
The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which featured 50 sparkling floats and vehicles along with marchers spreading candy and holiday cheer to the hundreds of onlookers lining the sidewalks.
The evening kicked off with a short half-mile fun run hosted by Hub Coffee. Participants began at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and ended at the finish line at Hub Coffee, where they were greeted by smiling faces, hot chocolate and chocolate covered pretzels.
“It was a great run, and the light parade is a great event for the area,” said fun run participant Stacy Shaw. “It’s a win-win.”
The parade began from UMPI at 6 p.m. Floats and cars of all shapes and sizes joined the lineup, with entries from local businesses, community organizations, schools, colleges, churches and more, including Catholic Charities Maine’s Feed the County.
A crowd gathers outside Hub Coffee in Presque Isle Saturday, Dec. 4, after a fun run before the Holiday Light Parade. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
The parade drew crowds not just from Presque Isle, but from neighboring towns, and even around the world.
Kacper Pikula, a Poland native, was in town visiting a friend when he was convinced to check out the parade.
“It was our friend’s idea,” Pikula said. “We heard it’s the most interesting thing to do here right now, so we had to.”
Wind was mild but the chilly temperatures were palpable. Many businesses along Main Street offered free hot chocolate for parade viewers who needed to get out of the cold for a moment.
The parade came to its conclusion with Santa and Mrs. Claus making their annual appearance, spreading holiday cheer and jolly smiles to all that they passed.
For many, the holiday light parade is a source of great family memories.
“I traveled here after all my daughters had gone off to school,” said Stockholm resident Joe Thibodeau. “We used to make it an annual trip. It is good to see everyone in the community out like this.”
There were five categories for judging: Parade Champion, Best Business, Best Non-Profit, Best Faith Based and Best General Float.
The chamber has yet to announce the winners of the parade.
A colorfully lit fire truck from the Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman Fire Department makes its way down Main Street Saturday during Presque Isle’s Holiday Light Parade. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
