VAN BUREN, Maine – Van Buren was lit up with colorful lights as dozens of floats drove through town to the delight of hundreds of spectators on Nov. 25 during the town’s fifth annual Christmas Town celebration.
The parade started at 5:30 p.m. at the Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center on State Street. The floats then drove down main street, through downtown, and stopped at Laplante Heights. Town Manager Luke Dyer said it gave residents at both facilities a chance to watch the parade.
The parade was organized by the Van Buren Revitalization Association. The committee has roughly 10 members.
The name “Christmas Town” comes from a nickname given to the town in the 1950s when it was at an economic peak and its streets were lined with shops selling unique items.
In the past, the town also held an annual parade which was discontinued. But, five years ago, the revitalization association started to bring it back.
“They started out just decorating the windows,” said Dyer. “Then, I believe the next year was the parade. It’s been a parade ever since, and it just keeps growing.”
Now, businesses throughout Main Street decorated their windows as part of a scavenger hunt event. And some of the town’s newer businesses, Rustic Treasures, Boards by Tina, and Floral Boutique on Main, stayed open longer than usual as part of the celebration.
Steven Medina, who owns Floral Boutique on Main with his wife Ashley Medina, said they also had a float in the parade. Their truck featured two banners, lights, a waving snowman, and his children tossed candy from the back.
He said business has been extremely busy, particularly in the days leading up to the festivities.
“The last few days we have just been bombarded,” he said.
Medina said he’s looking forward to participating in the event in the coming years.
“Every year we’re going to do something different,” he said. “We’ve got some ideas that we’re going to put into place.”
Rustic Treasures extended their hours up to 7 p.m. for the past weekend’s festivities. The store is normally open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
“We thought we’d stay open and give everyone a chance to come in and see what’s new,” store owner Carol Searles said.
Searles said she first participated in the parade back when it was held in 1999. Her husband’s parents owned a business, RM Lawn Care, and they put on a live manger scene, complete with live goats and lambs.
She said Rustic Treasures did not have time to prepare a float this year, but that they have big plans for next year. But for this year, she said she was happy to be able to participate.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “I feel very blessed for everyone that’s come through and helped us.”
