PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The holiday season is lighting up Central Aroostook once again! The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join us for the 37th Annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s theme, “Mele Kalikimaka”, promises a festive evening filled with holiday lights, creativity, music and plenty of Christmas spirit!
“It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating the 37th year of the Holiday Light Parade! This will be my eighth year coordinating the event, and it continues to be one of my favorite community traditions. There is something truly special about seeing our businesses, organizations and families come together to create an evening of holiday magic. Pete Lento and I are excited to return as your parade announcers once again, and we can’t wait to see what everyone brings to this year’s Mele Kalikimaka theme. Every year, our community finds a way to make this event memorable, and I know this year will be no exception!,” LaNiece Sirois, executive director, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, said.
Float lineup begins at 4:30 p.m. at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The parade route begins at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and travels to North Street. Judging and announcing will be on Main Street, in front of Gary’s Furniture & Appliance. Please be aware that Main Street will be closed to traffic during the parade.
A few important reminders for participants and spectators:
Theme and judging: Float entries that incorporate the Mele Kalikimaka theme will receive extra points from the judges. Additional points may also be earned by incorporating performances for the judges along the parade route. Bring your creativity, add a little island flair, and give the judges something to remember!
Candy may not be thrown from floats. It may be handed directly to spectators.
A special visit from the North Pole: It is our honor to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus all the way from the North Pole! They will be joining us as the final float in the parade. There may be a little gap before their arrival, so please be patient and enjoy the festivities. Spectators are encouraged to stay along the parade route and enjoy the entire parade until Santa and Mrs. Claus make their special appearance. Their arrival signals the official end of the festivity! Santa and Mrs. Claus are our official parade guests, so no additional Santas are permitted in other entries.
Float registration is free, and all businesses, organizations, community groups and individuals are encouraged to join the parade. Register your float at centralaroostookchamber.com.
Gather your friends, light up your floats, dust off those Hawaiian shirts and help us make this year’s parade one to remember. Let’s trade snowflakes for palm trees, turn up the Christmas lights and bring a little island magic to Aroostook County. Mele Kalikimaka!
