Page 10 - Newsletter_Fall_2022

Fireworks, Christmas lights

illuminate the night skies in Houlton

By Joseph Cyr ‘89
Asst. Editor and Senior Reporter for the County Papers

HOULTON, Maine -- November 28, 2022 -- Fireworks explode into the night sky at the conclusion of Houlton's Holiday Light Parade Saturday
evening. Market Square was filled to near capacity for the official arrival of Santa Claus to the Shiretown. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

signed up do not show if the the first volley of a nearly
weather is bad. Conversely, 20-minute fireworks display
like this year, when the was launched.
weather was mild, more show
up on the night of the event. “Thanks to a clear night, a
red, green and white theme
She estimated there were and the skilled professionals
more than 30 floats in this from Central Maine the
year’s parade. display was a total crowd
pleaser,” Torres said. “It is
As a bonus, Long Road heartwarming to be able
Energy, a member of the to bring so much joy to
Chamber, donated funds our community and the
for the fireworks display Chamber is looking forward
HOULTON, Maine — The Santa rode into Market staged from Riverfront Park. to more great events in
holiday season is officially Square in style on a float As soon as the tree was lit, 2023.”
underway in Houlton, decorated by Serendipitous
following the arrival of Santa Dragonfly,” said Jane Torres,
Claus for the town’s annual executive director for the The parade heralds the official
Holiday Light Parade. Greater Houlton Chamber
of Commerce. “Honestly, the start to the holiday season . . .
The parade heralds the businesses and organizations
official start to the holiday did an outstanding job
season, complete with decorating this year, all very
the lighting of the town’s clever floats and vehicles and
Christmas tree. After many used the theme of ‘The
illuminating the tree, a large Spirit of Giving.’ We actually
pyrotechnic display filled the lost count of the entries as
night sky as fireworks were floats were still arriving as we
launched near the Gateway were lining them up for the
Crossing Bridge. start.”

Following the dazzling Exactly how many floats
display, Santa met with a will be in the parade is
long line of children eager always a bit of a mystery.
to whisper their Christmas Although Torres asks people
wishes at Serendipitous to register in advance, several
HOULTON, Maine — November 28, 2022 — Lainey Tarr '09 puts
Dragonfly on Main Street. floats usually just show up the finishing touches on a vehicle Saturday evening for the annual
“The weather was perfect, on the night of the event. Holiday Light Parade in Houlton. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer
Times)
the crowd was huge and Sometimes those who have

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