Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Star City will be shining with hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights as the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 18th annual Holiday Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1, starting at 7 p.m. Entrants will gather at the former Smythe’s parking lot on North Street beginning at 5:30 p.m. From there, the parade will head south along Main Street, destined for the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Participants will be judged based on various criteria, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Trophies will be awarded prior to the start of the parade.
Officials advise parents to keep children a safe distance from moving vehicles and floats in the parade. There will be no candy throwing allowed. Those wishing to dispense candy are asked to have walkers hand out the treats to ensure safety for all.
With each passing year, the parade has grown in popularity, with spectators coming from throughout Aroostook County to take in the sights and sounds of the event designed to welcome the holiday season.
One entrant is looking forward to making the journey in his powered wheelchair, complete with holiday lights.
Adam MacDonald, who has a devastating form of Muscular Dystrophy known as Duchenne, will be braving the cold weather during this year’s parade, according to his mother Cheryl MacDonald.
“He’ll be traveling down the parade route in his motorized wheelchair pulling his new wagon he and I purchased this summer. He’ll be doing a fund-raiser for two causes – selling two types of candles that are already individually wrapped and ready for gift-giving this holiday season – with funds going to benefit breast cancer awareness and Habitat for Humanity. All funds will be donated locally,” said MacDonald.
Candles are available for $7 each and come in two fragrances: House of Hugs Gingerbread and Courage Cinnamon.
MacDonald said her son is looking forward to helping others this holiday season.
“Adam says it will feel great to be able to give to others in need of funds as he has done in the past and still does today, raising funds for his cause – finding a cure for Duchenne MD. Adam received this year’s MDA state of Maine Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award for all he’s done regarding raising funds for MDA and educating the public about his form of MD and also advocating for the disabled and their 24/7 caregivers,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald said her son hopes to inspire others to support such causes when they see him in this year’s parade, braving the cold to spread awareness.
“Adam doesn’t go out much in the winter. People may remember seeing him out and about more in past winters, but as he has poor body heat circulation now and gets cold easily, he doesn’t get out as much,” said MacDonald. “We will have a vehicle available in case he gets too cold and can’t finish the parade route. We’ll continue to sell candles along the way, even if we have to do it from the van.”
Be sure to watch for the MacDonalds and their volunteers and give them a holler if you’re interested in purchasing a candle to help a good cause – or two.
To register a float for this year’s Holiday Light Parade, contact the Chamber at 764-6561.
