News Briefs

Craft Fair is this weekend
    The Houlton Winter Crafts and Gifts Fair will be held on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24 at the Gentle Memorial Building. New times for both days at the fair this year are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual holiday event is free to all that attend. There will be more than 50 different exhibitors displaying their crafts. Make plans now to attend the fair and get some of that Christmas shopping done.
Holiday Light Parade kicks off Saturday
    The annual Holiday Light Parade, sponsored by the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday, starting at 6 p.m.
    The parade begins in the Houlton Shopping Plaza on the North Road and continues down North Road to Market Square. A tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the town Christmas Tree in Market Square, but unlike last year, the parade will not end there. After the tree is lit by Santa Claus, the parade will continue to the Chamber of Commerce, where an area will be set up for local children to meet with Santa and have a photo taken. The remaining floats will continue to the Gentle Memorial Building parking lot.
Cruisn’ for Kids needs toys
    The North Country Cruisers “Cruisin’ For Kids” Toy Drive to benefit local charities will officially kick off its campaign at the annual Light Parade on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Houlton. Anyone who would like to donate a toy should see a club member passing out candy at the parade, or drop one in drop boxes located at Polaris Cable, York’s of Houlton, Beals Variety, Shiretown Video Variety and the Houlton Chamber of Commerce.
    For those who want to donate money, look for donation bottles located at many of the local stores.
    “We are a local club, with all toys staying local and all money spent is local,” said North Country Cruiser President Tim McAtee.
    Any organization in need of toys, should call 532-8692.
    “Thank you all for your support in the past,” added McAtee. “I am looking forward to this year.”
Robinson Ballet brings Nutcracker to Houlton
    Tickets are now on sale for this year’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project and Houlton Community Arts Center Council are hosting the performance, which is being generously sponsored by T.D. Bank. Contributing sponsors include York’s of Houlton, Hassan Abouleish and Iva and Ted Sussman.
    This delightful holiday classic, presented by the Robinson Ballet, is complete with sets, costumes and a cast of over 45 dancers.
    This year, teachers from the company will be providing a master class to local students, teaching some of the choreography from the show and allowing students a first-hand look at how a production of this size is put together.
    This production is a fundraiser for phase II of the Arts Expansion Project.
    Tickets are available at the Houlton School of Dance, 694-1889; York’s Bookstore; York’s of Houlton, 532-6534; and Visions Art Gallery, 532-9119. Tickets are $12 for adults 18 and over, $8 for seniors 62 and over and for children.
Salvation Army taking applications
    The Salvation Army will be taking applications for Christmas baskets, toys and the Angel Tree from now through Dec. 14 each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    The Salvation Army is located on 12 Court St., Houlton.
    All applicants are required to bring Social Security cards for each member of the household and proof of income and expenses for the last 30 days. Those receiving TANF and Food Stamps must provide documentation. The information will allow for an assessment of all needs.
    For questions or concerns, call Major Irma Pearl at 532-2322.