ROCKLAND – Barbara Palacios, former Miss Universe and current Revlon model, will be in Rockland to help kick off the city’s Festival of Lights celebration.

The Rockland Festival of Lights officially begins Friday, Nov. 24, with Santa arriving by boat at the Public Landing at 11 a.m., parading down Main Street and stopping at his workshop to visit with everyone.

Santa will be in his shop on Saturdays through December 16 to hear the wishes of children.

Palacios and Mayor James Raye will light the town tree at 6:30 p.m. Friday, in Chapman Park, where the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

On Saturday, the Chamber will sponsor its 21st annual holiday craft market at the Samoset Resort.

On Friday, Dec. 8, the galleries along Main Street will host Gallery Night and serve light refreshments and remain be open until 8 p.m. The festival continues on Dec.9 with several of Rockland’s inns opening their doors to the public for a holiday open house. Each will be decorated for the season and will provide tours.

The finale for the Festival of Lights will come at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, with the Parade of Lights. People will place donations of canned goods or new toys on the floats of their choice, with all items being donated to the Salvation Army.

For information and a complete schedule, visit the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.midcoast.com/~rtacc, call the Chamber at 596-0376, or stop by the Chamber building at the Public Landing, Harbor Park, Rockland.