BANGOR – Downtown Bangor will be aglow as the Bangor Rotary Festival of Lights Parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. More than 50 floats, performing groups and marching units created by area businesses, schools, religious and nonprofit organizations are expected to light up the parade route.

The parade, sponsored by Adelphia, will start on Exchange Street, cross State Street onto Harlow Street, turn left down Central Street, cross Hammond to Main Street, continue past Union Street and end at the corner of Main and Cedar streets.

This year’s parade theme, Traditions of the Season, will reflect the many diverse celebrations that take place throughout the season in Maine and around the world – from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Rudolph and Frosty.

Spectators along the parade route can light up the night by purchasing a fiber optic light wand at the Parade Reviewing Stand in West Market Square and along the parade route starting at 3:30 p.m.

The Bangor Rotary and Adelphia are joining members of the Bangor Skate Park Committee to sell the light wands for $5. All proceeds will benefit the skate park fund.

The parade will take place rain or snow and spectators are encouraged to dress in layers for extra warmth. In the event of severe winter weather, the parade will be held at the same time on Sunday.

Also on Saturday, the Warren Center will present the film classic “White Christmas” with showings at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Bangor Opera House.

Bangor Center Corp. in conjunction with Bangor Hydro will present a special lighting ceremony in memory of Brian Flynn at 4:15 p.m. at Kenduskeag Mall. The annual community tree-lighting ceremony will take place immediately after the parade at about 5:30 p.m. in West Market Square.

Parking is banned on the streets along the parade route from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Drivers not attending these events should plan alternate travel routes to avoid traffic delays and street closures in downtown Bangor.