Bangor’s tree lighting, parade this Saturday

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People planning to attend Bangor’s annual Festival of Lights Tree Lighting and Parade need to know there is one major change this year, reports Steve Robbins, who is coordinating the event this Saturday, Dec. 6.

The tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by Bangor Center Corp., will begin at 4:30 p.m. in West Market Square. At the same time, the parade, sponsored by Bangor Rotary, will begin at the corner of Buck and Main streets.

The parade will proceed through downtown Bangor then onto Hammond, State and Exchange streets before ending at the corner of Exchange and Hancock streets.

“The difference, this year, is the tree lighting will be first, followed immediately by the parade, which will start at the same time and which, we hope, will dovetail to make it an overall, exciting event,” Robbins said.

The 40-foot blue spruce tree gracing West Market Square was donated by Sprague’s Nursery.

Robbins also said that from 3 p.m. on, the Holiday Brass will perform downtown while Mrs. Claus dispenses cookies, and Hood’s offers samples of eggnog.

“We think it should be a fun time for all,” Robbins added.

Gov. John Baldacci will visit the fifth annual Celebrity Bagging for Charity Event, which will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today at Wal-Mart in Bangor.

Television personalities from the Bangor NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates will participate in the fund-raiser with local radio celebrities.

The 10th annual Lincoln Congregational Church Christmas House Tour will take place noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in that community.

Tickets are $10 for the self-guided tour, and are available by calling Carol Marino, 794-8336, or at Possibilities on Main Street in Lincoln.

Jackie Thurlow reports that the event, a major fund-raiser, “is a tremendous success and very well received by area residents. Many of us have made the tour a seasonal tradition to put us in the holiday spirit.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts, snacks, arts and crafts, music and more await Washington County children ages 1-10 who attend the University of Maine at Machias International Club fourth annual Christmas Party 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 6, in Kimball Hall on the UMM campus.

Senior Richard Eckendorff of Frankfurt, Germany, is Santa, junior Shenele Lamaison of Antigua is Mrs. Claus, and all youngsters can have their picture taken with them.

Hampden Academy Dollars for Scholars will be the host for “Breakfast with Santa” 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Reeds Brook Middle School.

Admission is $2.50 per person or $10 per family.

Photos with Santa will be available for $2 each, and a bake sale is also featured.

Cindy Greenacre reports that “100 percent of the money raised goes for college scholarships for students in the organization who work to earn hours by donating their time at fund-raisers. The hours they earn equal scholarship money at graduation.”

Members of the Ladies Friendship Club of East Blue Hill Village Church invite you to their annual Christmas Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the church on Route 176.

The sale features crafts, baked goods, and chili and hot dogs for lunch, Louise Shackett said, and proceeds help cover “extra expenses” incurred by the church.

Pembroke Historical Society will be host for a Craft Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Pembroke Elementary School.

Down East crafters, photographers and artists include: Mark and Arlene Wren, Robbinston; Fred and Patty Hartman, Whiting; Joan Dodge, Alexander; Don Sutherland, Eastport; Fred Knapp, Princeton; Dana Richardson, Harrington; Joan Edwards, Pembroke; Ellen Brown, Perry; and Theo McDonough of Charlotte.

You will find painted wooden baskets, handmade quilts, Christmas decorations and toys, as well as back issues of the PHS quarterly newsletter and other society memorabilia.

Framed pictures of vintage scenes of Charlotte, Pembroke and surrounding communities will be available along with food, refreshments and a Chinese raffle.

Viola Sargent hopes you attend the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth annual Christmas Fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the church on Church Street.

It features “crafts, food, ornaments, handmade toys and apparel and unusual gifts galore, including berry bowls,” she wrote, making “your Christmas shopping easy” and when you need a break, “relax in our tea room!”

Shop and dine at the Holy Family Parish Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 6, at the parish hall on Brunswick Street in Old Town.

Lorraine Dunn reports the day includes popovers at 9 a.m., lunch at 11:30 and a bean supper at 5 p.m.

Along with you, Santa Claus will be checking out the white elephants, crafts, baked goods, raffles and a silent auction.

Ruth Leubecker promises “something for everyone, plus a great and traditional event for ushering in the holiday season” at the Down East Community Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Craft Fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Washington Academy gymnasium in East Machias.

You will enjoy a “varied, delectable lunch menu,” and you can purchase craft items, doll clothes, framed prints and drawings, baskets, fruitcakes and aprons.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.