Bangor lights glow, amid falling snow Holidays arrive on tails of blizzard

Swaddled in parkas, scarves, long underwear and the occasional fleece blanket, hundreds of people braved the season’s first blizzard to attend Bangor’s tree lighting and fourth annual Festival of Lights Parade Saturday night.

When the festivities began at 4:30 p.m. in West Market Square, the snow was just beginning to fall onto the outstretched tongues of hopeful little boys. Couples huddled together for a holiday kiss to warm the dark afternoon.

Mittened hands vainly tried to applaud the Brian Nadeau Brass Ensemble, a group of horn players from throughout the region who added the sound of carols to the smell of evergreen and the sight of snow swirling in the crisp air.

“It may be a little nasty, but why would you have a holiday parade and a tree lighting if you didn’t have snow, right? This is Maine, not Florida,” said emcee Steve Robbins before leading the crowd in a countdown of “one … two … three … tree!”

The 44-foot blue spruce donated by Sprague Nurseries came alive with a thousand golden lights just moments before the holiday parade – led by a big orange snowplow – made its way through downtown.

This year’s parade comprised more than 40 entries, with only a handful of cancellations, mostly from groups with out-of-town members worried about the drive home, Debora Farnham of Bangor Noontime Rotary said Sunday.

“Trees and decorations were blowing over from time to time, but folks were smiling and enthusiastic,” she wrote in a statement sent out Sunday morning.

Majorettes shivered as they pranced down the street twirling glowing batons, and martial arts students marched with twinkle lights strung around their waists.

A sleigh full of clowns was pulled, not by tiny reindeer, but by giant chickens. Live Nativity scenes featured wise men in knit face masks and Burger King crowns.

Dr. Seuss’ Grinch made several appearances, as groups enacted the parade’s theme, “Open Your Hearts.”

Downtown markets did a brisk business in coffee and hot chocolate. More than a few spectators ducked into the Grasshopper Shop or Epic Sports to warm their feet and came out laden with packages.

High above Main Street, a crowd gathered in the upstairs windows of the Whig and Courier, imbibing a little holiday spirit while they watched. In an apartment overlooking the square, a young couple set up their Christmas tree in the window as the lighted floats passed below.

Sally Page of Bangor roamed the crowd dressed as Mrs. Claus, handing out fresh-baked cookies from the Phillip Strickland Home, as she does every year.

“They love it, and I love to watch them,” Page said of the children nibbling as they waited for Santa, who rode into town on the last float of the night.

While trying to drag his 4- and 5-year-old daughters away from the fun of making snow angels on the sidewalk, Tim Oullette of Bangor said that, if anything, the seasonal weather improved the parade.

“With the snow falling, and the brass band … I think the storm made it really nice,” he said.

Trophy winners, selected by judges David Hughes, president of Bangor Noontime Rotary, Mayor Dan Tremble and Michael Cowley of Eastern Maine Charities, are as follows:

Best Overall Entry: All Saints Catholic School.

Theme Award: The Morgan Hill Dancers.

Outstanding Adult Entry: Bangor Harley Owners Group.

Outstanding Commercial Entry: Bangor Hydro-Electric Co.

Outstanding Non-Profit Entry: Clifton Area Snowmobile Club.

Outstanding Performing Entry: Northern Lights Dance Arts.

Outstanding Youth Entry: Pack 301 Cub Scouts, Bangor.