SOUTH PARIS — The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Parade and Festival of Trees.
The Christmas Parade will at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, starting on the corner of Whitman and Main streets in Norway and running to Market Square in South Paris. This year’s theme is “Christmas Time.” All parade participants must register online through the chamber’s website, oxfordhillsmaine.com, or call the office at 207-743-2281. All may participate at no cost, but those who want to register a float to be judged must pay a $25 fee.
The chamber’s annual Festival of Trees will be held at the Twin Town Plaza, 243 Main St., again this year.
Local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals will donate fully decorated artificial trees and the public can view all the trees on display at no cost.
“There will be no admission fee for this event, thanks to the generosity of Speedway Inc. and the Bahre family,” said John Williams, execuitive director. “Raffle tickets will be on sale for those who wish to take a chance at winning their favorite tree.”
At least 20 percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities. Last year’s donation totaled $3,000 and was split between the Rightstart Christmas programs and area food pantries. The chamber’s tree at this event will remain a donation drop-off location for the Christmas for the Kids and Christmas for Teens program. People will also be able to take tags off the donation tree to buy gifts for local children.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30. It will be closed during the parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make an appearance at the event after the parade. Tree winners will be notified by phone on Saturday after the event closes. Winners must pick up their trees between 10 a.m and 2 Sunday, Dec. 1.
“The Festival of Trees is a great community event and a great way to kick off the holiday season. And, if you’re lucky, you could end up with a fully decorated tree just in time for Christmas,” said Williams.
PHOTO: The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce’s annual Festival of Trees is Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30. (Submitted photo)
