Festival Plaza in downtown Auburn, (above) overlooking the Androscoggin River near the James B. Longley Bridge, has become a popular public gathering place to appreciate art, architecture and music throughout the seasons. It is rimmed with silver birches displaying white and colored lights. The lights at New Auburn’s Vincent Square (directly below) depict a typical Santa and his sleigh scene. The building behind, at the juncture of South Main, Mill and Pulsifer streets, was at one time the Vincent Bottling Company. Following several reincarnations, including a furniture and appliance store, it has been converted to apartments under the jurisdiction of the Auburn Housing Authority. And in Sullivan Square in New Auburn, a lone Christmas tree stands sentinel at the entrance, honoring Dinny Sullivan, an Irish immigrant who came to Auburn with his family in 1887 at the age of 13. His siblings became weavers, his father, Jeremiah, helped build many structures and streets, and Sullivan himself prospered as a local merchant. And, not to be outdone, travelers at the intersection of Mount Auburn Avenue and Center Street get some season’s greetings. (Linda Galway photos)
