Volunteers help put up a large Christmas tree in Veterans Memorial Park in Newcastle on Saturday, Nov. 17.
More than 80 evergreen trees – both small and large – were deployed in Damariscotta and Newcastle in preparation for the second annual Villages of Light celebration this Saturday, Nov. 24.
The committee, which is made up of members from the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, the Twin Villages Alliance, the Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle, and other volunteers, have been meeting for the past five months with the goal of bringing more holiday spirit to the Twin Villages.
Five large trees were deployed by volunteers at Veterans Memorial Park and Louis Doe Home Center in Newcastle, and the Chapman-Hall House, Damariscotta River Association’s Round Top Farm, and N.C. Hunt Lumber in Damariscotta.
N.C. Hunt Lumber assisted with the placing of the trees, while Tidewater Telecom strung the lights. Louis Doe Home Center donated the necessary hardware to secure the trees, which are 20 feet tall and taller.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the deployment of the 75 smaller trees took place a day late, on Monday, Nov. 19. Volunteers spent hours in the Twin Villages to deploy 4- to 5-foot live Christmas trees, which will be decorated by the trees’ sponsors.
The festivities on Nov. 24 will kick off at noon, when Santa Claus enters the Twin Villages in style, thanks to Newcastle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Viper and the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce. Santa will then hear Christmas wishes from children in Lincoln Theater. Parents can bring their cameras to capture the moment, or photographer Dennis Boyd will be on scene to take and print photos instantly for $5.
After Santa hears the wishes of all the children, families will be treated to a free showing of the classic Christmas film “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Families with children of all ages can also head over to Skidompha Library from 1-4 p.m. for a free crafting station.
The highlight of the event will be the Parade of Lights, which will start at 4:30 p.m. The parade will follow the traditional route from Mills Road in Newcastle to the Damariscotta Baptist Church in Damariscotta. Participants are asked to be at Lincoln County Publishing Co., at 116 Mills Road in Newcastle, by 3:30 p.m. to get registered and lined up.
This year’s parade will be bigger and better, and all are welcome to participate with a float, as long as it is a holiday-themed entry that is nonpolitical and not controversial or vulgar.
The audience will once again vote for their favorite fire truck, best business float, best nonprofit entry, best spirit, and, of course, the People’s Choice Award. A poll will be posted on the event’s Facebook page after the parade.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors can drop into their favorite eateries for a “cup of cheer.” The Damariscotta River Grill, S. Fernald’s General Store, King Eider’s Pub, The Penalty Box, Newcastle Publick House, Savory Maine, and Van Lloyd’s Bistro are all offering drink or food specials the day of the event.
For more information, find Villages of Light on Facebook and Instagram or email villagesoflight@gmail.com.
