Despite a rainy weekend courtesy of Mother Nature, 75 Christmas trees – both small and large – were deployed in Damariscotta and Newcastle in preparation for the Villages of Light celebration this Saturday, Nov. 30.
The event, now in its third year, is put together by a committee of volunteers with the hope of making the Twin Villages a little bit brighter and sparking the community’s spirit around the holidays.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, five large trees were deployed and lit at Veterans Memorial Park and Louis Doe Home Center, of Newcastle, and the Chapman-Hall House, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, and N.C. Hunt Lumber, all in Damariscotta. The deployment would not have been possible if it weren’t for N.C. Hunt Lumber’s assistance in placing the trees and the lighting assistance of Tidewater Telecom. Louis Doe Home Center also continues to support the event by donating the necessary hardware to secure the trees, which are 20 feet tall and taller.
The smaller sponsored trees were deployed in the rain throughout the Twin Villages on Sunday, Nov. 24. More than 60 businesses and individuals sponsored and will decorate the 4- to 5-foot live Christmas trees.
The full festivities get underway Saturday at noon, when Santa Claus will arrive in 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 of all ages at Lincoln Theater. Parents can bring their cameras to capture the moment, or they can take in the magic while Dennis Boyd Photography snaps a professional photo. Boyd will provide parents and guardians log-in information to download the photo online for free.
After Santa hears the wishes from all the children, families will be treated to a free showing of the 2004 holiday film “The Polar Express.” Based on the popular children’s book of the same name, the movie tells the story of a young boy who takes a train to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Families can also head over to Cupacity in downtown Damariscotta from 12:30-4 p.m. for free kids crafts, made possible with volunteers from Healthy Lincoln County. SugarSpell will be popping up at the cafe with some sweet treats available for purchase.
The Chickadee Flea, in Damariscotta, will offer complimentary refreshments all day during the event. Starting at 3:30 p.m., Newcastle Realty will be on the sidewalk in Damariscotta with a hot chocolate bar, cookies, and a few raffle gifts. Darick Herald from Coastal Car Wash and Detail Center will be on hand playing festive music to help the crowd get in the spirit before the Parade of Lights begins 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, between 3:30 and 4 p.m. to register and line 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.
Residents and visitors can drop into their favorite eateries to purchase a special “cup of cheer” after the event. Cupacity, Damariscotta River Grill, King Eider’s Pub, Newcastle Publick House, The Penalty Box, Racha Noodle Bar, River House, Que Rico, and Y-Knot Underground are all offering specials for purchase.
For more information, find Villages of Light on Facebook and Instagram or email villagesoflight@gmail.com.