Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Christmas Parade and Festival of Trees Thanksgiving Weekend
Mark your calendars for the weekend of November 24 because that’s when the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Parade and Festival of Trees.
The Christmas Parade will be Saturday, November 25 at 11 a.m. and starts on the corner of Whitman and Main Streets in Norway and runs to Market Square in South Paris. This year’s theme is “The 12 Days of Christmas.” All parade participants need to register online through the Chamber’s website, oxfordhillsmaine.com, or call the office at 743.2281. There is a $35 fee only to register a float to be judged. All others may participate at no cost.
The Chamber’s Annual Festival of Trees event will be held at the Twin Town Plaza located on 243 Main Street in South Paris again this year.
Local businesses, organizations, groups and individuals will donate a fully decorated artificial tree and the general 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. Raffle tickets will be on sale for those who wish to take a chance at winning their favorite tree,” noted Williams.
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 purchase gifts for local children.
The event begins on Friday, November 24 from 5-8 p.m. On Saturday, November 25, the event will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, it will close during the parade. On Sunday, November 26, the event will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make an appearance at the event after the parade and again on Sunday. Tree winners will be notified by phone on Sunday after the event closes. Winners will need to pick up their trees on Monday, November 27 between 12-6 p.m.
“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,” added Williams.
Photo caption: The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce’s annual Festival of Trees event is Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26 at the Twin Town Plaza, 2243 Main Street, South Paris. There is no admission fee for this event. Raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win one of the trees.