Holiday festivities kick off in Gardiner this week with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at Johnson Park Tuesday night as part of the month-long Days of Light celebrations.
Starting at 5 p.m., the Gardiner Main Street event includes caroling, a bake sale and performances from Maine-ly Harmony, an a capella women’s chorus, and the Ampersand Academy of Dance and Performing Arts. Santa Claus is scheduled to light the tree at 6 p.m.
“The tree lighting sets off our holiday season,” said Melissa Lindley, program director for Gardiner Main Street. “We’ve done it for at least the last 15 years.”
Tony LaPlante, the director of the city’s public works department, said the city got its official tree from a property owner in Chelsea who needed it removed in order to build a house. LaPlante estimated that the tree stands between 25 and 27 feet tall.
“It worked out pretty well for us,” LaPlante said.
The city’s festivities continue Saturday with a holiday parade at 4:30 p.m. along Water Street. Lindley said she expects at least 20 participants to take part in the parade, and each entry will include a light display.
Other events throughout the month include an ugly sweater contest Saturday, women’s shopping night Dec. 11 and a variety show on Dec. 19.
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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