The holiday season in Belgrade officially gets underway Saturday when Belgrade Lakes Village hosts its 18th Annual Holiday Stroll.
The day begins with a holiday craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons and includes a gingerbread house contest.
At 4 p.m., Santa Claus will light the tree, which stands more than 50 feet tall, in the village triangle. The event runs until 7 p.m. and includes horse-drawn wagon rides and caroling by the Messalonskee High School chorus.
“It brings everyone together with a goodwill feeling toward the holidays and gives everyone a chance to get together before the business of the season takes over,” said Valenica Schubert, president of the event’s sponsor, the Belgrade Lakes Region Business Group. “It encompasses all of the fun that the holidays should have.”
After lighting the tree, Santa Claus will ride a fire engine through town before stopping at the Maine Lakes Resource Center, where Schubert expects he will be greeted by more than 200 visitors.
Restaurants and businesses along Main Street will host activities throughout the evening.
The Hello, Good Pie Bakery and Gourmet Kitchen is hosting its first holiday stroll open house, featuring holiday treats and samples, and visitors can make their own s’mores at Day’s Store.
Others participating include the 1830 House on Long Pond, which has apple cider doughnuts, pies and other treats for sale. Musicians Goodbye Blue Sky will perform at Lakepoint Real Estate, while Gerry and Danielle Fotter sing at Day’s Store.
In addition to the school’s chorus, the Messalonskee High School robotics club will offer demonstrations at the Belgrade Lakes post office.
Belgrade Lakes Region Business Group consists of more than 70 businesses and has sponsored the holiday stroll since it began in 1999.
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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