The University took part once again in the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Light Parade on Dec. 7 with a “Music Box” themed float—complete with a lighted music box large enough for Hootie to fit into as well as a cadre of holiday dancers. The Holiday Light Parade draws thousands of spectators to the Downtown for what has become a traditional kick-off to the season in The County.
In a design created by UMPI’s Art Club-Studio 923, Hootie the Owl oversaw all the parade fun from a hand-crafted music box complete with wind-up crank. A crowd of student-athletes from the Women’s Softball team and Men’s Baseball team danced to songs “playing” from the music box, including holiday songs with original choreography. The whole entourage was led by members of UMPI’s Nordic Ski Team, and taking up the gear, in the gator, were UMPI President Ray Rice and UMPI Owl Sharon Roix.
In addition to the float, the University also hosted its annual holiday reception at Gentile Hall ahead of the parade. During parade line-up, Jason and Cooper Towers served as a “hosting crew,” delivering free hot cocoa, cookies, and good cheer to people waiting in line for the parade to begin.
This year’s parade route started at UMPI and ended at North Street Healthcare facility with the parade awards ceremony as well as hot cocoa and cookies inside the main lobby as the entries made their way to North Street.
Special thanks to Alissa Edwards, the UMPI Art Club-Studio 923, Al Levesque, Sarah Duncklee, Delanie Strout, John Harding, Joe Moir, Mark Woodman, Melanee Terry, and the Sodexo crew for their help in bringing an extra sparkle to this year’s Light Parade.
