Activities will include a parade of carolers, tree lighting by Santa and special music.

LEWISTON – The downtown will be filled with holiday spirit on Friday, Dec. 5, as Courthouse Plaza will be the site for the first holiday block party celebration. Lisbon Street, from Pine to Main, will be closed from 6 to 8 p.m. to serve as an extended venue for the many activities on tap.

At 6 p.m. members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council will lead a parade of carolers – with candles in hand – from Kennedy Park, down Pine Street, down Lisbon Street, arriving at Courthouse Plaza (groups interested in caroling with them may call 784-2951, extension 110, for more information).

The parade finale will feature Lewiston’s elected officials and community members ushering in the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Lewiston firetruck. At the plaza, Santa will light the Christmas tree, and attendees will have the opportunity to view a menorah provided by Temple Shalom. A brief history of different ethnic celebrations during December will also be highlighted.

Mayor Laurier T. Raymond Jr. will extend a special welcome, along with Mayor-elect Lionel Guay, and a holiday community singalong will also occur. Wagon rides will be a feature of the annual holiday celebration.

In addition, the Lewiston High School Band will perform holiday tunes, and special musical entertainment will be provided by Bette Sanborne and Lewiston Youth Advisory Council Vice Chairwoman Katie Lauze. Phil Chabot will serve as DJ and master of ceremonies.

Children will also have the opportunity to visit with Santa, and L/A Area Youth Cheerleaders will serve as elves. From 6 to 7 p.m. special guest Lewiston Maineiacs mascot, Lewy, will greet attendees.

One-stop shopping will also be available, as Christmas trees will be sold by the Lewiston Rotary Club, and wreaths and ornaments will be available from area businesses.

Residents who purchase trees may have them transported to their vehicles by youth from New Beginnings, Volunteers of America Day Reporting and Bates College. Several Lisbon Street businesses will also be open during the block party.

The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids, 149 Lisbon St., will also be open, and residents may either donate coats for children or pick up a coat for a child in need. In addition, toys may be donated at that location to provide a special treat for needy children during the holiday season. The Salvation Army’s Canteen will be present, providing attendees with hot chocolate.

Lewiston Regional Technical Center Law Enforcement Cadets will be on hand to assist with the activities.

Nick Knowlton, chairman of the 2003 Holiday Celebration Committee, said, “There will no doubt be much holiday excitement in the air, as we come together as a community to share special memories and fun-filled activities.”

In addition to Knowlton, other committee members are Maureen Aube, Paul Badeau, Joline Banaitis, Megan Bates, John Bennett, Claudette Caron, Maggie Chisholm, Lincoln Jeffers, Michael McGonagle, Dawn Mills, Peter Morrell, Councilor Lillian LaFontaine O’Brien, Dottie Perham-Whittier, Susan Reny, Georgette Richard, Dot Treadwell, Christine White and Richard Willing.