RUMFORD – After being canceled for the first time in its history, the Christmas in the Valley parade has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday.

River Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Secretary Tammi Lyons said nearly all of the two dozen floats that had planned to participate last Sunday will take part this Sunday.

The earlier time was set to allow for the annual Living Nativity that takes places at 3 p.m. and other Christmas events previously scheduled.

Lyons said the decision to cancel last week’s parade came after discussions with local police and parade committee Co-chairwoman Rosie Bradley.

“We were never faced with so much snow before. A few inches would have been OK, but not this much,” she said. “It was to everyone’s benefit to postpone it. The parade is supposed to be a joyous time, we didn’t want anyone to get hurt.”

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. from Dirigo High School, then proceed across the tiny bridge that connects Dixfield with Mexico to the King Hiram Lodge where the parade will disband.

Participants will reassemble the parade at Labonville in Mexico, proceed across the Red Bridge and onto Lincoln Avenue in Rumford, circle the rotary, then head down Congress Street to the decorated tree where Santa will flip the switch for the lights.

Children are invited to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and receive small gifts at Hotel Harris after the parade.

With the earlier starting time, Lyons said, “People can be festive throughout the whole day.”

eadams@sunjournal.com

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