LEWISTON – Portland Ballet “Nutcracker” characters, Sparky the Fire Dog, and the Kora Temple Funsters are but three of the participants in Lewiston’s annual Downtown Holiday Celebration scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in Courthouse Plaza.

With Oxford Networks as the lead sponsor, a holiday procession down Lisbon Street led by Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr. will greet attendees at the plaza to kick off activities scheduled until 6:30 p.m.

Other sponsors for the celebration, which is organized by the Downtown Holiday Celebration Committee, are Northeast Bank, Androscoggin Bank, Andover College, the Sun Journal and Drapeau’s Costumes.

Highlights will include lighting the Christmas tree and Menorah; music by the Lewiston High School Band, the Androscoggin Chorale, and The Music Connection; the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by firetruck and visits with children; Lewiston Youth Advisory Council members serving as Santa’s helpers; and other costumed characters to include Lewy and Kollide of the MAINEiacs; Sunday River’s Powder Pig, Snow Cat, and Bucky Beaver; the Maine Turnpike Authority’s Miles the Moose; and Oakhurst Dairy’s Oakie the Acorn.

There also will be a walking snowman, Christmas tree, gingerbread man, and candlesticks. Planet Cheer and Lewiston High School ROTC law enforcement cadets will also be in attendance. Various December holidays will also be noted by Master of Ceremonies Nick Knowlton.

The Salvation Army will be on hand serving hot chocolate and munchies, and Garelick Farms, staffed by Rinck Advertising volunteers, will be serving eggnog.

In the spirit of the holidays, attendees may contribute to the annual efforts of the Salvation Army by bringing a donation consisting of a canned food or an unwrapped present for a young person in the 12- to 16-year-old age range.

Further inquiries may be directed to 784-2951, ext. 110.