“Lo and behold,” Cheryl Dickson said, “people came forward, willing to help us out.” After a two-year hiatus, the Christmas in the Valley parade is back.

Parade chairwoman Cathy Dorion hopes it will be a big one. (It’s not too late to get in on the fun: call the Chamber, 364-3241, to register your float. It doesn’t need to be elaborate: We’re looking for volume here!)

The parade steps out at Dirigo High in Dixfield at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Thanks to SAD 21, buses will ferry participants to Mexico for the march to the Christmas tree lighting at Memorial Park at the head of Congress Street in Rumford – about 6 p.m.

Santa will hold court in the lobby of the Hotel Harris after the parade.

Christmas in the Valley began in 1992, the vision of Roger Whitehouse, to bring together the three large River Valley towns, Mexico, Dixfield and Rumford, long-time Chamber board chair Dickson explained. This year, organizers hope to involve all 10 River Valley towns. Whether it’s a Christmas event in Andover or Peru, it’s Christmas in the Valley.

In that spirit, let us consider the events slated for next Saturday, all “Christmas fairs” to be sure. But each with quite a different thrust, as I learned. And every one is on my agenda for the day.

First thing, I’m heading down to the Rumford Point Congregational Church for early 8 a.m. brunch and the launch of new cookbook: “The Brunch Cookbook.” Lynne Ramsey says everything from a muffin and coffee to a full-blown brunch is on offer, as well as the new book – Dot Adams’ brainchild – a quilt raffle, and holiday gift baskets. (You don’t have to be there at 8 a.m.; the church will be open into early afternoon.)

Then I’ll head into town to the St. Athanasius/St. John’s annual Christmas fair: It opens at 9 a.m. Sue Adley says this is the big benefit for the school; chaired this year by Terry Richard with heavy help from Judy Collette. A collaborative effort of the ladies of the church and parents and kids, the fair offers homemade breads and fudge, wreaths and kissing balls, hand-knit mittens and scarves, and lunch: hot turkey sandwiches.

On to Mountain Valley High for the crafts fair that Cheryl Dickson told me features the work of 56 of the finest crafters in the region. Andrea York is organizing the “kids corner” at the fair; Mr. and Mrs. Frosty will be happy to pose with any and all children for a free photograph. The fair that attracts between 500 and 1,000 visitors each year opens at 9 a.m. and continues to 3 p.m. Fun and profit. Best of all, as Dickson said, “…give young and old something to smile about.”

Christmas in the Valley.

Linda Farr Macgregor lives with her husband, Jim, in Rumford. She is a freelance writer and author of “Rumford Stories.”