LIVERMORE FALLS – Floats with gingerbread houses, candy canes, angels, carolers and Santa paraded downtown from Jay to Union Park in Livermore Falls on Saturday evening.

Dozens of people braved the cold weather to watch the parade. Barbara Cook, chairwoman of the Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Rotary Club’s Spirit of the Season Committee, organized the event.

At the tree-lighting ceremony, Cub Scout Pack 599 led the crowd with singing “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful,” “Away in the Manger,” and “Oh, Christmas Tree.”

Cook said money raised from donations for memorial bulbs “go toward buying coats for children. Members of the North Jay Grange knitted mittens, too. Last year we purchased 80 warm jackets.”

The club continues to accept donations for light bulbs for the yearly event.

Parade marshal was Hyla Friedman. “She is a dedicated, hard working woman. She raised money and worked very hard on Chisholm Square,” said Cook.

Sixteen units participated in the parade. Judges voted on first, second and third place floats. First place went to the Jay Democrats; second was Cub Scout Pack 599; with third going to the Pentecostal Church. Honorable mention was given to Girl Scout Troop 217.

After the ceremony, Cook invited children to visit Santa at the Androscoggin Bank and 140 kids took her up on the invitation. “It was a very good turnout,” she said.

Next year’s parade theme is “Winter Wonderland.” It’s scheduled for Dec. 1, 2007.