Parade brings spirit of Christmas to Rumford

Logan Letarte, 3, of Rumford holds his mittens over his ears as the loud sirens of the fire trucks go by during the Christmas in the Valley Parade Friday night in Rumford.

These youngsters show their excitement aboard one of the floats during the Christmas in the Valley Parade Friday night in Rumford.

RUMFORD — The Christmas spirit in the River Valley was evident Friday night.

Despite cold, blustery conditions, a large number of people watched the Christmas in the Valley Parade, back after a year’s hiatus.

The theme for this year’s parade, sponsored by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, was “A Maine Christmas.”

The parade began from Mountain Valley High School and made its way up Hancock Street, across the Memorial Bridge, and down to the end of Congress Street.

Santa and his best elf then went to the fire station, where a long line of children and parents anticipated his return.

Firefighters carried his sleigh inside and Santa, after warming up for a couple of minutes, posed for photos with the children.

Following the photo, each child received a Santa coloring book and crayons, courtesy of the Firefighter Relief Association. The department’s union supplied treats of cookies and cocoa.

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