AUBURN — Main Street will be closed New Year’s Eve for a street fest with bands, food trucks, beer, and, perhaps most important, warming stations.

Mayor Jason Levesque said the event, slated for 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., will serve as a kickoff to 2019, Auburn’s sesquicentennial year. Stages, food trucks by Cook’s Lobster, House of Bacon and Pinky D’s, and outdoor bars set up by local breweries will line the streets.

Over the course of the night, four bands will play, including the L-A Harley Band, Justin & Shelly Carver and Hello Newman! The event is free to the public, although VIP tickets allowing entrance to tents and vendors in the Festival Plaza area, are sold out.

Levesque said fireworks will be set off over the Androscoggin River at midnight.

The forecast indicates a clear, cold night, so warm clothes are recommended, although multiple warming stations with large propane heaters will be positioned throughout the stretch.

Levesque said anyone wishing to drink will be carded before entering the event, and will receive a wristband. He recommends bringing cash to keep the lines flowing, and said no bags or large purses will be permitted. Early parking can be found in the municipal parking garage on Mechanic’s Row, and later at Great Falls Plaza, or along the street.

The mayor said the city is prepared to accommodate up to 10,000 people.

“We have the recipe for success: great weather, great entertainment, local brews and plenty of bathrooms,” Levesque said.

Copy the Story Link