FREEPORT — For almost a quarter century, FreeportUSA has been bringing holiday cheer and a little sparkle to greater Portland. 

The 24th annual Sparkle Celebration kicks off on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. with the Parade of Lights down Main Street. The celebration continues all weekend long with free events and activities, including visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday movies, rides aboard the Amtrak Downeaster, and a tuba Christmas concert. 

Freeport’s Talking Tree will be answering questions 6:30-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Those shopping and strolling through the Village can vote on which storefront they think is most festive by “liking” its photo on FreeportUSA’s Facebook page until Dec. 18. Photos will be added as displays are completed. 

Participating businesses will add to the fun with festive activities for all who stop in, such as build-your-own chocolate home at Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, story time and crafts at L.L. Bean, and gift wrapping at Tommy Hilfiger. 

Tickets to the Sparkle Express Train – which runs Saturday, Dec. 2, to Portland and back – are sold out, but names, the number of tickets needed, and contact information can be emailed to FreeportUSA and added to the wait-list.

Wrap up the weekend by participating in the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Walk/Run on Sunday at 10 a.m. Participants can register online as an individual or as a team. Same-day registration begins at 9 a.m. at Mast Landing School. 

With less than a week to go, the event has already raised over $30,000 of the foundation’s $40,000 goal in donations. All proceeds, from donations and $35 registration fees, go to the foundation. 

For a full list of events and activities, visit sparklecelebration.com. 

Jocelyn Van Saun can be reached at 781-3661, ext. 183 or jvansaun@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter @JocelynVanSaun.

The 24th annual Sparkle Celebration comes to Freeport this weekend.

Copy the Story Link