More than 1,500 people came to South Portland’s Mill Creek Park on Dec. 2 to kick off the festive season, making HolidayFest 2011 a huge success. In the park, people enjoyed the sounds of holiday carols performed by the South Portland High School and Middle School choruses; horse-drawn carriage rides, and donated hot dogs, popcorn and refreshments. In addition, the SPHS Project Graduation sold hot chocolate and doughnuts as their charity fundraiser.

Jennifer Rooks of Maine Public Broadcasting initiated the countdown to the tree lighting, with the chorus students leading the charge with a holiday sing-a-long. Inside City Hall, Santa’s elves turned the Council Chambers into a holiday wonderland with decorations, complimentary cookies, donated beverages, and photos with Santa. More than 200 children, their families and a few family pets came into Santa’s workshop and visited with Santa for that coveted moment that children wait for all year. Not only did the children get their photo taken with Santa, they also were able to visit with Mrs. Claus, and received a candy cane on the way out.

The South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Chamber would like to thank the city of South Portland, and the co-sponsors of this event, the South Portland Waterfront Market, for making this the best HolidayFest yet.

Jane Eberle
Director of business partnerships
South Portland School Department