Spirit is alive

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Bridgton, as last week’s Festival of Lights parade proved. Organizer Ken Murphy estimated more than 1,000 revelers came out under starry skies to stroll together in the candlelight processional, as more than 20 floats promenaded through town. This annual kick-off to Christmas has become a family tradition, and many thanks go out to the volunteers who work so hard to make it bigger and better each year.

Stocking stuffers

Main Street’s stores and sidewalks are filled with festive holiday displays and deals, and judging by the traffic, it seems many shoppers are really shopping locally this year. Along with downtown classics Reny’s and the Corn Shop Trading Post, there are many small, owner-run shops and galleries with unique gifts for anyone on your list.

I love Firefly and Craftworks for cute clothes and homegoods, and I have to welcome the newest addition to Main Street: Monarch Mercantile. This magical little jewel box of a shop recently opened in the historic Wales and Hamblen building across from Ricky’s, and it is stuffed with tons of cool trinkets perfect for stockings. It reminds me of one of the funky boutiques in the Old Port, but with much better prices. Stop by this weekend and check it out, it is just the kind of business we need to support on that end of town.

Drive smart

‘Tis the season for holiday parties, where it’s easy to sip a little too much eggnog…and along with the twinkling white lights lining Main Street, there are also plenty of flashing blue lights out there this month, too.

There have been a slew of OUI arrests in Bridgton lately, and not only will you suffer the indignity of having your name in the paper, the hit to your wallet will be painful. Please arrange for a designated driver or call home for a ride rather than driving drunk.

It is never worth taking the risk.

Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Scrooge is back, as Bridgton’s favorite theatrical thespian, Will Rhys, brings his acclaimed one-man show to town for the holidays. Bring your family to Stevens Brook School on Friday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. for this holiday classic.

Rhys’ career has spanned decades of acting and directing, including stints both on and off-Broadway. He is also a dedicated local volunteer, and proceeds from this event will benefit the Lakes Environmental Association. The price is only $5 for adults and $1 for kids, which will include milk and cookies as you watch a master actor singlehandedly bring Marley’s Ghost, Mr. Fezziwig, and the ghosts of

Christmas Past and Present to life. For more information call 647-8580 or e-mail Sarah@leamaine.org.

Making merry

Federal and state funding cuts have hit local heating assistance hard, leaving many elderly and low-income residents fearing winter’s cold more than ever. As the calls have gone out for donations, local service organizations and generous individuals have stepped up to help.

This weekend’s “Christmas with Deertrees in Music & Words” promises an entertaining afternoon of holiday standards while raising money for the Bridgton and Harrison Fuel Collaborative. The show is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Bridgton Academy Chapel, and while it is a pay-what-you-can event, there is a suggested donation of $5 per ticket. Thanks for helping out, because no one should be cold at Christmas.

Santa’s little helpers

This recession has made the holidays harder for many, and unfortunately children often suffer the most. The Bridgton Community Center’s Lorraine Goldrup is busy coordinating Bruce Roberts Toy packages and connecting with local families who need extra help this Christmas.

The BCC Board of Director’s Elves took their sleighs to Freeport this week to pick up the presents. Many thanks to Steve Collins and son-in-law Warren Sickel, Herb Moulton and Earl Cash for volunteering their time during this busy season.

Helping hands?(and feet)

The Magic Lantern’s Howell family and their staff continue their tradition of community outreach this Christmas with their Winter Boot Charity Campaign.

Next time you go to the theater for dinner and a movie, please buy a “boot” for $1 at the concession stand or in the Tannery Pub. Your donation will help Dancing Trees, their nonprofit fundraising organization, distribute 100 pairs of winter boots to community members in need. Check out www.dancing-trees.org for more information on their generous local efforts.

Local authors Laura Drew Farraher and Tammy Drew Hoidal pause
for a photograph during their book signing last Saturday at
Bridgton Books. Their young-adult novel “My Mother is a Rock Star”
is the No. 2 bestseller for paperback fiction in Maine this week
and can be purchased at Bridgton Books or online at Amazon. (Photo
courtesy of Mitzi McIver-LaBarge)