A very, merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody! Even the Scrooges among us must be in the holiday spirit this week, as the “snowflake” lights are twinkling all along Main Street and the storefronts are decorated with gifts and garlands. Keep your fingers crossed for a white Christmas. It looks like it might be a close call.

The season kicked off in high style last Saturday night with the annual Festival Of Lights. The turnout for the parade was huge; I do not know exact figures but it must have been the best-attended yet. There were so many people lining sidewalks in the town center that it looked like our own miniature Times Square. And what a great parade it was: Dozens of businesses, non-profits and neighborhood associations went all out to make this year’s parade, in the words of Bridgton’s young Eli Samson, “the greatest.”

Congratulations to chairman Ken Murphy and his crew for pulling it off, and to these groups for winning prizes:

The “Most Beautiful” prize went to Flowerbed Antiques, which always puts on a dazzling spectacle with all the gorgeous flowers and frippery from their shop.

The “Most Entertaining” float was the First Congregational Church of Bridgton, with their choir of carolers strolling along, and the “Most Creative” team was the MoMobile team, with their fantastical “Spirit of Mim” display.

I am already looking forward to next year, when Sarah Lowell and her gigantic scissors promise to “shred” the competition in all categories. Sounds like a challenge! See you there…

Silent Night, Holy Night

Many local churches are holding special events on Christmas Eve, with caroling, revelry and reverence. One special event will be the annual Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant and Eucharist Service at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

This lovely tradition combines the classic story of Jesus’ birth with singing, prayer and community spirit. There will be a reception following the performance, with light refreshments and holiday treats.

The Pageant begins at 5 p.m. in the chapel. St. Peter’s is located at 42 Sweden Road (Route 23.) All are welcome to attend.

All politics is local

The quote may be attributed to venerable Democrat Tip O’Neill, but in this case it applies to the Grand Old Party. Local Republican Gordon Davis has announced “The Republican Project” essay contest, in which the winner who can come up with the most creative and practical way to reinvigorate the party can win bragging rights and, more importantly, a brand-new iPod.

Now, I try to keep this column nonpartisan, but Gordon and I are friends and I am sure he knows I would be more than happy to give him a few suggestions on how to improve the sorry state of affairs for his “team.” However, I would probably be disqualified from the competition due to my membership in an opposing party, which I will leave you to determine.

But for those of you who believe you can fix the GOP’s ills in 1,000 words or less (good luck) you can send your essay to: The Republican Project, P.O. Box 302, Bridgton, ME 04009. If your essay is submitted via e-mail, it should be sent to [email protected].

For more information check out www.republicanproject.org./i-podproject. All entries must be received no later than midnight Wednesday, Dec. 24, and there is a $20 “contribution” fee required with it.

Good luck, and may the best plan win.

Welcome, Katie Collins

Mike Collins and Sam Kiley welcomed the birth of their first child Dec. 4. Miss Katie Ann Collins joined us at 2 p.m. that Thursday, weighing 6 lbs., 12 ounces. Baby and Mom are both healthy and happy, and Mike says Katie looks a little like both he and Sam. With parents as gorgeous as they are, she surely will be breaking hearts all across the Lakes Region by 2025. Congratulations to the family; we are all so happy for you both!

Keep in touch

I want to thank all of you who have taken the time this year to contact me with events, comments, stories and support. It makes me so happy to know you are reading and have an interest in the goings-on of our special town. I appreciate your curiosity about my personal projects also, and will continue to keep you posted on the Bennett Street renovation.

Until then, Merry Christmas from me (and the gargoyle). I hope your holidays are merry and bright.