Children keep undercover from the falling snow during the Christmas in the Valley parade in Rumford on Saturday. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
Among the floats during Saturday’s Christmas in the Valley parade in Rumford was a first-place entry by the Region 9 School of Applied Technology. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
By the time people on the floats or walking beside them reached the end of Saturday’s Christmas in the Valley parade in Rumford, they were covered by the falling snow. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
Eli Bishop, 4, of Cumberland gets some coloring assistance from his grandfather, Matt Palmer of Rumford, during the Festival of Trees in Rumford on Saturday. At left is a mailbox for letters to Santa. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
Emelia Pelletier, 4, of Rumford, talks with Santa, then rings his bell to make a wish, during the Festival of Trees in Rumford on Saturday. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
Members of the Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts sing on stage in the historic Rumford Falls Auditorium during the Festival of Trees in Rumford on Saturday. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)
RUMFORD — With the first snowstorm of the season underway, people gathered along the streets Saturday evening to watch the annual Christmas in the Valley parade.
The parade, sponsored by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, began from the high school and continued to the end of Congress Street. By the time people on the floats or walking beside them reached the end of the parade, they were covered by the falling snow.
Among the floats was a first-place entry by the Region 9 School of Applied Technology.
Following the parade, Santa rode in his sleigh to the fire station for photos, a little Christmas cheer and to celebrate with the children.
There, the Rumford Fire Department held a fundraiser with a crockpot buffet.
Shortly after, people went upstairs in the Rumford Falls Auditorium to watch the ninth annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Rumford Performing Arts Committee. Both sides of the auditorium were lined with 16 lighted artificial Christmas trees, most donated by groups, businesses or individuals to promote a charity or organization.
The event included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a mailbox for letters to Santa.
The opening presentation was made by the Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts. Other musical guests included Andy St. Pierre, Melanie Jordan, Fawn Palmer, line dancing by the Red Hat Ladies, and a performance by Tammy, Eric & Friends.
The evening concluded with a community Christmas sing-along.
bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net
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