Rockland greets holidays with lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree


















ROCKLAND — Amid much anticipation, a large crowd assembled in Mildred Merrill Park in Rockland to watch the annual lighting of Rockland Main Street’s Lobster Trap Tree that officially heralds the holiday season Friday night.
Music was provided by the Midcoast School of Music. Paul Benjamin, president of Rockland Main Street, introduced the organization’s director, Gordon Page, thanking all the volunteers who put in untold hours to help make the lobster trap tree a possibility.
Rockland Mayor Frank Isganitis, Santa Claus and a small group of children threw the switch to light the tree after a countdown led by Page.
“We’re all excited to be here,” said Isganitis. “It’s a wonderful tradition for this city and we can’t wait to see Santa Claus.”
Rockland City Councilor Will Clayton with his wife, Christina, and their children, Noah and Sophia, were also there to watch and participate.
“It’s a spectacular night for it, and people are starting to pour in,” said Clayton. “People were commenting, while we were sitting down at Thorndike Creamery enjoying pizza and ice cream, that many people there were walking up and down Main Street. They were shopping. It’s just a good way to kick off the festivities.”
Rockland City Councilor Larry Pritchett serves as the city’s representative on the board of Rockland Main Street. His cup was to collect donations on behalf of the nonprofit, which puts on the Festival of Lights. Pritchett said that as the crowd increased, so did the donations.
“So far, so good,” he said.
Hot chocolate and cookies were served by volunteers from Camden National Bank. The parade will be held this evening, Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. The parade travels through downtown Rockland. On Sunday, there is a pancake breakfast at the Chowder House with Santa Claus.
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