Rockland Main Street is ready for the annual Festival of Lights to get underway Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving.

On November 14, the Rockland Main Street board, along with several community members and organizations, kicked off preparations for the upcoming holiday season with “Build Day.” That included setting up Santa’s workshop, supplied by Shed City for over two decades, festooning in traditional red, green, and gold, with a focus on classic holiday favorites, including candy canes, Christmas trees, and gingerbread.

The workshop is ready for Santa and his elves to meet with the region’s young and young-at-heart.

As always, dozens of volunteers including several from Rockland’s United States Coast Guard units, Bolduc Correctional Facility, and many local residents came together to build Rockland’s iconic lobster trap tree, with traps supplied by Brooks Trap Mill. The tree is topped with the classic lobster from nearby Trade Winds, hoisted by a lift provided by Journey’s End Marina. The finishing touches include lighted garland and lobster buoys that symbolize Rockland’s working waterfront heritage.

Additionally, many decorated the classic fir wreaths with red bows and white lights that were then affixed to light posts along Main Street. The wreaths and the garland for the trap tree were provided by the City of Rockland.

Volunteers arrived at 8 a.m., grateful for a sunny day and coffee from Rock City Coffee and donuts provided by Maine State Credit Union to get them going. After working hard for several hours, they enjoyed pizza, soda, and water provided by South End Grocery, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s.

At the end of the day, Mildred Merrill Park, and Rockland herself, was decked out in their holiday best and ready for the Festival of Lights. The build day was sponsored by local sailing treasure, A Morning in Maine.

Festival of Lights events include:

Friday, November 28

Noon: Santa Arrives at Middle Pier (transported by the USCG and sponsored by Camden National Bank)

Followed by Main Street Ribbon Cutting, sponsored by MidcoastHome Realty

6 p.m.: Trap Tree Lighting sponsored by Maine State Credit Union with hot chocolate provided by Bixby Chocolate

Saturday, November 29

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Carriage Rides sponsored by JBI

Noon to 3 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop sponsored by Shed City

Additional Santa’s Workshop Times:

Saturdays in December, 6, 13 & 20, noon to 3 p.m. (weather permitting)

6 p.m.: Parade of Lights sponsored by First National Bank

Sunday, November 30

7:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Breakfast With Santa sponsored by First National Bank

10 a.m. t o2 p.m.: Carriage Rides 

Sunday, December 14

Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 21

5 p.m.: Hannukah Party