The Wiscasset community is invited to welcome Santa to the Village when a Merry and Bright Light Parade drops the rotund fellow off at his workshop, 7 Lincoln St., on Friday, Dec. 5, around 5:45 p.m.

According to Wiscasset’s light parade organizer, Lucy Oyster, the third annual light parade will be longer and more sparkly than ever, thanks to help from volunteers who have been recruiting more vehicles. People along the parade route will see decorated cars, trucks and floats, including a wrecker with a car aboard, which might be carrying Santa. Along with the lights, there’ll be blow-ups and costumed characters, and some surprises. Last year, one truck carried an 8’ high globe, and the Alna snowmobile club’s float included a real fire with live people sitting around it enjoying the warmth. Some vehicles trumpet seasonal music. “It’s bright and beautiful,” Oyster said, and it expresses the wonderment of the holiday.

For best watching, the Merry and Bright Light Parade leaves Churchill Street at 5 p.m., goes down Hooper Street, turns right onto Federal Street, then left onto Route One north (Main Street), and turns right onto Water Street where it disbands near Wiscasset Yacht Club. 

The parade is ephemeral, lasting only about 15 minutes, said Oyster, and then it’s gone. But it’s a magical experience while it lasts. Last year, she saw her husband and child sharing the same look of wonder when watching the Merry and Bright Parade pass by, and she wants to assure that all children have magic in their lives. “I can help provide this kind of experience to the whole community,” Oyster said, both as a community volunteer and as a member of the Wiscasset Parks and Recreation staff in charge of marketing and sponsorships. 

Even before the parade passes, the Block Party, starting at 5 p.m., will be underway at Scout Hall, the 7 Lincoln St. location for Santa’s workshop. Indoors, children are treated to cocoa and candy canes and are encouraged to make holiday decorations to take home. Parents watch in the background offering encouragement and, cameras ready, record their children’s handiwork. When Santa arrives around 5:45, he’s greeted by children, eager to share their wish list with him.  

Outside, families will find Byre Farm’s sheep, gentle enough for petting and running fingers through their deep woolly coats. The farmers, Helen Costello and Jeffrey Patterson, bring 4-H Club members to help with managing the sheep and with introducing them to the kids. Also on the street is a carefully monitored fire pit where helpers prepare s’mores to order, and nearby, other food options are available including warm beverages that can be spiked for adults.

The whole block party experience, said Oyster, is meant to be full of merriment and magic. It’s a time for families to come out and enjoy an evening together that doesn’t cost a lot but gives them a magical moment together.

In addition to excellent shopping, Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest offers free and low-cost experiences to the community. The sponsors to-date who make this possible are Major Sponsors First National Bank and Rock Paper Scissors, with additional support from The Bird Gallery and Carriage House Gardens. 

For Marketfest details, visit the Calendar on www.WiscassetHolidayMarketfest.com. Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest is a partnership between Wiscasset Creative Alliance and Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce.