Sentinel The Weekly
ECRWSS PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID Seacoast Media Group Portsmouth, NH POSTAL CUSTOMER
Your Community Newspaper Serving: ARUNDEL, BERWICK, CAPE NEDDICK, ELIOT, KENNEBUNK, KENNEBUNKPORT, KITTERY, KITTERY POINT, MOODY, NO. BERWICK, OGUNQUIT, SO. BERWICK, WELLS, YORK & YORK HARBOR
Friday, November 24, 2023
Volume 19 • Issue No. 47
Home for the Holidays, Rollinsford/South Berwick Parade SOUTH BERWICK In an exciting and unprecedented move, two cherished holiday traditions, “Home for the Holidays” and the “Rollinsford/South Berwick Christmas Parade,” are coming together to create an extraordinary daylong celebration that promises to bring the community closer than ever. Mark calendars for Saturday, December 2, as South Berwick transforms into a winter wonderland for this combined event. Since 2004, SoBo Central’s Home for the Holidays has been a cherished tradition in South Berwick, bringing the community together for festive activities and family-friendly fun. The Rollins-
ford/South Berwick Christmas Parade has been a staple since 1984, offering a delightful spectacle of holiday-themed floats, music, and goodwill. This year, both events are joining forces to create a memorable day for everyone to enjoy. The primary goal of the event is to serve as a unifying force, binding the community together in the spirit of the festive season. With a lineup of activi-
ties, entertainment, and celebrations throughout the day, this event is designed to foster a sense of togetherness and showcase the best of South Berwick. The volunteer event organizers are excited to emphasize the significance of supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth in the downtown area. Home for the Holidays and the Rollinsford/South Berwick Christmas Parade have
both been instrumental in driving business and commerce in the region. By combining forces, the event aims to revitalize downtown South Berwick and create a thriving environment for local vendors and shops. “We recognize the incredible legacies of Home for the Holidays and the Rollinsford/South Berwick Christmas Parade,” said event organizer Greg Ouellette. “Our mission is to honor
these traditions while building a stronger, more interconnected community. We’re thrilled to bring these two beloved events together for an unforgettable day of joy and celebration.” Com mu n it y members, families, and visitors are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in this one-of-a-kind event. Get ready for a day full of entertainment, delicious food, holiday shopping, and, of course, the much-anticipated Christmas parade. Together, everyone will create lasting memories and embrace the festive spirit of the season. Highlights from the day to See HOLIDAY on page 14 . . .
42nd Annual Christmas Prelude Begins November 30 KENNEBUNKPORT The 42nd annual Christmas Prelude will soon see the town decked out in twinkling lights and greenery. A buoydecked Christmas tree sits at its center, resembling a Christmas movie come to life. “Each year, Prelude gets better,” said Kennebunkport Business Association (KBA) President Ashley Padget of Alisson’s Restaurant. “All of our traditional favorites return, like the caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, tree lightings, hat parade, and more, and are joined by even more magical events like the Lucky Pup Rescue Adopt-
A-Tree Festival, and a pre-tree lighting party at Bradbury Bros. on the first Friday.” Santa’s arrival by lobster boat is a traditional event that got bigger and better and last year, was re-imagined with its move to the Nonantum Resort. The event will be back at the inn this year. “We are super excited to have Santa return this year,” said Nonantum’s Tina Gordon. “He’s getting on the boat 12:30 p.m. He will go up and down river, landing at the Nonantum at 1 p.m., where the party will be underway!” Also returning this
Local Average Tide Chart Date High Low am pm
Sat 25 9:04 9:39 Sun 26 9:53 10:30 Mon 27 10:39 11:19 Tue 28 11:25 Wed 29 12:06 12:09 Thu 30 12:51 12:54 Fri 1 1:37 1:39 Sat 2 2:23 2:26
am pm
2:41 3:31 4:18 5:04 5:49 6:34 7:20 8:08
3:20 4:10 4:58 5:45 6:31 7:16 8:03 8:51
Sun Rise Sun Set Sat 25 Sun 26 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 1 Sat 2
6:46 4:12 6:47 4:11 6:48 4:11 6:49 4:10 6:50 4:10 6:51 4:09 6:53 4:09 6:54 4:09
WELLS Norton Lights began in 2008 from a friendly, family holiday light display competition. The Norton family, along with their friends, neighbors, and members of the Wells community, all pitch in every season to produce a glittering annual display to be enjoyed by all. Norton Lights began partnering with Make-A-Wish Maine in 2009, when sons Ryan and Reed Norton were just nine and 12 years-old. Now adults, the brothers still spend their Christmas Eves outside directing traffic, continuing the beloved holiday tradition. The goal is simple: spread cheer, one light at a time. The Norton family asks the
Library News
7-9
Calendar
4-6
Obituaries
12
Classifieds
20-21
Pets
13
Dining
17-19
Puzzles
22
13
Home & Business
14-16
Hill, cookie decorating, art classes, and the return of the ever-popular Storybook Christmas for children on Thursday, December 7. Ch r ist mas Prelude has been operating for 42 magical holiday seasons by the Kennebunkport Business Association, an all-volunteer group that works to plan the events all year long. For more information, visit www. christmasprelude.com for full schedule details.
Norton Lights Light Up the Neighborhood
Arts & Entertainment 10-11
Health & Fitness
year are the craft fairs Prelude is known for, the perfect place to find unique, hand-crafted gifts. The KBA is also working to bring a little “Midweek Magic” back to Christmas Prelude, following its success from 2019. “We are working hard to build midweek magic events for travelers looking to extend their stay, and for locals hoping to enjoy a less hectic celebration,” said Padget. Midweek merriment includes a cookie crawl, house tours of the beautifully decorated White Columns, a Merry Market at Maine Art
Real Estate Sports & Outdoors
22-24 20
PAGES
public to be considerate of neighbors by not blocking their driveways, and allowing enough room for cars to get by. They ask spectators to follow the signs for entering and exiting the neighborhood, so nobody
Sports & Outdoors Congratulations to Kennebunk & Wells! 20
has to turn around in driveways. The show is free, but donations to Make-A-Wish Maine are always gratefully accepted. The Norton family is proud to once again be partnering with this wonderful organization in their Season of Wishes, and thanks the public for helping make those wishes come true. Norton Lights, located at 213 Canterbury Road, Wells, runs from Saturday, November 25 through Monday, December 25. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 5-10 p.m. For more information, visit www.nortonlights.org or follow them on Facebook.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 25
Tour Our
Real Estate
Section This Week!
22-24
Support your local shops this weekend and always!