FREEPORT (WGME) -- Freeport's 29th annual Sparkle Celebration kicked off with the Parade of Lights Friday night.
The event always draws in big crowds, especially when the weather cooperates.
The floats and groups got ready for the big event at Freeport Middle School.
“I think it’s special because it’s nighttime and all of the entries have to be lit and there’s nothing more sparkly than Christmas lights, right?” Margaret Hoffman, community relations manager for Visit Freeport, said.
There were 50 entries, including dozens of floats, vehicles like the L.L. Bean Boot and marchers.
"Everybody looks for their grandchildren in the crowd and their friends. It's just fun," said Linda Deming, president of the Freeport Lioness-Lions Club, which was in the parade.
Marchers donned festive outfits and costumes or rode on lit-up floats and vehicles for the night-time event.
"We have a blast. It's such a great feeling to get out there and [it's] a lot of fun having people see what we're doing," said Holly Simard, a Freeport Lioness-Lions Club member.
The parade made its way down Main Street from Maple Street to Grove Street.
The parade ended with Santa bringing a talking tree to life, at the corner of Bow Street, which is a favorite for kids and families.
"My favorite part of Freeport Sparkle is all the people coming back out again after two and a half years," the talking tree said.
This is the first of many things to see and do during the 10-day celebration.
There are some new events this year-- like the Frosty Frolic on Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be food trucks, music, gifts and more.
Plus, there is a Sparkle Stroll at businesses throughout the community on Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"Christmas is one of the best times of year to be in Freeport--whether you're a business or a consumer coming to enjoy. Our businesses really rely on folks to shop here with us," Hoffman said.
'The Bakeshop' is the latest business to open in the community.
"We have all sorts of fun stuff going on. We have specials we're running [and] our bake case will be filled to the brim," said Jennifer Banis, co-owner of The Bakeshop.
Banis and her husband Ian Talmage have a lot planned for the store already, including a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus next Saturday.
They are happy with the reception from the town and the turnout for the festivities so far.
"We kind of heard that this was a pretty popular event and then all of a sudden it's like-- wow, there are a lot of people that come down here. The draw was amazing," said Talmage, co-owner of The Bakeshop.
To see the lineup of Sparkle activities and other community events during the festivities, click here.