The 5th Annual Twin Cities Holiday Celebration is on tap for November 30, beginning at 6 p.m. featuring the Parade of Lights and numerous holiday activities. Oxford Networks is once again the event’s premiere sponsor, and company employees will lead the parade.

As the parade assembles on Lisbon Street, Lewiston, at approximately 5:30 p.m., refreshments will be available compliments of the Salvation Army. The rain date for the event is December 1.

Following the lighting of the Lewiston Christmas tree by Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr. and Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason at 6 p.m. in Dufresne Plaza, the parade will step-off from Lisbon Street, turn left onto Main Street, cross the Longley Bridge, proceed by the Auburn Hilton, turn left onto Auburn’s Turner Street, proceed down Mechanic’s Row, turn left onto Auburn’s Main Street and arrive at Festival Plaza.

Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School chorale groups will provide entertainment at Festival Plaza while folks await the parade’s arrival. Tim Horton’s will provide complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and Tim-Bits for event attendees.

Prior to the parade kicking off, there will be a free “Holiday Story Time” held at Auburn City Hall, 60 Court Street, 2nd floor Community Room, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., also at Auburn City Hall, the making of free reindeer and snowman crafts will occur.

Both children’s activities are sponsored by the Auburn Public Library. In addition, free wagon rides will be provided by Stillbrook Acres, commencing at 5 p.m. on Auburn’s Main Street.

When the parade concludes at Festival Plaza, Santa and Mrs. Claus will step from their sleigh and enter the area. Santa will light the Auburn Christmas tree, and greetings will be given by Rabbi Hillel Katzir prior to the lighting of the Menorah. Mayors Gilbert and Gleason will also give holiday greetings.

Children will then have an opportunity for a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus provided by Photo Finish. In addition, children may also mingle with Monty the Moose, Sparky the Fire Dog, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Oakie the Acorn.

Nick Knowlton of The Music Connection/GSM Group will serve as master of ceremonies and will provide holiday music throughout the evening. He will also highlight December holidays, ranging from Christmas to Boxing Day to Hanukkah.

The annual event is facilitated each year by the Lewiston Downtown Holiday Committee and the Auburn Business Association. Other entities assisting this year were the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Tim Horton’s, Temple Shalom, Cote Crane and the Salvation Army. The cities alternate the site of the festivities between Lewiston and Auburn.