ROCKLAND — Rockland’s annual Festival of Lights unofficially began this morning, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, with its annual Festival ribbon cutting at the intersection of Park and Main streets. Yet, one may say that the holiday is marked by Santa’s arrival, which occurred just past 8 a.m. this morning.

This evening, between 4:30 and 6 p.m., Main Street will be closed to traffic for the Rockland Festival of Lights Parade. The parade will begin at 5 p.m., at the Rockland Ferry Terminal, heading south on Main Street until it reaches the Rockland Public Landing/Harbor Park. At 6 p.m., Santa will light the Trap Tree at the Rockland Public Landing/Harbor Park.

“We hope to see you there!” said Rockland PD, on its Facebook page. “If you are planning on traveling through the area during those times, PLEASE seek an alternative route and/or expect delays.”

Rockland Main Street, Inc., will be collecting canned goods for Rockland Salvation Army at the tree this year. The drop-off location for the canned goods at the event will be next to the Bixby Chocolate hot drinking chocolate and cookies.

“Midcoast Music Academy will be getting us in the spirit with some wonderful caroling,” said RMS, on its Facebook page.

All leading up to the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.