RUMFORD — Christmas in the Valley will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, followed by the Festival of Trees.

The theme for the parade is also “Festival of Trees.” Registration forms are available on the chamber’s website at www.rivervalleychamber.com, or by emailing info@rivervalleychamber.com.

The 4 p.m. parade will begin from Mountain Valley High School, proceed up Hancock Street, across Memorial Bridge and end up on Congress Street, where Santa will perform the tree-lighting ceremony.

First- and second-place awards will be presented to parade floats in nonprofit/civic and commercial/business categories. Banners will be placed in front of each of the winning floats so spectators can identify the winners.

Santa will then walk to the Rumford Fire Station for photos, a celebration with children and a little Christmas cheer.

The Rumford Fire Department will hold a fundraiser, with a crock-pot buffet available during and after the parade.

That will be followed by the ninth annual Festival of Trees in the Rumford Falls Auditorium. Use the police station entrance on River Street. An elevator is available inside.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the free event, presented by the Rumford Performing Arts Committee. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5:45 p.m.

Children will enjoy writing letters to Santa and coloring activities, as well as hot chocolate and cookies.

There will be Audience Choice Awards — pick your favorite tree — a 50/50 raffle and a snowman donation jar.

A musical concert begins at 6:30 p.m. The opening presentation will be made by the Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts. Other musical guests include Andy St. Pierre, Melanie Jordan and Fawn Palmer.

People are welcome to exhibit a decorated artificial tree for this event. Applications are available at the Town Office. There are only 16 spots with electricity available for trees.

Roger Whitehouse of the River Valley Rotary Club announced they will provide a Community Giving Tree donated by Walmart at the event to help homeless families.

Funds, certificates or items for the Rotary Club effort can also be donated at Riverside Realty, 152 River Rd., Mexico, ME 04257.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net