Banding together for the holidays

ARLEE — Who would have thought a video game would have inspired the beginning of a great Christmas community event?

“One night, I had a dream that I was in a Parade of Lights playing Rock Band,” Sally Almeida Cordier, coordinator for the Arlee Parade of Lights, said. “I told my friends and they said I should do it.”

Vehicles decked out in flashing Christmas lights driving through Arlee brought the community together during the Fourth Annual Parade of Lights in Arlee on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Cordier, dressed in lights herself, handed out treats to those who braved the chilly temperatures to come watch the cars, one hitched with a Christmas setup, including a tree and candy canes. Following the parade, people gathered at the Brown Building to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, a fire and the company of friends and family.

“It’s about camaraderie,” Cordier said. “Seeing who’s silly enough to come out and sing Christmas carols.”

For four years, the community has come out in bigger and bigger numbers, enjoying the spirit that only this time of year provides.

“Every year is an experience,” Cordier said.

According to Cordier, each year has a theme. In 2008, the theme, “One night, I had a dream,” reflected its inspiration. On Saturday, it was “Let light shine and love will follow.”

“It’s about sharing and having a good time,” Cordier said.

Next year will mark the fifth Parade of Lights and Cordier is hoping that the turnout continues to grow in Arlee.

“Come join us next year on the first Saturday in December,” Cordier said.

It may not have Rock Band, but there will definitely be plenty of songs belted out by neighborhood carolers.