Merry and Bright Night brings holiday cheer to downtown Biddeford

Despite the cold weather, Heart of Biddeford’s “Merry & Bright” night had a wonderful winter turnout. The annual event occurred along Adams St with several firepits set up to warm up by.

Executive Director of Heart of Biddeford Delilah Poupore organized the festive event with help from Assistant Director Leinani Farnsworth.

“We knew it’d be a short night because of the cold,” said Poupore. “But there is still the same amount of silly and fun.”

In this day and age when online shopping is common, Poupore believes it is important to get downtown to build relationships. She encourages people to get out more and experience making connections.

For some, the holidays can be a difficult time, what makes this a welcoming space for everyone is the free admission and parking. Poupore said it is “very low pressure”, if someone doesn’t want to join in on the fun they can simply roast a marshmallow by the fire.

Children play outdoor games at Merry and Bright Night in Biddeford on Friday. PHOTO BY ANGELINA KEIZER

Kelly DaSilva, mother of two, brings her children to the event as an annual tradition.

“The expectation tonight is that they have fun, are very happy, and enjoy every unique moment, creating fond memories of Christmas, which is enchanting,” she said. “In Brazil, celebrating Christmas is a holiday that brings us a lot of happiness and joy.”

Inside Biddeford’s Courthouse is where the indoor portion of the event took place, where numerous craft vendors are spread out. The vendors drew in a huge crowd making it almost impossible to squeeze by and get around.

With the craft vendors already being a hit, there was also a free picture with Santa station for children who would afterwards receive a free present as well.

ArtistDarlene Mantis stands behind her collection of paintings. PHOTO BY ANGELINA KEIZER

Former Biddeford resident, Darlene Mantis, has been selling her watercolor paintings for about eight years now. What started off as a side hobby, unexpectedly blossomed into a growing business. She began her art with oil paintings on the side.

“After retirement, I decided to branch out more and do watercolor,” she said.

The cold didn’t seem to stop anyone from enjoying their night. People gathered to celebrate the holidays with their community, making it all the more magical.

U.S. Veteran, Raoul Goulet said, “As someone who has spent Christmas serving in Germany and South Korea—there really is no place like home for the holidays.”

Angelina Keizer is a student at University of New England and a UNE Community News Fellow.