A call to all those affected by substance use and loss, and their allies. Anyone who would like to take part in this communal expression of love and hope is invited to participate.

The assembling of participants begins at 7:10pm at the Railroad Ave. parking lot at the end of Railroad Ave. in Wiscasset Village. The procession will wind down Railroad Avenue and up Main Street, led in song and guitar by Gianni Barbera and by artist Mat O’Donnell, holding aloft his painting of hands holding a flame, a symbol of hope. 

The procession concludes at the Sunken Garden, adorned with 716 purple candles and 716 purple flags in honor of those who died of overdose in Maine in 2022. During the next 30 minutes, participants are invited to share reflections on the moment and meaning of the occasion.

The Parade of Candles is organized by Healthy Lincoln County and the 716 Candles project, and hosted by Wiscasset Art Walk.