Chicago and New York had its cows, Toronto its moose, and Rochester its Horses. For Portland? Land ho! It's lighthouses!

Hannaford presents Lighthouses On Parade -a community arts project that promises to be one of Portland's highest-profile events ever.

It's a brilliant concept with city-wide impact. Choosing from two lighthouse designs, local companies, organizations and individuals can sponsor a lighthouse. Then, a local artist - professional or amateur -paints or otherwise embellishes the lighthouse to reflect the personality of its sponsor. Project organizers anticipate that more than 100 lighthouses will be sponsored.

For four-months during the summer of 2003, ten-foot-tall fiberglass lighthouses will be "on Parade" all around greater Portland (from Brunswick to Wells). Maps and other promotional materials will be available around town to pinpoint the location of each lighthouse. Local residents and tourists will wander the streets with amazement at the beautiful colors and unique designs that create the personality of each lighthouse.

In the fall 2003, all lighthouses shine during the most impactful portion of the program - the live auction. At the live auction, the community will be invited to see all of the lighthouses in one setting and bid on the one they like best.

100% of proceeds from the Hannaford's Lighthouses On Parade auction will support many local not-for-profits, including Maine Center on Deafness, The Senator George J. Mitchell Scholarship Research Institute and Cancer Community Center. Similar parade projects in other markets have raised more than $1 million for hundreds of charities.

Hannaford looks forward to presenting Lighthouses On Parade to the greater Portland community. For more information about the project, contact Out Front Productions at 1-888-PARADE-4.