In the 1980s the plastic Christmas decorations in downtown Brunswick were replaced by the VIA with natural evergreen trees, running the length of Maine Street from Fort Andross to the historic First Parish Church, and down Pleasant Street several blocks. This endeavor is now funded by the Brunswick In-Town Group. During the holiday season, the VIA lights the enormous Douglas fir tree on the Spanish Square. The Livesay family donates lights for the VIA gazebo every year. Each spring the VIA presents floral May Basket awards to various businesses that have enhanced the downtown area with significant improvements to their properties.
Outlying businesses receive certificates of appreciation.
Large hanging baskets adorn the light posts. As part of the spectacular renovation of the Curtis Memorial Library, the Village Improvement Association provided the funds for a spacious garden, landscaped primarily with rhododendrons and embellished with benches, iron gates and an elegant granite-capped brick wall. When you visit the library, please stop in to see our garden. For more information, you may contact the Village Improvement Association at 13 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011-1589. Our annual meeting is in late April.