Festival Of Lights Saturday

BY JIMMY APPELT

STAFF WRITER

An event that began more than 25 years ago and has grown into a traditional celebration where droves of people come to bring in the Christmas season will be held Saturday with the annual Festival of Lights taking place on the Courthouse Square in downtown Hallettsville.

Events are slated to start at noon until 4 p.m. with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Courthouse. The Clauses will meet and greet children of all ages and self taking photos can be taken as well.

A Kid Zone and petting zoo along with games will take place from noon to 4 p.m. for the kiddos and beginning at noon until 9 p.m., food vendors will be open offering an assortment of foods as well as beverages. Also, there will be a number of artisan booths open from noon to 9 p.m. with all sorts of arts and crafts available for purchase.

Doc Welby and Chris Rybak will provide musical entertainment throughout the afternoon from noon to 6 p.m.

Special entertainment will be available with music by Deja Vu at 1 p.m., On Pointe Dance performance at 2 p.m. and an ornament/cookie contest at 4 p.m. Awards and photos will take place at the Main Stage.

As daylight turns to darkness the schedule of events in the evening will be different from past years with the annual Live Nativity Pageant, depicting the life of Jesus Christ, will take place at 6 p.m.

Following the play, the lighting extravaganza will be held at 6:45 p.m. with the Christmas lights turned on around the Lavaca County Courthouse and beginning to glow.

At 7:15 p.m. the Santa’s Kiddie Parade followed by the Lighted Parade will take place taking a route around the Courthouse Square.

Lastly, Zachary Grant will provide music from 8 p.m. to midnight to close out the event.

Festival of Lights organizers hope the event will remind you that Christmas is a time when our thoughts turn to special people Christ has brought into our lives — and as we remember our hearts are warmed with love.