Santa arrives early for county-wide events

WHEN SANTA arrives for East Texas parades, he usually rides in style aboard a fire engine truck as he did during last year's Jasper nighttime parade.

The Christmas parade and arrival of Santa are the Jasper Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's biggest holiday events, scheduled for Friday evening, Dec. 8.

Before the parade starts, the Hillcrest Baptist choir will sing Christmas carols from 5-6 p.m. in front of the courthouse. First United Methodist Church will be playing hand bells

The theme for the parade this year is "A Merry Texas Christmas." At 6 p.m. the floats, bands, and Santa will march around the square. Floats will be judged, with awards going to the best use of theme and the most creative. There will also be an award for the best overall presentation of the bands.

Events coordinator Liz Street says the Chamber will also adopt a tree for the "Festival of Trees." It will be decorated by Fall Fest royalty.

After the parade, Santa will be available for photos in the gazebo. The Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society will have refreshments available for donations to help the area's homeless pets.

Street is still signing up vendors to participate in festivities on the square that night. Pine Acres Candles and Gifts, a local candle maker, will have a special Christmas assortment available.

Street said any group or vendor with Christmas related items are welcome to sign up for a space on the square. Some merchants will keep their doors open late to give people a chance to shop before or after the parade.

For more information or to sign up to participate in the Dec. 8 events, call 384- 2762. Deadline to sign up to put a float or march in the parade is Dec. 7.

Santa Claus is coming to Magnolia Park Saturday, Nov. 25, for the annual Kirbyville Area Heritage Society's Christmas in the Park.

The festivities begin with a parade at 9 a.m. that starts on East Main and proceeds down Elizabeth Street to the high school parking lot. From there, Santa Claus will be escorted to Magnolia Park on a fire truck.

The theme is "Christmas at the Depot" because the railroad has been an important part of Kirbyville history.

Events at the pavilion begin at 10 a.m. and will include entertainment, gospel and country music throughout the day.

More than 100 food and craft booths will be set up in the park.

Santa's House offers pictures with Santa, and there will be a train ride, games and a giant slide.

For more information or to inquire about booth spaces, contact Don Gilbert at 423-1599 or Susan Cornell at 423-2286.

To put an entry in the parade, contact Vondol Bailey at 423-3319.

In Buna, the chamber of commerce will host its annual Buna Community Christmas Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

Santa will be present to hear Christmas wish lists as the community tree is lit up in conjunction with residents of the community.

The Buna Women's Civic Club will hosts a Tour of Homes Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with three homes being features. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Keeler Enterprises in Buna.