Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce Christmas Events

Christmas Events

The annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Friday, December 3, on the streets of downtown Winnsboro.

This year's event marks the eighth year the parade has been held after dark, and parade organizers note that the event has grown each year. As usual, the parade will be the culmination of a week-long series of yuletide events in Winnsboro.

Float builders are encouraged to contact the Chamber office to register their float for the parade, which will draw thousands of viewers from throughout Franklin Parish and beyond.

"Last year couldn't have been any better because of the snow that fell before and during the parade," said parade co-chair Paul Price, Jr. "We really don't expect that to happen again, but you never know."

Price noted that the annual event has become a great advertising opportunity for local and area businesses.

"If the past few years have been any indication, this is a great opportunity for local businesses to get their name before the public because, weather permitting, there will be a huge crowd watching the parade."

Bands, elected officials, and beauty queens, along with beautiful lighted floats will comprise this year's parade, which will follow the traditional parade route in downtown Winnsboro.

In addition, a limited number of local non-profit organizations will be selling food and beverages in selected spots along the parade route.

The parade will culminate with the annual fireworks display at Landis Park.

"This event continues to grow, and we hope groups from throughout the parish will enter floats in this year's parade," said parade co-chair Noble Ellington III. "Cash prizes will be awarded to for the best floats, and we hope the friendly float building competition among our local banks and businesses to maintain its intensity."

Commercial float entries will compete for the Santa trophy that they will get to display for a year, while non-profit groups will compete for cash prizes in different categories.

Antique cars are also encouraged to participate in this event, and trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three vehicles. This category is open to any antique car owner within the parish and beyond.

"Car owners will need to register with the Chamber office by November 24," Price said. "Owners can contact the chamber office of visit the chamber website for entry forms."

Also on tap during the week following the Thanksgiving holidays is the annual tree lighting ceremony across the street from Winnsboro City Hall. That event will take place on Tuesday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, and will be coordinated by Wellspring.

Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses on the "Trail of Trees" along the Walking Trail in Winnsboro will also be turned on during the week, and on Thursday, December 2, the annual Children's Christmas Parade will be held on the streets of downtown Winnsboro starting at 6 p.m.

Children from throughout the parish are encouraged to "dress up" their bicycles, electric cars, and wagons and participate in this event.

Entry forms, rules, and other parade information are posted on the Chamber website at http://www.winnsborochamber.com/christmasforms.htm.

Information from Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Parade in Coushatta

The Coushatta - Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 2nd.

The Town of Coushatta will sponsor a Fireworks Extravaganza after the parade; the viewing area will be at the Boat Launch under the Red River Bridge.

The parade line-up is at 3:00 p.m. at the Fair Grounds and the parade will roll at 4:00p.m.(schools will let out at noon that day).  The parade route is from the Fair Grounds and will end on Front Street in front of the Methodist church.

Information supplied from Red River Chamber of Commerce.

2009 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL BROCHURES NOW AVAILABLE

Natchitoches has released the new 2009 Christmas Festival brochure with calendar of events for the Festival of Lights.

The brochure includes times, dates, entertainment lineups, admission information and Holiday Tour of Homes information.

This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the Festival of Lights. The city and parish are waiting in anticipation for the biggest and best Christmas Festival yet. The brochure is made possible by the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Events Center, Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, Natchitoches Historic Foundation and the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Begin planning your trip to the 83rd Annual Christmas Festival now by calling 800-259-1714 or visiting www.natchitoches.net and filling out a contact form to be mailed the brochure.

Also visit the official Christmas Festival website at www.christmasfestival.com for more information about the festival and up-to-date information.

Schedule of Events
November 21 – January 6, 2010


By: Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Union Parish Events

Saturday, February 14, 1:00 p.m., Union Parish Heritage Parade, for more information call 318-368-1441 or 318-368-9242.

Saturday, February 21, 6:00 p.m., Mardi Gras Parade, for more information call Farmerville Jaycees, 318-368-0044.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Saturday, February 28, 8:00 a.m., Lake D’Arbonne Big Bass Splash, this is an hourly pay out based on 200 entries. Merchant sponsorship available. For more information call 318-801-9424.

Saturday, March 21, All Day -- Bass fishing tournament, sponsored by Fishers of Men on Lake D'Arbonne. Launch & weigh-in at Ludwig Marine. For information, call 318-548-4196 or 318-368-8922. Friday night meeting and dinner at Antioch Baptist Church.

Saturday, April 4, 10:00 AM -- Corney Creek Pageant – will be held in the Bernice Civic Center. The pageant for ages 1-8 will begin at 10:00 a.m. ages 9-18 at 6:00 p.m. For more information call 318-285-9743 or 318-368-5300.

Friday & Saturday, April 17th & 18th, The Corney Creek Great Outdoor Festival in Bernice, 318-368-5300.

Source: Union Parish Chamber of Commerce
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Christmas in Morehouse Parish

Saturday, December 6th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Annual Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas parade rolls through Bastrop beginning at 6:00 p.m. This year's theme is . . . and a Partridge in the Pear Tree. Call the chamber office at 318-281-3794 for more information.

Sunday, December 21st, Sip 'N See from 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Shop local merchants, and enjoy a carriage ride around the courthouse square. Free with a qualifying receipt. Call the chamber for more information at 318-281-3794.

Source: Bastrop-Morehouse Chamber of Commerce

Christmas in Union Parish

Black Friday, November 28th, Cut Loose at the Caboose
Sign your kids up for special Day-After-Thanksgiving event! Enjoy the busiest shopping day of the year while the kids Enjoy supervised activities, time in the play gym and all new arcade games. * Age Restrictions apply; please call for details/prices. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Deadline to register is NOON ON NOVEMBER 25TH.

Saturday, December 6, Farmerville Christmas Parade at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street in Farmerville, Louisiana. The annual town Christmas Parade is fun for the whole family, including throwing of candy and trinkets. For more information call 318-368-0044.

Saturday, December 6th, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. in front of Farmerville Town Hall.

Saturday, December 6th, Jaycees Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. Line up begins at FHS at 5:30 .m.

Sunday, December 7th, Holiday Shop-UP from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Shop Union Parish with Christmas Open House at the following businesses:
AT&T Advanced Communications, Blue Skies Boutique, Caboose Depot/Alltel, Cole's Antiques, Dean of Flowers, Fantastic Finds, Fabulous Foods & the Fancy Flea, Factory Connection, The Fashion Frog, Frame Fashions, Frame It To A 'T", Generations Flea Market, Generations of Bernice, H&R Block,Holliday's Thunder, Matte's Pharmacy, Merle Norman Cosmetics/Gifts/Florist, Office Plus, Rio Rose Antique Mall & 50's Diner, and The Gingerbread House Gift Shop at Arbor Rose.

Saturday, December 13th from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Santa Clause is Coming to Town at the Union Parish Library, Santa will read a short story each hour on the hour, then children will have personal time to visit Santa. Photos will be sold for $5 with Santa to benefit Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, December 16th, Christmas Festival of Music from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. presented by the Union Arts Council at the First Baptist Church, Farmerville. Admission is free.

Thursday, December 18th, Christmas Festival of Music from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. presented by the Union Arts Council at the First Methodist Church in Bernice. Admission is free.

Sources: Union Parish Chamber of Commerce
Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau

Christmas in the Pines, Jonesboro, Louisiana

What began in 1990 as a community Christmas celebration has grown into an area wide tourist attraction with the celebration of Christmas in the Pines in Jonesboro, Louisiana. This Christmas celebration features spectacular lights, parade, fireworks, a visit from Santa Claus and Cindrella carriage rides.

The Miss Merry Christmas Parade begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29th. Fireworks and the official turning on the lights follow the parade at 6:00 p.m.

The Christmas lights will be on through January 2nd. Be sure to visit with Santa in Tony Rome Park from November 24th through the Saturday before Christmas. From November 24th through January 2nd, enjoy Cinderella carriage rides in Tony Rome Park.

Source: Christmas in the Pines website

Christmas in Sabine Parish

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way....It's time to make your plans to attend the Many Christmas Parade, on December 13, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. in Many, Louisiana. This parade has been sponsored by the Town of Many since 1989.

The parade travels on San Antonio Avenue, the main street in downtown Many. This is a fun-filled event which heralds the arrival of Santa Claus for the holiday season and is exciting for children and the young at heart.

There are over 100 participants in the parade. The parade stops in front of City Hall where entrants can perform for the judges. The parade is caught on tape in front of the local radio station.

Immediately following the parade, trophies are awarded to the winners at the Sabine Parish Fairgrounds. There is music and entertainment before and after the trophy presentation. Children can enjoy entertainment as well. Food booths with treats will be available for those hungry attendees.

The crowning event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a wonderful fireworks show. All are welcome, come and enjoy and afternoon of fun!

Christmas in Avoyelles Parish

December 13th, and 14th, 2008, Christmas Parade and Fireworks on the Bayou Festival, Town of Cottonport, Hwy. 107, Cottonport, LA.
Fireworks, December 13th at 6:00 p.m.
Parade, December 14th at 1:30 p.m.
Please contact City Hall at 318-876-3485 for more information.