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Holiday in Paris begins
By Connie Beard
Published November 28, 2009
A new addition heralds the holiday season in Paris. A lighted community tree graces the north lawn of the Lamar County courthouse. Residents celebrated by attending the lighting ceremony Saturday, which included hot chocolate and cookies from Paris Bakery and guided tours of the decorations in the courthouse. The tree will stay lit through New Years day, and is something Holiday in Paris organizers hope will become a tradition.
As the community tree twinkles with hundreds of lights, residents prepare for Holiday in Paris, two weekends overflowing with events, live music and activities.
Holiday in Paris is a ‘one-stop shop’ for the bounty of seasonal events and activities in the area that flows over six days — Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13. Holiday in Paris is overseen by a committee of the Paris Visitors and Convention Council, which helps to promote events put together by Paris Main Street, Paris Downtown Association, the Art Walk, Christmas in Fair Park and many others. The committee also coordinates such activities as the Holly Jolly Trolley historic tours, the Snow Slide and horse-drawn carriage rides, among other events held throughout the two weekends.
“This is the fourth year for Holiday in Paris, and it’s going to be the best,” said John Brazille, member of the Holiday in Paris committee.
Students from Paris High School created directional signs this year, which direct visitors toward the various events. Also, a schedule of events will be posted on each corner of the Plaza.
Vintage cars will be parked around the Plaza Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The annual Christmas parade will take place downtown at 10 a.m. Saturday. More than 60 entries along with four high school bands are expected to turn out for this event, which is sponsored by the Paris Downtown Association. To enter the parade, pick up an entry form at the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce office at 8 West Plaza.
Christmas in Fair Park will be held at the Lamar County Fairgrounds from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Tours of the historic area of Paris are available again this year. The Holly Jolly Trolley Tours leave the corner of Clarksville and Main streets at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. This is a popular activity and sells out quickly. Advance tickets are $5 and are available now at the chamber’s downtown office.
Visitors to the Sam Bell Maxey House, 800 S. Church St., will experience two eras, the Gilded Age and the Roaring ’20s, during the Christmas tours held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day of Holiday in Paris. Tours are $3 for adults and $2 for students.
The Art Walk is a walking tour through the downtown area featuring artwork by local artists. The 18 stops along the route are signaled by lighted topiaries in front of the businesses.
Authentic Cowboy Christmas wagon rides will once again take visitors on a trip around downtown and Bywaters Park. The ride is sponsored by the Cowboy Church and Paris Rodeo and Horse Club. Donations are accepted, and the rides begin and end at the corner of Clarksville and Main streets.
Bywaters Park itself will be a winter wonderland filled with activities for children and adults. Santa’s hut will be open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. both Fridays and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. both Saturdays.
Returning this year for one day only is the Snowfest Super Slide. This activity will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Bywaters Park. The snow slide costs $2 per slide, and children must meet a height requirement to participate. Activities, including a bounce house, are available for youngsters who are not tall enough.
Holiday in Paris wouldn’t be complete without live music. A Tuba Christmas will perform at the Plaza at 2 p.m. Saturday, and Encore in the Park will serenade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Bywaters Park. Additional seasonal music can be heard from 5 to 9 p.m. each Saturday on the Plaza.
Paris Community Theater presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Evening performance are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 11 and 12. Matinees at 2:30 p.m. will be held Sunday, Dec. 6 and 13. Tickets for evening shows are $10 each with matinee performances at $8 each.
Organizers continue to add events and activities, so visit holidayinparistexas.com for the latest schedule and a list of sponsors who help put this event together.
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