Many’s Hometown Christmas will take place this Saturday, Dec. 21, with lots of events planned for everyone.
The annual parade will take place on San Antonio Avenue at 3 p.m. with lots of floats and riders, and lots of candy and trinkets for all parade viewers.
Dean and Amanda Lambert are the Grand Marshals of the parade. Mary Perry is honorary grand marshal. Savanah and Siarah Hall are the Young Achievers and Emma McElwee is the Rising Star. All six of the parade honorees will lead off the parade. Santa Claus himself will be the last honoree in the parade of floats in downtown Many's Cultural District.
Then the festivities begin at the fairgrounds immediately after the parade with fun for everyone. There will be food, arts and crafts, a magic show, and lots and lots of giveaways.
Twenty-two bicycles will be given away to lucky winners, and footballs and basketballs are also being given out. For the lucky grownups, there are turkeys and hams. The grand prize is a laptop computer donated by Becky Miller. Children MUST be present to win. Registering for the prizes is from 1-4 at the fairgrounds. You must register and you must be present with your winning ticket to claim your prize. The winners will be announced at the raffles beginning at 5 p.m.
But wait, the fun's not over yet. A spectacular firework show lights up the fairgrounds at 6 p.m.
After the fireworks show ends, people will want to hurry up to the Many Community Center on San Antonio Avenue in time to enjoy the annual Christmas in Many Concert performed by Willie Stewart Family and Friends. The music show starts at 7 p.m. and it's free to everyone attending. Concessions will be for sale in the lobby. Willie's granddaughter, Clancey Stewart, says there are lots of new songs this year, and the band is excited to put on an entirely new Christmas show for 2019.
Willie says this is his family's gift to Many and Sabine Parish.
So be sure to Save the Date for Dec. 21 in Many. You and your family will have a great time at HomeTown Christmas 2019.