CEDAR CREEK LAKE -- After a year of drought, recession and political battles local folks are probably more than ready to take a break and embrace the good cheer Christmas typically brings to the lake community.
In that spirit some lakeside cities are kicking off the holiday season with Christmas celebrations this weekend to entertain residents and visitors. And more events are planned in the weeks leading up to Christmas to help keep everyone in the spirit and looking forward to the festivities.
Santa Claus has confirmed his appearance at all Christmas events scheduled around the lake.
Gun Barrel City will host "A Country Christmas" parade Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The parade of floats will depart from the fire station on Main Street/Hwy 334, proceeding west to Beall's parking lot and back again. Afterwards, there will be a fireworks display at the City Park, which is accessible from Main Street.
Prior to the parade Santa Claus will be at the fire station from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to pose for photographs with children.
In Mabank the Garden Club and the city's chapter of the Cedar Creek Lake Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the Tour of Homes, which will include a Christmas brunch. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tri-County Library. The home tour begins at noon.
The home tour will feature the holiday-decorated homes of Jan Austin, Jan Groom, Angie Mellorn and Susie Kinder. The First State Bank and the Mabank Independent School District Administration Building also have been decorated for inclusion in the tour. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the Tri-County Library, Shorty Soda Shop, First State Bank and Bluebonnet Emporium.
The Mabank chapter of Cedar Creek Lake Chamber of Commerce will also host a Christmas celebration in cooperation with the City of Mabank in Historic Downtown on Market Street Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Ole Fashion Christmas on Market Street" will feature photographs with Santa Claus, the Polar Express Train at City Hall, Christmas story telling and Tri-County Library hay rides and train rides. There will also be Christmas carolers entertaining the guests as they enjoy the festivities.
Old Friends' proprietor Bill Boyd, who looks a lot like Santa, will don his lighted Christmas hat and entertain visitors in his antique and gift store, which with its holiday decorations has become the focal point of Market Street.
In Eustace there will be a celebration of "Christmas on the Square" Saturday Dec. 10. It will feature the "Christmas Light Parade" around the square at 5? p.m., and Eustace High School Band will perform at the gazebo in the City Park afterwards.
In Kemp the "Christmas Jubilee Parade" will be staged Saturday Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. on Main Street.
Malakoff's Christmas parade and downtown celebration will start Saturday Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. In addition to the parade there will be giveaways and raffles, and the Malakoff Historical Society and Museum will be open for touring. The parade will begin at the First Baptist Church and proceed on Melton Street, Hwy 31 and Hwy 198.
No matter where you live on Cedar Creek Lake, there will be a Christmas celebration within close driving range. Many area schools and churches are planning Christmas pageants, concerts and other programs.
So go out and enjoy the festivities, and let Santa Claus know what you want to find under the tree on Christmas Day this year.
Old Friends' proprietor Bill Boyd featured below