The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The city of Bridge City is sponsoring their first Christmas in the Park, 5-9 p.m., Friday, on the grounds of the Bridge City Community Center.

Terri Gauthier is one of the organizers of the event, along with co-chairman Jeannie McDowel, BC city secretary.

The event came about when several city leaders attended the Texas Municipal League. They were brainstorming ideas and asking other towns what they have done in their areas.

"We just felt like our community needed something to gather ourselves together and wanted to give back to the community," said Gauthier. "It's called Christmas in the Park, but it's the Christmas tree lighting/Christmas Market," said Gauthier. "We have about 50 vendors that are planning to set up booths. We've let our vendors set up with no charge," said Gauthier. "We wanted to give these homebased businesses and boutiques a place to showcase their items."

There will also be five food vendors, so go hungry.

The tree lighting will be at 6:00 p.m.

"We have a beautiful 25-foot tree that we will be lighting," said Gauthier.

"Santa will be there. The chamber is asking for children to bring a toy. It's called a 'reverse' Santa," said Gauthier. "They get to take a picture with him, but they are asking the children to bring a toy to donate to the Ministerial Alliance and then their pictures are free."

Entertainment will also be part of the festivities.

"We'll have some caroling and live music during the course of the evening," said Gauthier. "We'll have Christmas music, of course, playing the entire time."

There are plenty of other area Christmas festivities this weekend.

Saturday, the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce 12th annual lighted Christmas Parade will take place at 6:00 p.m. traveling down Roundbunch Road from First Baptist Church Bridge City to the lighted intersection between Common Ground Church and St. Paul's Methodist Church.

BC Chamber of Commerce director Mandy Lyda said, "It's not too late," to participate in the parade. Entry forms can be found on the chamber website or picked up at the office at 150 W Roundbunch Rd.

"Turn in your application ASAP," she said.

Entry fee for the parade is one unwrapped toy for each person in the vehicle or on the float.

The annual Christmas Tree Auction is also underway.

"It's going on now at businesses around town and ends Dec. 10," said Lyda. Proceeds from the auction fund scholarships for both Orangefield and Bridge City High Schools. There are 17 Christmas trees and five or six wreaths available this year, decorated by various businesses, organizations and individuals. This year, the trees are on display at City of Bridge City, Leslie's Place, Total Impressions, Grangers Chevrolet, BC Bank, Wellspring Credit Union, Sabine Credit Union, Scot Shaffer's Farmers Insurance and MCT Credit Union.

There are also several festivities planned in Orange this weekend, starting with the Service League of Orange's 65th annual Toy Coffee scheduled for 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at the home of Paul and Raul Burch, 703 8th St. This is the first time there has been an evening viewing of the coffee. Entrance to the home is an unwrapped toy or cash donation that will benefit the Salvation Army.

The 72nd annual Christmas Parade in Orange is Friday. This year's theme is a Texas Christmas.

Detailed Parade Route

• Staging will occur on Front St east of Plaza

• Parade will start at 5:50

• Parade will head West from Plaza and Front St to 10th St

• Parade will head North to Green Ave

• Parade will head East to 1st St

• Parade will head South to Front St

• Parade will conclude at Plaza

Saturday the Kiwanis Club is hosting Breakfast with Santa 7:30-10 a.m. at Spanky's on 16th Street. Tickets for Breakfast are $12 and can be purchased online at facebook.com/orangetxkiwanis.

Also on Saturday, a Beary Merry Christmas Market is scheduled 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School.

Sunday is Christmas at the Depot Mingle & Jingle event. Tickets are $25 and feature Coffee, Mimosas and festive treats. Centerpieces are provided by Trendz and fashion show by Sweet Bee Clothing Company. Christmas carols will be provided by Orange Community Players, Inc., plus there will be lots of door prizes. Call Rose Simar at 409-330-1576 for ticket information.