Danie M. Huffman
wdreporter2@yahoo.com
Each year on Dec. 26, children begin dreaming of what they will jot down on their Christmas list for the next year.
Anticipation grows as soon as Thanksgiving is over and residents begin hanging lights and crawling in the attic to find that lost box of ornaments.
Christmas on the Square is expected to bring a festive spirit to any family for the holiday season.
The event will be held Saturday in the historic downtown district beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
The Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, which is coordinating the event, promises a great time for the entire family.
Patrons may shop for items on their Christmas list at businesses on the square, browse local vendors and merchants, enjoy traditional Christmas carolers, watch numerous stage performances, sip hot chocolate, visit Santa Claus, enjoy carriage rides, a chuck wagon, Christmas music, send the kids on a bounce house escapade and much more.
Mandy Allison, Chamber coordinator of the event, said the 21st annual event will feature a magician and an elf who performs balloon sculptures.
She added an outdoor movie, featuring “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will play during the event with cartoons shown prior to the movie.
“About 65 vendors are expected to bring the latest in holiday seasonal items,” Allison said. “But our most popular attraction has always been Santa Claus who will be taking visitors inside Compass Bank. The older crowd always enjoys seeing the local talent on two stages. There are dozens of choirs, dancers, bands and a Blues Brothers act.”
A mini train ride and a petting zoo with pony rides are sure to snag the attention of youngsters with local restaurants giving samples to satisfy Mom and Dad.
Allison said local merchants will have special Christmas sales and discounts along with hot Christmas accessories and decorations.
“We think we’re going to have a great turnout this year and it will be a lot of fun for everybody who attends,” Allison said.
Traveltx.com added the event to its list of travel guide plans for the perfect Texas vacation.
Tourtexas.com also included Weatherford as one of the top cities to visit due to the annual events such as Christmas on the Square.
The Christmas spirit will surely spread once children’s eyes light up from seeing the colorful lights and after a visit with the jolliest of elves.
Allison said the chamber staff begins preparing for the event directly after the Peach Festival and works steadily on the project in October.
Road construction is not expected to deter people from coming to the event nor will it be diverted, Allison said.
“We’re hoping for less traffic this year with message boards,” she said. “The Weatherford Police Department will be directing traffic and we’ve created cross walks, which are pedestrian friendly, and a crossing for handicap wheelchairs.”
Barricades and cones will still be set up, but Allison said coordinators will set up attractions and vendors in front of the stores around the square.
The safest place to park with easy access to and from the event will be available in the northeast quadrant of the square in parking lots.
“There’s parking available in the southeast quadrant at South Main Church of Christ, First Baptist Church and along some side roads,” Allison said. “We suggest our patrons try to avoid the northwest area, where parking is expected to be difficult.”
Saturday’s weather forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a high of 60 degrees with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.
For more information, call (888) 594-3801.
