Old Saint Nick Visits Louisiana’s Winter Wonderland
Santa stopped by the City of Louisiana Saturday, Nov. 30 to visit and help celebrate and light the community’s new Christmas tree.
The event was hosted by Louisiana Community Betterment Association and sponsored by various local businesses and volunteers.
The event kicked off with an evening parade down Georgia Street from Sunset Park to 3rd Street.
The city’s police department fol-lowed by several firetrucks from Louisiana & Buffalo Township Fire Departments led the way for the jolly old elf.
Instead of his sleigh, Santa opted for a ride in the back of a 1948 CJ-2A Jeep Willys owned John and Karen Stoeckley.
The parade included several lighted floats along with the event’s Jr Miss Snowflake, Carter Lindley (age 5), and Miss Snowflake, Emilie Chandler (age 11), who were crowned the previous night at Hair Trendz.
After the parade, a large crowd watched the official Christmas Tree lighting at 4th and Georgia streets. The new tree was the result of fundraising efforts by LCBA members.
Santa visited with children and handed out toys along with his elf, Katelyn Watts, at 4th Street Events Center. City council member Kiffany Ardeneaux and volunteer Krista Garner kept the hot chocolate flowing and provided cookies for Santa and attendees.
A portion of Georgia street was closed off for the event which also included pop-up vendors, wandering carolers, a handbell choir, and refreshments.
LCBA Chairperson Diana Huck-step felt the event was a success and the parade had grown since previous years.
“We wanted to give our community something fun and exciting to celebrate and give us all a boost of enthusiasm,” said Huckstep. “Things are on an upswing in our community with the opening of the new bridge and the coming of the new Georgia St. corridor. Our new tree just adds another spark of positivity.”
“Everywhere I go in the community, folks are excited,” Huckstep pointed out. “When we began talking about the new tree, the idea of having a beautiful tree to light up our downtown business district was exciting. We then began forming a plan to have a real “Hallmark” kind of Christmas to really celebrate the season. In the process, we developed a full schedule of events. There are fun things for the kiddos and adults alike. We hope folks will enjoy being involved in the planned activities.”
To donate and support the tree or get more information, please contact Diana Huckstep at: 314-640-4420 or Kristal Pitzer at the Chamber of Commerce at: 573-231-4477.
