Mandeville, LA (October 14, 2005)—On Friday, December 2 at 6:00 p.m., Parish President Kevin Davis will kick off the Sixth Annual Holiday of Lights on the Tammany Trace. The lighting extravaganza will begin when Davis flips the switch to light the Parish’s 160-foot “Christmas tree” (created from the water tower) and some 40,000 lights.
“This year more than ever, we believe that it’s important to provide this family-oriented, community event for our citizens and the many guests to our area. We’re proud to be able to make this contribution to the holiday spirit,” says Parish President Kevin Davis.
A free, community-wide event, the Holiday of Lights will be open 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, December 2, 3, 9 and 10 at the Tammany Trace Trailhead on Highway 59 and Koop Drive, just north of I-12. The ever-popular Papillion will entertain on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Turning Point Ministries, area school choirs and other musicians, violinists, and carolers will serenade visitors while Santa and carnival-style rides entertain the children. The community can view 32 depictions of Christmas, including a tunnel of lights, 15-foot snowman, 12-foot Santa display as well as wreaths, angels, reindeer, nativity scene and the Star of David. Local school children, Girl and Boy Scout troops and other volunteer groups will decorate 40 Christmas trees.
The Holiday of Lights is produced by St. Tammany Parish Government in conjunction with the Tammany Trace Foundation and the generous support of area sponsors. “The Foundation is very committed to making this event happen,” says board member Laura Tobin. “People look forward to this sign of the season, especially the children. I think we all need this diversion.”
Those who want a preview of this year’s festivities are invited to the Patron Party on Thursday, December 1st, featuring music, drinks and food from local restaurants and plenty of fun. Tickets are $50 each, and the public is invited to attend.
For more information about the Sixth Annual Holiday of Lights, please call Lisa Pratt, executive director of the Tammany Trace at (985) 867-9490 or Laura Tobin, Tammany Trace board member and publicity co-chair, at (985) 893-7631.