Holiday Season gets early kick-off

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By Jan White
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CROCKETT – For many, Christmas can’t come early enough, and with it, hopes for better days and happier times. And Crockett is famous for beginning the Christmas season as soon as possible. That’s why the week before Thanksgiving, the town offers four celebration-filled days that are sure to offer something that pleases everyone in the family.

The holiday season will kick off with Crockett’s first-ever “Downtown Christmas Lighting Ceremony.” One of Crockett’s newest hometown improvement organizations sponsors the ceremony - the Downtown Crockett Association (DCA). The DCA is a small group of downtown business owners and interested parties whose goal is to promote tourism and activity in the area. Last year, the DCA asked the Houston County Commissioners to help revive an old tradition of outlining the downtown buildings with Christmas lights. Using special funds set aside for such improvements, the DCA worked with building owners to help install the lights. This year, Commissioners again agreed to help downtown businesses trim their buildings with lights to help Crockett residents and visitors to the city celebrate Christmas. Robin Ogg, a DCA member who designed the historical banners seen around town, has also created Christmas in Crockett Banners, which downtown merchants can purchase and hang prior to the season.

The Downtown Christmas Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in collaboration with the DCA and the Ministerial Alliance. The Official Lighting of Downtown will take place at 6 p.m. The square’s east side will be blocked off for the free event that features Christmas music, choirs, a bell choir, and guest speakers during the hour-long event.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Houston County Career Women will host Crocket’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Songs of Christmas.” Awards will be given in various categories. For a free entry application or more information, contact Crockett Embroidery at (936) 544-2505. The parade follows a route around the square. Bring your lawn chairs and hot chocolate, and be prepared to enjoy the Christmas Spirit.

The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association will host Texas Country Music Legend Cory Morrow at the Crockett Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 18. Not your typical concert, the Civic Center will be transformed into an upscale dance venue, with VIP table seating and a dance floor for attendees not content to just sit and tap their feet to the music. Contact Piney Woods Fine Arts (936) 544-4276 for ticket purchases or questions regarding the event.

And on Saturday, Nov. 19, Crockett will celebrate its 41st Annual Christmas in Crockett. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up around 5 p.m. This year, the petting zoo will expand so youngsters can enjoy getting up close and personal with even more of their favorite animals. And a fan favorite is back this year- the Christmas in Crockett Cookie Competition. There are two categories: Decorated and Holiday cookies, with three age divisions: 6-12 years, 13-17 years, and adult. One dozen cookies must be turned in to the Crockett Area Chamber Booth by 1 p.m. Submissions will be judged on taste, decoration, and presentation. Only one entry per division per contestant. For more information, contact (936) 544-2359 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you, like many others, are anxious for the Christmas Season to begin, ‘save the date’ for the middle of November and make plans to attend these exciting events.