Santa's arrival kicks off Christmas In Tyler County
Tyler County Booster - December 2007

     Don't look now, but Santa Claus is coming to town! And he will be here Friday night. Christmas always comes early in Tyler County as Santa makes his first official appearance here Friday, November 30, during the annual Christmas In Tyler County celebration. The two day event will feature family friendly activity both Friday and Saturday.
      Organizers this year have added a new twist to Friday night with a "Dickens In The Country" theme. Everyone is invited (but not required) to attend Friday evening's activities dressed in Victorian or 1890's Tyler County Costumes and join a lighted walking parade from the Dollar General parking lot to the Courthouse, where everyone will gather for some old fashion caroling on the Square. You don't need a fancy costume, just a hat and lantern or candle will do, to be a part of parade! To participate, just meet at the Dollar General parking lot at 5:30 p.m.
      The Lighting of the Courthouse square will take place at 6 p.m., followed by Courthouse Caroling led by Mark Tolar.
      Of course, the highlight of the evening is always Santa's arrival at the Courthouse. He and his Elf will be there at 6:30 p.m. to greet the kids. There will also be an opportunity for the kids to have their photo taken with the Jolly Elf on the Wheat House porch.
      The evening will also feature a Walking Nativity beginning at 6:15 p.m., downtown music and several businesses will be open late. Food and craft vendors will be on the square both days, as well as entertainment at The Art Gallery.
      Saturday kicks off with the annual Breakfast with Santa at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 8 a.m. A style show will be held on the west side of the Courthouse at 11 a.m. and the Christmas Parade at noon.
      The Tour of Homes returns this year from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Golden Pine Ranch, which is the home of Jill and Lonnie Grissom. It was named for the lone and stately pine tree whose needles turned a brilliant golden color each fall...each fall until Hurricane Rita toppled it in 2005.
      The tour will also feature three major building on the ranch: the Main Lodge with pool and party pavilion, the Ice House where refreshments will be served lakeside, and the Stables where Santa's Workshop will feature forest-related Christmas decorations.
      Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the ranch or ride wagons to view the picturesque lakes and trails. Live entertainment will feature Christmas tunes performed by hand bell ringers, men's singing ensemble, dulcimer players and a pianist.
      Tickets for the tour can be purchased at Tyler County Chamber of Commerce, Tyler County Art League, Sullivan's Ace Hardware, Jarrotts Pharmacy, Heritage Village and Elaine's on the Square.
      After you tour the Grissom ranch, four Tyler County Bed and Breakfast's are opening their facilities at no additional charge for the extended tour of these homes. Maps are available at Elaine's on the Square. The Bed and Breakfast tours will begin at 3 p.m. and will feature Village Street B&B, Texas Star B&B, Enchanted Oaks B&B, and Winnaway B&B.
      The evening ends with the (free) Twilight Tour of Heritage Village from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Village has been decorated in the style of the late 19th century. The evening will feature a lot of great entertainment. Scheduled to perform include God's Call (James and Priscilla Hale and Cliff Elliott), the Woodville High School Choir under the direction of Matt Moody, Barbara Moore with her autoharp strolling the grounds and an Indian Flute concert by Maurice Bigham. Refreshments will be served all evening in the Collier Store. The church service begins at 7 p.m.