There is high excitement in Bogalusa this week as the city prepares to ring in the holiday season with a spectacle of lights and a demonstration of a transformational community spirit.

Now a weekend of highly enhanced local shopping will follow last night’s traditional kickoff event, Bogalusa’s lighted Christmas parade, which culminated with a run through Cassidy Park and the opening of the magical month-long Christmas in the Park.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Main Street District in the heart of Columbia Street will host a shopping extravaganza complete with live entertainment, pony rides and Santa Claus. About 60 select art, craft and food vendors from across the region will set up shop along the decorated and lighted thoroughfare, and Main Street retailers will be open for business during the ‘Tis the Season Street Stroll from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. both days.

Even businesses from other parts of town are scheduled to bring their wares to Columbia Street for the Stroll.

Main Street Manager Robin Day said gift items will be available for people of all ages.

“We have everything from books to wind chimes to real art, furniture and jewelry,” she said.

There will also be Christmas trees, ornaments and poinsettias available for purchase.

The Main Street Committee will offer gift bagging and beverage sales as a fundraiser for its mission to revitalize the area. Vouchers for the board game, Bogalusa-opoly, will also be available for purchase at the Stroll.

The Stroll will offer live music from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be pony rides, and Santa will be on-site, with a Main Street merchant offering picture packages.

Day said she is excited.

“We have different sorts of artists coming from all over the southeast,” she said. “That should give everybody a flavor of what we could have if everybody embraced the arts and culture district we’re trying to do down here.

“Our downtown merchants will be open, too. We’ll have music – jazz, blues, gospel, rock and roll and bell ringers. And some of the local restaurants from across the city, including Yoyo’s, Bogalusa Barbecue, Bogalusa Grill and the up and coming Cypress Café will have booths.”

Entertainment Schedule

Saturday

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.:  The Petty Bones

1-2 p.m.: David Craig and Eric diSanto

4-6 p.m.: Jon Sorey and Al Daquin

Sunday

10 a.m. – noon: Abita Blues Band

1– 2 p.m.: First Baptist Church Youth

and Adult Bell Ringers

2-6 p.m: Tuba Skinny