Holiday shopping season opens on Columbia

Published 8:38 am Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Craftsmen and artisans from across the region were in Bogalusa over the weekend for the third annual Tis the Season Street Stroll.

Some 78 vendors set up booths along South Columbia Street. The event was hosted by the Bogalusa Main Street Program.

“The vendors came because it was a success last year. All in all, it has been great,” Main Street Program Vice President Ellen Hobgood said Sunday. “The weather was beautiful for this, but I wish more of the citizens of Bogalusa had come out. The atmosphere here was great. We couldn’t have had better weather.”

Main Street Program Director Robin Day said those who did attend the Stroll enjoyed themselves.

“All the people who did come out for the event were supportive,” Day said. “They are proud we put this on. If you missed it, you missed it.”

Local live music was featured both days of the event. On Saturday, Ched Reeves, a former Bogalusa resident, performed. Regional favorite Birdies Boys played, as well as Old King Bogue.

Children had the opportunity to have their photograph taken with Santa Claus. There were miniature pony rides and face painting for the children, as well.

Day and Hobgood credited Bogalusa High School’s Junior ROTC program for helping make the event run smoothly.

“The high school’s JROTC volunteers did a wonderful job keeping the street and restrooms clean,” Day said. “They did everything vendors asked them to do. The bands were wonderful.”