Washington Parish residents have the opportunity to get out this weekend and experience more of the spirit of Christmas.

“Christmas in the Park” at Cassidy Park will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday, and visitors have the chance to see the park comes alive with the spirit of Christmas with more than a million colorful lights and displays in all shapes and sizes. Christmas music makes the trip through the park all the more enjoyable.

Admission is $8 per vehicle per vehicle during the drive through hour and $4 per adult and $1 per student for walkthroughs. An open-air transport is available for those who are unable to walk through the park. Drive through is permitted from 6-7 p.m. nightly, while walkthroughs are permitted from 7-9 p.m. Santa Claus will be stationed on the Pioneer Museum porch for the walkthrough.

The Pioneer and Native American museums will be open to the public as well as the Deli in the Park so visitors can warm up with hot chocolate or coffee. Some food items, like chili dogs and nachos will also be available.

In case anyone didn’t realize it, the Yule Log is already burning and makes for a good place for families to share Christmas stories with their loved ones.

In Franklinton, the popular Mile Branch Christmas Parade rolls Saturday at 10 a.m. Horse-drawn wagons, horseback riders and horse-drawn buggies are parade staples.

As always, parade participants will be dressed in pioneer attire.

The Mile Branch Pioneer Christmas is also Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

The village of Varnado celebrates the season with its second annual Christmas parade on Saturday. The parade is hosted by the Varnado Police Department and Village Council. The parade rolls at 1 p.m. and runs along Fornea Road, Main Street, and south on Washington Street.

The seventh annual 5-K Jingle Bell Run will take place at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 5. Everyone is welcome to enter the 5-K Jingle Bell Run/Walk. In addition to serious runners and walkers, there is room for those who just want to participate and enjoy themselves and celebrate the trimmings of the holiday season with jingle bells, Santa, reindeer or elves.

Bogalusa’s Christmas Parade rolled last week. There were plenty of throws of sweets and beads.
It is indeed a special time of the year. We need to support as many of the activities as we can. Let’s just remember the reason for the season.