The Mile Branch Settlement, on the campus of the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton, will again be home to the annual “Pioneer Christmas” event this weekend.

The Pioneer Christmas will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. The Arena/Rodeo Committee is organizing the annual Pioneer Christmas Parade that will roll from Fairground Road starting at 10 a.m. and will follow the following route:

Starts on Fairground Road, left on Bene Street, right on 11th Avenue, right on Washington Street, right on Main Street, ends on Fairground Road.

This unique parade features horse- or mule-drawn wagons or buggies, walking groups, and horses, all dedicated to promoting the goodwill of the Mile Branch Pioneer Christmas. Of course, Santa Claus will have his own buggy and lots of treats for boys and girls of all ages.

After the parade, plan to visit the Mile Branch Settlement and experience an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere like the one enjoyed by pioneers from the 1800s. The cabins will be adorned with period Christmas decorations and, weather permitting, fires in the fireplaces. Here are some of the things to look for while visiting the settlement this weekend:

• Arts, crafts and antiques.
• Hoop cheese and crackers, jellies, etc.
• Sassafras tea.
• Hot apple cider.
• Period reenactments and demonstrations.
• Mile Branch syrup and cornmeal.
• Jambalaya cooked in a black pot.
• Picture opportunity with Santa Claus.
• Christmas caroling throughout the settlement.

The Varnado Store Museum’s “Christmas Celebration” will be held in the Commercial Building, across the street from Mile Branch Settlement, on the same days.