Published: November 27, 2009 08:29 am      

Santa Claus comes to West Orange for annual event

The spirit of Christmas will be alive and well as people in West Orange come together for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the West Orange Community Center located at 2700 Western Avenue.

Citizens young and old will enjoy the carroling by area churches. For those looking for a sweet treat refreshments will be served.

But, every one’s love of Chritmas will shine through as Santa Claus arrives on the West Orange Volunteer Fire Department’s fire truck. He will greet all the children with a “Ho, Ho, Ho!” as he walks into the community center. Children can eagerly sit on Santa’s knee to tell him of their Christmas wishes. For some it may be as simple as a new bicyle or doll while others are sure to have an extensive list ready for review.

But, the evening won’t be complete until Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux continues his tradition of reading “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.” He will surrounded by children who will hang on every word as he reads the book. Thibodeaux has been reading the book for more than 15 years to children everywhere including schools and the library.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.