New holiday traditions begin at Orange Depot
Published 7:46 am Saturday, November 25, 2017
To The Leader
To herald the beginning of the annual Christmas Parade in Orange Friday, December 1, the Friends of the Orange Depot will be turning on the white Christmas lights that will be outlining the roof, marking the start of the Christmas season. The organization plans to make the lighting a yearly tradition, so everyone who can see the Depot will know that Santa Claus is coming.
The suggestion and the design of the roof lighting was the idea of FOOD volunteer Dave Derosier several years ago, and since the renovation was completed last spring, the organization went forward with his plan. Frey’s Nursery is handling the installation of the lights. Next Christmas there will be a large star placed above the depot so that it can be seen from 16th Street, so that many more residents will be able to see when the parade is beginning when the star begins to glow.
The parade route had to be altered this year because of the change of staging area from the future HEB parking lot, so the parade route will take place only in the immediate downtown area.
Another tradition will be when Santa Stops at the Depot, when area children are invited to come and sit on Santa’s lap and have their photo taken inside the Depot. This year, Santa will arrive on Sunday, December 10, from 2 p.m. -5 p.m. There will be a nominal charge for a photo which will be printed on the spot. Model railroad trains will also be on display for the children’s enjoyment.
On Sunday, December 3, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., a Christmas Tea will be held at the Depot for ladies, who will enjoy a fashion show presented by Angie Hill McClelland of YaYa Clothing Company and JScott Aflorist will make some beautiful Christmas floral designs. Both Angie and JScott are donating their time for the Depot cause. Special tea and refreshments will be prepared by volunteers of the Friends of the Orange Depot. Diana Hill is chairing the event and those helping are Carol Sims, Rose Simar, Rose Tarver, Lila Speck, Gina Rebich, Alicia Booker, Rebecca Flickinger, and Telisa Derosier. Tickets are a $25 donation and can be purchased from Diana at 409-313-1459. Only 80 can be sold and they are going fast.
