From staff reports

 

The City of West Orange proudly invites the public to join them in celebrating this year’s Holiday in the Park festival on Saturday, November 2, 2019.  The event will take place next door to West Orange City Hall on Western Avenue beginning at 9:00 a.m. that morning. 

As always, there is no gate charge to the event.  The festival has something for everyone. And remember…there is no gate fee! 

This year’s event promises to be one of the best ever!  All booth spaces have been filled for several weeks now, and each one will be offering varied and unique items for sale. 

Food vendors on-site will be tempting your taste buds with the following: gumbo; chipped beef; chicken-on-a-stick; nachos; links; pulled pork sandwiches; fried fish; pork-ka-bobs; crawfish etouffee; chili; Frito pie; homemade meatballs; tamales; boudain; chicken wings; sno-cones; popcorn balls; mac/cheese balls; candy apples; jams; jellies; homemade salsa; pepper jelly; funnel cakes and various baked goods. 

Don’t forget to bring your holiday decorating and shopping lists as other vendors will be showcasing their wares – many of them handcrafted: crosses; squirrel feeders; birdhouses and feeders; clothing; homemade soap; woodworking and carved items; handmade wreaths; crocheted items; ladder Christmas trees; belt chairs; quilts; blankets; books; homemade wind chimes, sun catchers; wooden holiday yard art; metal art; jewelry & accessories; ThirtyOne gifts; Gourmet Cupboard mixes; paintings; epoxy tumblers; candles; hair bows and many other gift and home décor items…and even organic homemade dog treats and personalized pet ornaments! 

Local entertainment will be performing in the gazebo, located in the center of the park, throughout the day. 

9:00 –   9:30 Shon Branham 

9:30 – 10:00 Calvary Baptist Church of West Orange Gospel Band 

10:00 – 10:30 WOS Elementary School Choir 

11:00 –   1:00 “Gulf Coast Playboys” Cajun Band w/ Alex Caswell

1:00 –   1:30 “SonLife” Quartet Southern Gospel

1:30 –   1:45 Tiger-Rock Martial Arts demonstration

2:30 –   4:30 “Tore Down” Country, Blues, Classic Rock & Swamp Pop Band 

4:30 –   5:00 Shon Branham

Shon Branham has served as the emcee of the festival for many years, sharing his singing talent throughout the day, as well.  We are happy to also be able to share gospel music performed by the Calvary Baptist Church Gospel Band and later by the “SonLife” Quartet Southern Gospel Band.   

Everyone always enjoys watching the children perform, and this year will be no different.  The WOS Elementary School choir, led by Beth Brown, will sing at 10 a.m. and later in the day — at 1:30 p.m. – crowds will be amazed at the talents and skills displayed by the Tiger-Rock Martial Arts participants during their demonstration. 

The festival will include two “feature” bands this year.  From 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Alex Caswell will be on his accordion, along with other members of the Cajun and Country band, “Gulf Coast Playboys.”   Accompanying Alex on bass will be Luke Juda; lead guitar – Joe LeJeune; drums – Tommy Wolfford and keyboard – Randy Cagle. 

Later in the afternoon (2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.), “Tore Down” will be playing a variety of music – from Country to Classic Rock to Swamp Pop to Blues.  Band members include: Mike Rector – vocals, harmonica and accordion; Ray Ward – vocals, rhythm, and lead guitar; Mike Magnuson – vocals & bass guitar; Bryan Green – lead guitar; and Bryon Myers; drums and vocals.

There will be music for all tastes at some point throughout the day, so bring out your lawn chairs and your friends and make plans to spend the day with us.  There will be plenty of delicious food booths and craft and other type booths offering great shopping opportunities, as well. 

So, make plans to join us for a relaxing day in the park.  Invite your friends and neighbors. Bring your lawn chairs…sit and listen to the music.  Take a leisurely stroll through the booths and get a head-start on your holiday shopping. You’ll be glad you did.