Annual parade returns with 'Festival of Lights'

ANAHUAC— Soon stockings will hang from fireplaces, with the smells of nutmeg and cinnamon filling the air, and of course, the streets of Anahuac will glow with cheer as the annual Christmas parade draws near. 

The Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce is having its 20th Annual Christmas Parade on Thursday, Dec. 4, beginning at 6 p.m. with line-up at 4:30 p.m. 

"I think it's a historical year. We've come a long way since the very beginning," said Tammy Hale, creator of the event. "Everyone has, over the years, truly stepped up their game on their decorations for the floats. They're making it harder and harder for the judges." 

Themed "Festival of Lights" this year, the parade will have all the usual magic brought to Anahuac, with the yearly visit from Santa Claus, brought by ESA Sorority. 

The Mid-Chambers Ministerial Alliance will once again sing Christmas songs to attendees at the after-parade festivities at the Chambers County Courthouse. 

The Anahuac High School junior class will be serving either chili or gumbo during the festivities. 

For the 20th anniversary of the parade, the parade marshal was chosen by the public, which should make for a special year. 

"This community has just been amazing to come out as much as they have every year," Hale said, adding that people from Winnie and Mont Belvieu come out to join in the festivities. 

For the parade itself, there will be first-, second, and third-place awards in the business and individual categories. 

"I can't thank the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce enough for going in with me on this and sponsoring the parade every year," Hale said. "They're an amazing group of people, and I wouldn't have been able to do it without them." 

Last year, Hale shared what inspired the annual event, describing seeing her daughter on a homecoming float with her best friend, the pair having a lot of fun. 

Following that parade, Hale went to the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce to see if they had ever hosted a Christmas parade. Hale asked if the chamber would sponsor a parade, no funds needed, and the chamber agreed to begin planning.  

Hale said that in that year, Anahuac had its first Christmas parade, which was smaller at the time.  

"That's how it all started—seeing her (daughter) on that float. It just made my heart shine," Hale said. 

Those who wish to participate can sign up online at anahuacareachamber.com or in person at the chamber's office, 208 S. Main St., Anahuac. 

For questions or for more information, contact the chamber at 409-267-4190 or Tammy Hale at 409-761-0080.