November 26, 2018
Tenth Annual Christmas in the Park set for December 6
Mini-parade kicks off annual salute to the season
MURPHY (November 26, 2018) One of the Murphy community’s most beloved special events, Christmas in the Park, is scheduled for Dec. 6. This year marks a full decade of Murphy residents coming together to welcome the Christmas season at City Hall.
And, by popular demand, the festival’s unique mini-parade will open the festivities. “The mini-parade has been such a hit that people who attend the festival really want it to continue,” says Special Events Coordinator Kayla McFarland. “The evening is packed with lots of fun things to do and experience, and it all starts with the parade.”
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Christmas in the Park mini-parade starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Station and follows the sidewalk that skirts around the pond. Individual and group walkers, wagons, bicycles, golf carts, ATVs, and other small motorized or non-motorized vehicles will be on display, many with twinkling lights and other adornments, including community leaders as special guest riders.
The parade’s conclusion triggers the start of the annual festival, with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Mayor Scott Bradley will flip the switch with the help of Santa Claus.
In addition to the tree lighting, the event will feature live reindeer, marshmallow and banana roasting, food and craft vendors, local choir music, and each family gets one photo with Santa. A variety of food vendors will sell delicious dinner items.
“Creative craft vendors will be selling fun items that make perfect holiday gifts for family, friends, and loved ones,” said McFarland. “We’ll also have warm fire pits for marshmallow roasting and s’mores kits.”
The line for chats and photos with Santa will be outdoors by the Community Christmas tree, requiring families and small children to dress warmly. Members of the Murphy Chamber of Commerce will be handing out hot chocolate and McGuiness Dermatology will sponsor a fun TV truck.
Volunteers and sponsors for the event are always welcome. People who want to volunteer can sign up at www.murphytx.org/477 and businesses wishing to become sponsors should send an email message to events@murphytx.org.