City of Opelousas Presents ‘Lighting of the Village’

(Opelousas, LA) - The City of Opelousas marks a magical start to the holidays with its annual ‘Lighting of the Village’ on Friday, December 3, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at Le Vieux Village located at 828 E. Landry St., Opelousas. The official lighting of the historic Le Vieux Village has been a favorite holiday activity of both children and adults, offering a family friendly environment. The evening begins with an upbeat melody of rhythm by members of the Opelousas High School marching band followed by the official “pulling of the switch,” which will illuminate thousands of lights in the village. Then, it’s the arrival of Santa Clause. Offering a variety of activities for the little ones, the annual lighting event will include free pony and horse and buggy rides and a fun jump. Holiday photos with Santa will also be offered. The event also provides a unique shopping experience where vendors offer a variety of goods including art & crafts, baby items, handmade jewelry, Christmas specialties, home décor, baked goods and decorative gifts. This year the Lighting of the Village will include an Art Walk featuring several local artists from Acadiana. Local authors will be on hand to sign copies of their books available for sale. Master of Ceremonies for the evening event is Sheryl Ned, an active member of Opelousas Little Theatre. Ned also recently starred in the successful play Dream of the Marionettes. Live Blues, Jazz and R&B music by August Heat will begin at 6:30 p.m. and prize drawings will be held throughout the evening. This year, one lucky boy and girl will win a youth bike from Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Opelousas. Attendees can warm up with a free bowl of gumbo provided presented by Opelousas Kiwanis Club and free hot chocolate presented by Wal-Mart DC. Door prizes will be given throughout the evening and will conclude at 8 p.m. with the give-away of both a boys and girls youth bike and an autographed football signed by Saints wide receiver and Opelousas native Devery Henderson. Winners must be present at time of drawing. The bike give away is made possible through Walmart DC. The holiday lights will remain lit through Jan. 2010. Sponsors of the Lighting of the Village & Holiday Market include the City of Opelousas, St. Landry Homestead, Alon Refinery, SLEMCO, Opelousas General Health System, CLECO, American Bank & Trust Company, St. Landry Parish Government, Opelousas Police Department, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart Distribution Center 6200. For more information about vendor opportunities, contact Opelousas Tourism at (337) 948-5227.