FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   
November 13, 2008

City of Opelousas Presents ‘Lighting of the Village' Friday, December 5

(Opelousas, LA) - The City of Opelousas marks a magical start to the holidays with its annual ‘Lighting of the Village' on Friday, December 5, 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 historical village has been a favorite holiday activity of both children and adults, offering a family friendly environment.  

The evening begins with traditional choir music, free horse and buggy rides, holiday photos, the arrival of Santa Claus, and of course, the official "pulling of the switch," which will illuminate thousands of lights in the historical village.  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.  For the second year in a row, the event will also feature a Wreath Walk, where hand-crafted wreaths made by St. Landry Parish students will be sold during a silent auction. 

Master of Ceremonies for the evening event is Herman Fusilier of KBOB 101.1 Radio and Sheryl Ned of Opelousas Little Theatre.  Live music by LA 31 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and prize drawings will be held throughout the evening. Attendees can also warm up with a bowl of gumbo or red beans and rice sold by local vendors. 

The event initiates the 7th celebration of the "Lighting of the Village."  The holiday lights will remain lit through Jan. 2009.  Sponsors of the Lighting of the Village & Holiday Market include the City of Opelousas, Evangeline Downs, SLEMCO, Opelousas General Health System, Scotty's Thrift Clinic Pharmacy, Wal-Mart Distribution Center 6200.  For more information about vendor opportunities, contact Opelousas Tourism at (337) 948-5227.

Meanwhile, the annual Opelousas Children's Christmas Parade is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008.  The parade, which begins at 6 p.m. at St. Landry Catholic Church on Union & Main Street, rolls  through downtown Opelousas and ends on Creswell Lane. The annual holiday event, a favorite tradition among many, will feature colorfully lit Christmas themed floats, brilliant high school marching bands, and of course everyone's favorite, Santa Claus.  For information on the parade, contact the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center at (337) 948-2589 or Opelousas Tourist Center at (33) 948-6263.

 

Melanie Lee
Tourism Director