Thursday, November 23, 2023–10:17 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The decorations have been going up, and organizers of the Christmas in Lindale event are gearing up for the 11th annual celebration on Saturday, December 2.
It begins with a festival on South First Street from 1 until 5 p.m.
“We will have arts and crafts vendors,” said Tim Reynolds with Restoration Lindale. “We’ll have Sharp’s BBQ there. Also Sharp’s has donated free train rides for the kids his year. We’re real excited to have that back.”
The Lindale Christmas parade will make its way up Park Avenue beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“This will be our second year doing a nighttime Christmas parade,” Reynolds said. Last year was a bit hit. Anyone is free to join the parade. We line up at Pepperell Primary School at 5 p.m.”
According to Reynolds, the Christmas parade usually draws 2,000 to 4,000 people, depending on the weather.
“Christmases have really gotten special there,” he said. “It’s kind of like a big family reunion. Every year, when we have these events, you have people who have moved away but they come back for that one day for the parade and festival. It’s just really a special time.”
There will also be a toy drive during the parade. Anyone wishing to participate can bring toys to the Festival and place them in Santa’s Sleigh.
All toys will be donated to Pepperell students in need.
Restoration Lindale will also host “Selfies with Santa” on Friday, December 8 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Lindale train platform.
“We host a night of photographs with Santa, who will be set up in the platform,” Reynolds said. “It’s free and we give hot chocolate and cookies to every kid who comes to visit Santa. The Grinch will make an appearance as well. It’s so much fun.”
