Christmas comes to Orangefield Saturday

A bigger, better, “Christmas in Orangefield” will kick off at 10 a.m., Saturday with a longer parade route and over 35 entries, said Chad Jenkins, chairman for the 2nd annual event. They have added many activities this year, including a chili cook-off, Civil War re-enactment and model train displays by the Southeast Texas Model Railroad Club http: (www.setmrc.com/) and the East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Association (www.etgrma.com/). These model railroad clubs show throughout Texas and surrounding states. “They’ve already got their trains set up,” said Jenkins.

A returning fun activity for kids is “Uncle Jesse’s Farm,” a unique way for younger children to learn where milk, eggs, and other foods come from. They will go from one booth pen to another visiting the cows, chickens and other farm animals. This is a remarkable way of showing them that food does not originate in the grocery store.

“The 2nd Annual Christmas in Orangefield is a festival that brings this wonderful community of Orangefield together for this great season of celebration,” said Jenkins. “It is a time for the young and the young at heart to come together and enjoy a great day of fun, food and crafts.”

“We are so excited about the new events that have been added this year,” said Jenkins. Besides the chili cook-off, they have added a washer pitching contest and horseshoe tournament for children and adults. There will be a huge slide and jumping houses. “We can’t get forget about Uncle Jesse’s Farm, the petting zoo and the firing of the Civil War Cannon,” said Jenkins.

“We are also excited about the Elementary Art Contest,” he said.

Numerous bands, singers, and dancers will entertain throughout the day. Vendors include many food and craft booths, including Betty Chandler’s “world famous” gumbo.

Don’t forget pictures with Santa and letters to Santa

The main attraction is the 25,000 sq. ft. Orangefield Cormier Museum, a gift to the Orangefield community from the family of local oil man, the late Paul Cormier. The museum was conceived and designed by Cormier to house his enormous collection of everything from days gone by.

A tradition for years in Orangefield was an oil derrick lit with Christmas lights. Hurricanes destroyed the derrick. A wooden replica is under construction to revive the tradition, but could not be completed in time so this year, the day will culminate at dusk with the Christmas lighting of Paul Cormier’s work-over rig truck from the 1950s.

The parade begins at Orange Oilfield Supply on Farm Road 408 heading north. It will turn left on Farm Road 105 and travel to the Orangefield Jr. High School, taking a right at the light on Sandbar.

“C.J. Benoit will be the parade marshal this year,” said Jenkins. “A long-time Orangefieldite, he’s been there forever, a good man.”

“We’ll have opening ceremonies around 11 a.m.”

The festival takes place on the grounds of Orangefield High School on Farm Road 105 in front of the museum.

Admission and parking is free.

It is not too late to enter the chili cook-off. Contact Bo Henley at 409-988-8523.

Entry fee for the parade is a new toy, which will be donated to the Bridge City-Orangefield Ministerial Alliance. For parade information contact Windee Jenkins at 409-988-8256

“Christmas in the country is all about family, so join our family at the Orangefield Cormier Museum Saturday as we remember the reason for the season,” said museum committee member Harvey Wilson.

“We as a committee hope to see all out for a great day as we celebrate the season and celebrate history of the Orange Oilfield and the lighting at dusk,” said Jenkins.

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. - Parade begins – Parade Marshal, Mr. C.J. Benoit

11:00 a.m.- Opening Ceremonies

Orangefield Cheerleaders perform with Cheer Campers

Orangefield HS Sophisticats perform

Welcome

11:15 a.m. - Live Music – Heart and Rain Band

11:30 a.m. - Santa Claus visits the Cormier Museum for Pictures - till 5 p.m .; Chili Cook-Off tastings begin; Horseshoe Tournament Registration.

12:00 p.m. - Orangefield Drama Department performs “Dickens on the Strand;” Horseshoe Tournament Begins; McLewis Fire Department – Fingerprinting Kits .

12:30 p.m. - Rose Thayer Academy of Dance Performers: The Texas Dance Expressions and The Texas Cheer Expressions; Chili Cook-Off Contest Results; Washer Tournament Registration.

1:00 p.m. - Orangefield High School Christmas Concert; Washer Tournament Begins; Mid-Day ‘Split-the-Pot’ Drawing.

1:45 p.m. - Orangefield Kindergarten Singers

2:00 p.m. - Live Music – Alley Cats; Civil War Reenactment – In the back field

2:30 p.m. - Pie Eating Contest

3:00 p.m. - Tiger Rock Martial Arts of BC perform

3:30 p.m. - Orangefield Junior Sophisticats Perform

4:00 p.m. - Live Music – Shaun Newell and the Straight Six

5:00 p.m. - End of Day ‘Split-the-Pot’ Drawing

5:30 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies Begin; Musical Performance from Ashley Van Pelt; The Night Before Christmas Reading; Presentations and Awards Announced; Christmas Lighting.

Event planners intend for festivities to conclude in time for people to attend the Bridge City Christmas parade that begins a 6:30 p.m.