From the Desk of Mayor David Rutledge

It’s almost time!

Time to start working on your entry into the Christmas parade, that is. The date is quickly approaching to break out those Christmas lights, fire up the old generator, put air in the trailer tires, and start working on your float. Saturday, December 3rd will be here before you know. It’s time to get busy.

This year’s theme ought to be a really fun one. The Chamber of Commerce has selected “Superheroes” for this year. That broad of a subject should get your creative juices flowing. There are many “Superheroes” out there, they come from different sources, have different looks, and there are different definitions of what a superhero is. Pick a fun character or characters and get to work!

Just like in years past, I’m giving the Mayor’s Trophy for the “Best in Theme” parade entry along with a $200 prize. So put your thinking caps on, pick out a Superhero, and get busy building your entry. Contact the Chamber at 409-735-5671 for an entry form.

Speaking of festivities in Bridge City, our 2nd Annual Christmas festival is coming the same weekend as the Christmas Parade. This year’s festival is expanding to cover two days, Friday evening Dec. 2nd and Saturday Dec. 3rd. We’re expecting even more merchandise sellers and food vendors this year versus last year’s great turnout. We’re expanding the area around the Community Center to accommodate the expected larger participant and vendor turnout. We have also upgraded the area lighting and improved the electrical connections for our vendors. If you’d like to set up a booth to sell your wares, please contact Jeanie at City Hall, 409-735-6801.

In other happenings around the City, we’ve had our preliminary meeting with folks from Texas A&M who are going to assist us in preparing our City Comprehensive Plan. City Council received a presentation from the leader of the group on what they can provide to us and what it is going to encompass and accomplish for the City. We are all extremely excited and look forward to getting started with the work. We expect the effort will lead to a clear direction for the City, one based on citizen input, long-range planning, and a vision for the future.

We’re also continuing with our program to assess the condition and prioritize the resurfacing of all the streets in the City. One street that will receive some major repairs prior to the assessment is Shadowdale. There are some intersections and a curve that need attention. We’ll undertake these repairs using proceeds from the Street Maintenance Fund. These repairs are scheduled to begin within the next two weeks, weather permitting.

That’s about it for now. See you around town. Take good care of “Bridge City, the Gateway to Lake Sabine.”