Lake Palestine United Methodist Church hosts Christmas Parade

Courtesy Photo CHRISTMAS PARADE-- Lake Palestine United Methodist Church held a Christmas Parade for the surrounding communities, bringing out many observers. Participants included Vicki Patton and her black lab posing as a gift.

The Christmas season kicked off on Lake Palestine with loud sirens, flying candy and loads of excitement Sunday afternoon. Lake Palestine United Methodist Church hosted its first Christmas parade through the neighborhood around the church.

The parade featured a number of green and red, decorative floats packed with children and adults. Candy, toys and cups were thrown from the parade participants to the spectators along the roughly one-mile route.

The parade also featured two fire trucks from Westside Volunteer Fire Department and a Constable patrol car. Several people rode motorcycles and a number of children rode their bicycles in the parade. As the parade wound through Forest Grove subdivision, many of the residents came out of their homes to see the flurry of activity.

They were met with shouts of "Merry Christmas!"

Even Santa Claus made a special appearance on a float sponsored by LPUMC's Youth Group. He and the youth threw toy whistles and cross necklaces to spectators.

Because of the success of this year's parade, LPUMC anticipates making the parade an annual event. The church also has a number of events and services planned to celebrate Christmas this year.

Upcoming events include: Caroling at 6 p.m, Sunday, December 10; a youth trip to Santa Land at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13; a Christmas

Children's program at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 and candlelight Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24.

For more information, please contact Rev. Richard Prather at (903) 849-2379.