Dispatches from DeRidder DeRidder Celebrated the Season
T
J. Shirlene Cooper
he holiday season arrived via the railroad tracks, in DeRidder, when a special Kansas City Southern train rolled into town. This marked the third consecutive visit from the big, smiling, red and white striped “Holiday Express,” which has been is welcomed by a bigger group of wide-eyed children and their families each year. Comprised of the highly recognizable engine and five decorated cars, the Holiday Express makes a total of only 34 stops annually, during the Christmas season. Its first trip to DeRidder, in 2005, was such a success that area clubs and businesses, as well as the Beauregard Tourist Commission, sent letters of request for return stopovers in following years. While the train was spotted early in the morning, parked along the tracks in front of DeRidder City Hall, actual tours didn’t begin until 4 p.m. By the time Santa’s “elves” were in place and the doors of the caboose were opened, hundreds of visitors were in line, ready for a visit with Santa and a trip through the winter wonderland waiting inside. Santa’s helpers, both inside the train and along the tracks, included familiar faces from the DeRidder City council board, and the Beauregard Chamber. Spotted chatting with those in line was chamber president Martin Scott. Councilman Gordon Jenkins was among the community volunteers inside the train, overseeing the tours of the miniature villages. Because of the lengthy wait for visitors to board the train, several other events and activities also were planned in conjunction with the Holiday Express stopover. The lighting of the City Christmas Tree, which had been erected in the courtyard of the Beauregard Museum, next to the railroad tracks was one highlight of the evening. Bringing back a tradition from almost thirty years ago, DeRidder Mayor Ron Roberts, with assistance from City Hall, had worked to get the special tree from Grant Tree Farm. It had been decorated earlier in the week. As a large crowd waiting for the official lighting ceremony, holiday carols were presented by the Mount Canaan Baptist Church Children’s Choir. Mayor Roberts and Beauregard Community Action Association (BCAA) director Winkie
From Dance Stop Dance Centre, the Dixie Darlin’s entertained crowds gathered along the streets at this year’s Christmas Parade in DeRidder. The dancers earned first place among the commercial groups in the parade of over 80 entries, and later performed again at a Toy Run conducted at Wal-mart to collect monies and gifts for area children.
Miracle on Washington Street festival-goers Aimee Gill (from left), Aspen Cooley, Shiann Ravia and Matilda Fowler listen to the stories and music of “Riverboat John” (John Ferguson), at one of the many demonstrations at this year’s Beauregard Tourism Commission event, in DeRidder.
Mount Zion Baptist Church was awarded second place honors among the Church groups, for a float designed after the theme, “Christmas through the Eyes of a Child.” The float provided a living nativity scene, with younger members treating parade judges and spectators to favorite holiday songs.
Beauregard Parish School Board members, school administrators, teachers and staff, gathered with chamber members and area business leaders for “Business After Hours,” in December, to recognize and show appreciation for area school’s Partners In Education.
JANUARY 10, 2008
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