CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Clockwise from above: Shiner Royalty wave from their award-winning float during Shiner’s lighted Christmas parade, Santa Claus keeps Shiner on his list of stops every year, little ones play in the snow and relish in the fun that only Christmas can bring. SHINER CELEBRATES

A reason to gather

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK BRINGS SHINER TOGETHER

Always the first Sunday in December, patrons delight in music, tables of treats, and festive lights at Christmas in the Park. Visits with Santa Claus promise to instill the Christmas Spirit in the heart of even the most stubborn Scrooge.

The annual Christmas celebration features holiday music performed by local choirs and bands. Upon his arrival in Shiner, Santa Claus is escorted from the Shiner Fire Station to the park on the Shiner Chamber of Commerce’s royalty float. Patrons are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and arrive early.

Shiner businesses and organizations set up annually for the Christmas Sampler which provides an opportunity for them to mingle with the community they serve. There are also vendors allowing shoppers to get all of their gifts early.

The event is held at Green-Dickson Municipal Park. For more information, visit shinertx.com.. SHINER, TEXAS | 23

SECOND WEEKEND IN APRIL Heating it up in Shiner

SHINER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL COOK-OFF AND CAR SHOW AT GREEN-DICKSON PARK

Each year the Shiner Volunteer Fire Department turns up the heat at Green-Dickson Park in April with their annual CookOff and Car Show. Their main fundraiser of their year, this event helps the completely volunteer organization offset operating expenses, purchase new equipment, and, currently, fund the construction of a new fire station.

“Our cook-off includes contests for pork spare ribs, half chicken, brisket, and jackpot beans,” said Shiner Volunteer Fire Department Chief Billy Petru. “We give half the calcutta back to the entrants for first, second and third placements.”

In conjunction with the cook-off, automotive enthusiasts will want to hang around for the car show Saturday.

“The show runs from 8 a.m. until judging at noon,” added Petru. “There’s also a mini-tractor pull in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m., brought to us by the Texas Minirod Tractor Pullers Association.”

Although the event evolves from year to year, there is typically live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Attendees can also participate in a 5k walk/run, a kids fishing tournament in the park, and a washer tournament.

“And, as a special feature for both the young and young at heart, we have helicopters fly in and land in the park,” shared Petru. “They give the kids tours. They have so much fun climbing in and out of the helicopters.”

For more information, follow the Shiner Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook.

Above: Classic cars line up at Green-Dickson Park in Shiner every year for the annual ccok-off and car show.