Press Release - 12/5/2013 - Christmas parade & activities; weather
Lee Woodward
From:Kristin Edwards
Sent:Thursday, December 05, 2013 4:41 PM
Subject:Weekend holiday events still planned - Prepare for cold weather/precipitation - press
release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
SHSU – Slide on Channel 7, please
Huntsville Item – Please add to Best Bets as appropriate
IT – Please add to Facebook and Twitter
Thanks,
Kristin Edwards, TRMC
Deputy City Secretary
The City of Huntsville as well as the Huntsville Lion’s Club will move forward with several holiday events this weekend,
even with the chilly winter weather projected for Friday through the weekend.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Downtown Christmas Fair, sponsored by the Main Street program, as well as the Parks
and Leisure Department’s Winter in the Park event, are both on schedule to begin this Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.,
respectively.
The Wynne Home Arts Center will also hold a full three days of events, beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday,
and the Huntsville Lion’s Club will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.
Weather advisory
According to County Emergency Management Coordinator Butch Davis, the National Weather Service has forecasted
both precipitation and freezing temperatures for tomorrow and through the weekend.
“The NWS is predicting we will be on the lower edge of the freeze line, and I’m very confident we’ll have some sleet
Friday and potentially Saturday evening and night,” he said. “As well, the temperature is not expected to surpass 35
degrees Saturday. Everyone needs to take precautions with respect to their homes, pets, and general safety, because it
will be very cold over the next few days.”
As well, Huntsville Police Department Lt. Jim Barnes urged citizens to exercise caution while driving, and to be mindful of
any icy conditions on roadways.
“Precipitation combined with temperatures near or below freezing could produce some ice accumulation on bridges and
elevated structures,” Barnes said. “While we do not believe there will be enough of a temperature drop to freeze the
roads, we want to advise extreme caution when driving on any bridge or overpass. In general, we would ask that drivers
slow down, watch the roads, and be mindful of the vehicles around you.”
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Events moving forward
Huntsville residents are encouraged to dress warm, drive safe, and come take part in several holiday events this
weekend.
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“Despite some inclement weather, we are still excited to hold the 3 annual Downtown Christmas Fair this Saturday,”
said Ariel Traub with the Main Street Program. “We will have 50 food and craft vendors, holiday activities,
entertainment and a train ride, as well as artificial snow for children of all ages to enjoy.
“Bundle up, bring your gloves and scarves, and get ready for a fun day in the downtown area!”
The Parks and Leisure Department will also hold Winter in the Park beginning at 12 p.m., though the event will be held
on a slightly smaller scale.
“We didn’t want any local kids to have to take their shoes off to participate in the bouncers, so we have decided to pull
that part of Winter in the Park,” said Matt Lumpkins, Parks and Leisure Director. “Everything else, from a face painter,
arts and crafts, an ice cream cone decorating contest and an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, will still be offered,
and we hope families will bundle their kids up and bring them out for a fun day in Rather Park.”
Finally, the Wynne Home Arts Center will offer three days of holiday events this weekend, and citizens and visitors of all
ages and interests are encouraged to take part.
“We’ll start off with a Gingerbread House contest and exhibit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and we’ll
also have an opportunity to make and decorate various Christmas ornaments during that time,” Pease said. “On
Saturday, we’ll host the No Foolin’ String Band from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a simple supper at 6 p.m. for $8 per person.”
Cider on the Porch will also be served on the Wynne Home porch during Saturday’s Christmas parade from
approximately 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, December 8, the Historic Homes Tour will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m.; it will include the
Wynne Home, the Gibbs Powell House, the Joshua Houston, Jr. Home, The Whistler, the Kellogg-Pritchett Home and the
1831 Log Cabin on University Avenue. At each location, refreshments will be served, and entertainment will be
presented.
“This is a special opportunity to visit historic homes of importance to our community’s heritage, “ Pease said. “At Wynne
Home, there will be a special presentation honoring Dr. Jack Staggs at 3 p.m., and all our citizens and guests are invited
to be present for that presentation.”
For more information on any of the events above, call the City of Huntsville at (936) 291-5400.
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