Troup parade tonight at 6

Christmas parades for Troup and Whitehouse step off this week.

The Troup Christmas parade begins tonight at 6 p.m. The parade floats will line up at 5 p.m. at Brookshire's on Duval, travel to Georgia Street and end at the library.

Wrapping up the parade will be the Christmas tree lighting at the library, along with announcements of the float contest, best decorated home and business and singing of Christmas carols. And, of course, Santa will be there to visit with the children and enjoy popcorn, candy and hot chocolate.

The Whitehouse Christmas parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. The parade forms on Wildcat Drive, travels south on Hwy. 110, turns east on FM 346 and ends at the library. For parade information, contact Brent Conaway at 903- 839-3939.

Following the Whitehouse Christmas parade, several activities will fill the day and evening at Whitehouse City Park. Kris Kringle Mart, hosted by YesterYear, will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors selling arts, crafts, food and many Christmas items will be set up in the park for some Christmas shopping. To set up a booth, call 903- 839-4078.

Also taking place during the day is The Holiday Home Tour. Selected homes in the Whitehouse area will be open for tours of their beautiful deco- rations. Tickets for that event will be on sale at the park. They are $10 each.

Children are invited to make ornaments at the park to hang on the City Park tree. The Whitehouse Women's Civic League is hosting this activity from 11 a.m. until noon.

Finishing off the evening is Christmas in the Park presented by First Baptist Church of Whitehouse. From 5-8 p.m. mule drawn wagon rides, hot cocoa and music will fill the park.