Downtown Whitney will be full of Christmas cheer Saturday, December 14, as the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Grinch Festival and parade.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with arts and crafts vendors opening booths in the downtown area. Food vendors will also be on site during the day.
Pictures with Santa will be available from noon to 3 p.m. at 24fifteen Realty. Kids can also make reindeer food after visiting Santa. A Grinch photo booth will be open at The Wild Sorrel Floral all day.
A number of contests are planned throughout the day, and competitors should stop by the “Grinch’s Lair” to register.
At noon, there will be a Grinch look-alike contest on the main stage. Categories are 1-5 years old, 6-10 years old, 11-15 years old, 16-20 years old and over 21.
A pie-eating contest for kids will be held from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. Kids are also invited to join in a limbo contest from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Adults can compete in a sack race from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.
At 3 p.m., “Grinch on the Bench” will begin, and the Grinch will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Bosque Resort will operate a “Polar Express” train during the Grinch Festival.
Stop by Juniper Cove Winery at any point during the day to make your own ornament to place on the community Christmas tree. Residents can also bring their own ornament to add to the tree.
Everyone is reminded to stop by the Whitney Volunteer Fire Department booth to cast their vote for the “mayor of Whoville.”
Visit the Girl Scout Troop 3477 booth to purchase a felt heart for $1 each.
The Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. and travel through downtown streets. Parade participants are expected to arrive at the Whitney Intermediate School parking lot on South San Jacinto Street at 5 p.m. to line up.
At the conclusion of the parade, the community tree lighting will begin.
For more information or to sign up for the parade, email info@lakewhitneychamber.com or call 254-625-2387.
