Quitman Hometown Christmas plans advance

After a large turnout for last year’s first Hometown Christmas in Quitman, the committee planning the event is excited about the prospects for this year.   

The program is scheduled Dec. 11 from 2-8 p.m. There will be vendors, food and family fun. The Christmas parade will begin at 4:15 p.m. from the high school to the courthouse square. Pictures with Santa will be available in front of the Christmas tree at the square. 

The committee has been working on several projects leading up to the holiday event. One has been getting the old pole mounts that are Christmas trees refurbished. The old decorations will be taken off and replaced with new garland and LEDs. The welding class at Quitman High School will be making 14 more pole mounts. The community will see 28 bright and shining Christmas trees around Quitman.

There will also be more downtown lighting as Christmas lights will outline the buildings on the square. These lights were purchased with funds raised last year. City of Quitman crews will put up the  decorations. 

The original larger tree that was ordered is here and will be placed in the front of the courthouse. The tree lighting will be held Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a short program for the children followed by the tree lighting. Then downtown merchants will have their Black Friday Event with sales and treats from 8-11:30 p.m. This was a huge success last year, and everyone is invited to come enjoy shopping locally.

The committee is also getting the smaller tree that was sent in error last year ready to be decorated and placed at the library. The company that had sent it by mistake allowed Quitman to keep it rather than send it back.

The committee has been asking for donations to help the Hometown Christmas be as successful and as meaningful as the event became last year. They have been raising funds selling wreaths that will be placed around town as well as asking for donations and sponsorships. If someone would like to donate, please send a check to Quitman Chamber of Commerce, Hometown Christmas, PO Box 424, Quitman TX  75783.

Volunteer team leader Clay Smith said, “We are very excited for all the things we have in store for this year’s Quitman Hometown Christmas. Last year Hometown Christmas was very successful and this year we feel it will be even better this year.”

The Blitzen’s Bubble Blast will be an active event for kids who can play in the foam-filled area. LaserLine and Wilson Construction are co-sponsoring the bubble foam machines. 

LaserLine also has donated $500 for the winner of the home-decorating contest. Quitman’s FFA National Talent winner Bobby Irwin will be performing around 7 p.m.

The Hometown Christmas Committee is comprised of volunteers who came together in a common interest of Quitman having a truly memorable event and the courthouse square being beautifully decorated. The members are Smith, PJ Kalenak, Christine Thomas, Taylor Webber, Heather Bosclair, Kari Wilson, Ila Wisdom and Joanne Wisdom.   

Volunteers are still needed to help with setting up the event, decorating and cleaning up. Contact the chamber at 903-763-4411.