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Saint Nick Sighting in Natchitoches:
The 80th Anniversary of the Festival of Lights
by Barbara and Jim Twardowski
As the July temperature swelled to 100 degrees, a flurry of fake snowflakes fell in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The town that is known for its spectacular Christmas celebration, the Festival of Lights, was serving as the backdrop for John Goodman’s latest movie, “The Year without a Santa Claus.”
“We wanted to recreate Natchitoches’ Christmas festival. Natchitoches has incredible charm,” says Ron Underwood, the director of the new NBC-TV holiday film.
You could wait to catch a glimpse of Natchitoches on the tube. Better yet, during the holidays, take a four-hour drive to the historic city that is three years older than the French Quarter. Natchitoches (Nack-a-tish) is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Originally established as a French trade outpost in 1714, the bustling river port quickly flourished. Affluent cotton farmers built plantations down river and elegant winter homes in town for social gatherings. The city’s 33-block Historic District, which fronts Cane River Lake, is a mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture and Creole cottages. The heart of downtown is Front Street, with its wrought iron-clad buildings and brick-paved streets.
During the Christmas season, the famed Festival of Lights transforms the town into a sparkling wonderland that now attracts 500,000 visitors annually. The tradition began in 1927, when employees of the city’s utility department decided to give their customers a Christmas present. They erected an 8-foot star made of white lights and placed it downtown. Everyone enjoyed the wonders of the season—and of electricity.
The 80th anniversary celebration kicks off Saturday, November 18 with the lighting of 300,000 old-fashioned colored bulbs and the more than 100 giant wire-and-light “sets” that are placed along the banks of the Cane River Lake. The images, some of which are 10 feet high, are reflected on the water. The American flag’s twinkling lights make it appear to be waving. And Santa and his reindeer seem to be flying in the night sky.
“Opening day will expand this year to include more family-friendly activities, such as clowns, jugglers, family entertainment and Santa Claus,” says Iris Harper, executive director of the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
On Saturday, December 2, one of the state’s premier holiday events, the 80th Annual Christmas Festival daylong celebration, will feature a parade, special entertainment, arts, crafts, food, fireworks and a laser show.
Through January 6, 2007, the lights will be on each night. Mini-festivals will be held on weekends in December, with entertainment and fireworks every Saturday and at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Ongoing festival attractions include boat rides, dinner cruises, and carriage and streetcar tours throughout the city. Shops and restaurants are open late. The entire season includes a wide variety of craft shows, musical entertainment, a Holiday Tour of Homes and a wealth of other programs.
For a complete Festival of Lights schedule and to purchase armbands for Christmas Festival day, visit http://www.christmasfestival.com, or call 1-800-259-1714.
Dining
Stop for a casual lunch at Merci Beaucoup, where the specialty is Cane River Jambalaya. Lasyone’s, known as the Home of the Famous Natchitoches Meat Pie, has been owned and operated by the same family for over 30 years. The Landing, which serves Creole cuisine, seafood and steaks, is decorated with photographs taken by the owner’s father, Gris Gresham, the renowned sports writer and television celebrity. Try the lasagna at Dominic’s, a family-style restaurant with outdoor dining overlooking the Cane River Lake.
Where to Stay
Known as the bed-and-breakfast capital of Louisiana, Natchitoches boasts 37 properties ranging from historic homes to charming cottages. The Steel Magnolia House, originally built in the 1840s, was one of the settings for the movie of the same name. Based on a true story, “Steel Magnolias” was written by native Robert Harling Jr. and filmed entirely in Natchitoches. Savor peach dumplings for breakfast at the Judge Porter House. The stunning two-story Greek Revival has massive columns and an inviting wraparound porch. Make your reservations early. Many places require a two-night minimum stay during the busy holiday season.
