DECEMBER 6 – Christmas Festival in Downtown Mt. Vernon

Christmas Festival – The Christmas season is kicked off by the Christmas Festival the first Saturday of December, Dec. 6. 2014.

Chili Cook-Off – A Chili Cook-off provides fun and food for the day. Funds from the competition go to the Community Food Bank of Franklin County. Registration to cook begins in November. Call the Chamber at 903-537-4365.

Art, Crafts, Parade – Various other activities are planned, including singing, arts and craft booths throughout the day, and the annual parade at 11 a.m. The Christmas Parade winds through the streets of downtown. Santa visits with children in the Old Depot Museum immediately following the parade. Museums and merchants stay open late to serve patrons. Watch the Optic-Herald for specifics on times and locations for these events.

Tour of Trees – The Old Depot Museum will be filled with decorated Christmas trees sponsored by the Franklin County Historical Association. Local children’s organizations are invited to decorate a tree in the exhibit. Attendees can vote for their favorite entries, with prizes being awarded. The exhibit will be available for viewing during the Christmas Festival. It will also be available during the museum’s operating hours Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at other times by appointment by calling 903-537-4760.