HOLIDAY ON PARADE
Rusk Christmas parade is Tuesday
It's almost Christmas time in Rusk. The holiday season will be ushered in with the Cherokee Civic Theatre's presentation of "The Silent Bells" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. A matinee performance at 2 p.m. is planned for Dec. 2. Other performances are planned for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9.

Santa Claus will make his arrival in the downtown area Tuesday, Dec. 4. The lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m. and the parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

The two events will be combined into one night's activ-

ity.

Theme for the season is "Gifts of Christmas."

Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn will present the greeting and offer the invocation. Ian Chandler will sing "O Christmas Tree."

The program for the lighting of the Hospice Tree will be presented by Chaplain Gary Sparks.

The Cowboy Church, Brand- ed by Christ," will present the nativity. Down- town Christ- mas lights will be turned on when the Three Kings bring the parade as a gift to the citizens of Rusk.

During the lighting, Bri' Ann Driver will sing "Mary Did You Know." The Rev. Dr. Debra McCormick of Christ the Redeemer Church will present a Christmas reading and Mr. Chandler will sing "O Holy Night."

Cherokee Civic Theatre presents "Silent Bells."

The song "Feliz Navidad" by Mr. Chandler and Eric Isayez will be presented for the parade.

The parade will begin on Sycamore Street, wind down Fifth Street to Main and then across to U.S. Highway 84 and down Henderson Street, disbanding on Fourth Street.

Persons and organizations wanting to enter a float are asked to call the Rusk Chamber of Commerce at (903) 683-4242. Entry fee is $5 or canned goods to benefit the Rusk Good Samaritan.

Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places.

Trophies will be awarded to the top window displays and business decorations. Also decorated yards will be judged. Persons wishing to enter window displays, business decorations and decorated yards are asked to contact the chamber of commerce office at (903) 683-4242.

The annual Rusk Kiwanis pancake supper will follow the parade. Cost is $5 per person.

Ashlen Richards k portraying Ann Marie and Phyllis Johnson, Berry the Saint Bernard dog, search for the perfect gift in the Cherokee Civic Theatre production of "The Silent Bells." The show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9.

The annual Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. Theme is "Candy Land Christmas."

Christmas Dream Tree gifts will be distributed and a special activity for "A Day with Santa" will be from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 15 at the Jim Hogg City Park.

Other Christmas activities include open house at Austin Bank, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; open house, Bob Francis Ford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7; "Polar Express, Texas State Railroad Palestine, Dec. 7-9; First United Methodist Church cantata, lunch and pie auction, 11 a.m. Dec. 9; Jacksonville Tour of Homes, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 9; Christmas musical, "Celebrate the Light" featuring the sanctuary choir, Singers of Salvation, Pure Heart Ladies Ensemble and the church orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at First Baptist Church; Texas National Bank, after hours, 5 p.m. Dec. 10; Alto Christmas parade, 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, theme "A Family Christmas;" Christmas Open House with Santa at Greg James Country Motors, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 11 with door prizes and refreshments; Rusk High School band concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in high school auditorium; open house, Texas National Bank Rusk, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14; "The Nativity Story," Christ the Redeemer Church, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14; Rusk High School drama production of

Members of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice work squad are decorating the Cherokee County Courthouse lawn in preparation for the lighting ceremony and annual Christmas parade. Last year the crew spent more than 90 man-hours to install the lights and decorations.

Harvey" 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14- 15, high school auditorium; Polar Express, Texas State Railroad Palestine, Dec. 14- 23; First Baptist Church children's choir musical, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16; "Born for Such a Time as This" at River of Life Christian Center, 6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; Rusk Junior High band concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 18; First Presbyterian Christmas Eve Communion, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24; First United Methodist Christmas Eve Holy Communion, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24; Christmas Eve service, First Baptist Church, 6 p.m. Dec. 24.