Christmas on the Bayou
The Grinch steals candy from a child as he walks by in Anahuac’s 19th Annual Christmas Parade.
Chase from Paw Patrol rides with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office in Anahuac’s 19th Annual Christmas Parade.
Anahuac National Bank won best business float during the Christmas on the Bayou Parade.
A Chambers County EMS first responder hides in a duck blind during the Anahauc Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade.
The Three Blind Mice wave from a Shrek-themed float at the Christmas on the Bayou parade.
Christmas elves play zydeco music on theme with Christmas on the Bayou.
Tammy Hale, creator of the annual parade, visits with The Grinch.
Felicity Clanton, Katie Fisher and Punkin Fisher join Santa Claus to tell him what they want for Christmas.
ESA Sorority sits with Santa Clause. ESA organized Santa’s visit to Anahuac.
Mid-Chambers Ministerial Alliance sings Christmas songs to attendees at the after-parade festivities.
ANAHUAC— Airboats decorated with lights and trailers loaded with Christmas trees and smiling faces marked the 19th Annual Christmas Parade with a Christmas on the Bayou theme.
On Dec. 5 many lined along Miller Street and Washington Avenue to watch the festive community event. Parade marshal John Mulryan led the brightly lit floats.
“As years have gone by it’s gotten bigger and bigger and as you can tell the floats are amazing,” said Tammy Hale, creator of the Christmas parade.
Following the parade, with help from ESA Sorority, children of all ages had the chance to meet with Santa Claus at the Chambers County Courthouse.
ESA Sorority organizes the Santa meet-and-greet and Christmas tree lighting each year. The organization provides for the community through scholarship donations and various acts of service.
Musical entertainment was provided by Mid-Chambers Ministerial Alliance. The alliance brought together many churches in the area to share the spirit of Christmas with attendees.
The parade float contest had two categories, business and individual.
The business winners were Anahuac National Bank, first prize; Little Busy Bee, second prize; and Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, third prize.
The individual winners were Anahuac Primary School, first prize; Stacey’s Walking Elves, second prize; and Cindy Davis, third prize.
With next year marking the parade’s 20th anniversary, Hale plans to incorporate something special.
“We’re kinda thinking of a couple of things,” Hale said. “We do want to do something big.”
Hale said she is contemplating having two parade marshals and a festival of lights theme.
The parade’s origins began through a mother’s love. Hale detailed seeing her daughter on a homecoming float with her best friend, the pair enjoying their time.
Following that parade, Hale went to the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce to see if they had ever hosted a Christmas parade. Hale asked if the chamber would sponsor a parade, no funds needed, and the chamber agreed to begin planning.
Hale said that year Anahuac had its first Christmas parade, which was smaller at the time.
“That’s how it all started. Seeing her [daughter] on that float. It just made my heart shine,” Hale said.