Christmas festivities across Ascension

• By ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT
• Published: Dec 4, 2008 - Page: 1H - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The Christmas holiday season officially kicks off today when Santa Claus arrives at the Gonzales Civic Center for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

This won’t be Santa’s only trip to the area, as he is scheduled to visit two senior citizens’ parties, two parades and ride through neighborhoods escorted by a host of firefighters.

The City of Gonzales’ annual celebration starts at 6 p.m.

“We’ll have Santa Claus, a gift for each child and, of course, hot chocolate and cookies,” Betty Latuso, one of the event organizers, said.

Mayor Johnny Berthelot will flip the switch on the city’s Christmas tree in Jambalaya Park.

Inside the civic center, dancers and singers with Center Stage Performing Arts academy will perform.

The holiday festivities continue Dec. 9 when the city hosts its annual Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon for residents 55 and older.

The luncheon, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the civic center, features music, lunch and a gift for each attendee.

While Santa is not scheduled to make an appearance, the Ascension Parish Recreation Department is celebrating the holiday season with its first Senior Citizens Christmas Party from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at the St. Amant Park.

The party will include food and music by members of the Cursin’ Band and NaNaSha and Kenny Fife.

The Rotary Club of Donaldsonville’s annual Christmas Party will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at Palazzo Bernardo in Donaldsonville.

The City of Donaldsonville and Donaldsonville Downtown Development District host the annual Christmas parade at 1 p.m. Dec. 13.
The parade starts on Thibaut Drive, turns onto Marchand Drive, continues onto Railroad Avenue and ends in Crescent Park.

After the parade, the groups will host a celebration in Louisiana Square featuring snow, music, food, photos with Santa and children’s activities.