FOLEY – The Christmas season is in full swing in Foley following several successful events in the last week.
Foley celebrated Christmas in the Park on Friday night. The event included the official lighting of the city Christmas Tree in John B. Foley Park and the arrival of Santa Claus in a city fire truck.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the work done by city employees to help make the event a success.
“I would also like to thank all the city departments that work so hard putting on this and all the other events that we have,” Hellmich said. “It takes a lot of hard work, setting up the displays and getting the park ready for this event and all our other events. So I really appreciate the Parks and Recreation Department, the Street Department and, of course, our first responders who manage the crowds.”
The mayor also thanked the Foley Revitalization and Beautification Board for organizing the Christmas decorations in the park and throughout the city.
“Our Beautification Committee works so hard across the city of Foley and puts up all these wonderful Christmas decorations,” Hellmich said.
Winners of the Christmas tree decorating competition announced at the event included Walker Hometown Animal Care, which took first place. A team effort by Excel-Real, New Horizon Insurance Agency, Gulf Coast Harpist and Coastal Green Lawn Care received the second-place award. Third place went to the Foley Sister Cities Commission.
During the celebration, children from the Florence B. Mathis Elementary Choir sang several Christmas songs.
After the performance, Hellmich led a countdown to the lighting of the tree located near North McKenzie Street. After the tree lighting, Santa arrived in a fire truck with its lights and sirens going.
Children lined up to tell their wishes to St. Nick, while participants toured the Christmas Village in the park and enjoyed refreshments handed out by city workers and volunteers.
On Saturday, the Foley Christmas Parade rolledl through downtown streets at 10 a.m.. The parade, which is put on by the Foley Kiwanis Club, was made up of more than 70 units, including bands, floats, other participants and Santa Claus.
Awards were presented for the best floats in the commercial and non-profit categories.
Saint Benedict Catholic School took first place in the non-profit category. Second place went to Foley Elementary Peer Helpers and Trail Life took third place.
In the commercial category, Walker Hometown Animal Care received the first place award. Vulcan Inc took second place following by Pro Alterations in third.
Following the parade, Foley’s annual Let It Snow event took place in Heritage Park. Children played in a life-sized snowglobe, had a chance to pet miniature horses and have their faces painted.
Music students from Foley High School also performed at the event.
Also on Saturday, the Downtown Foley Christmas Fest took place with visitors enjoying Christmas Fest specials at downtown Foley businesses.
The Foley High School Choir performed Christmas favorites at 200 W. Laurel Ave., in the Truist Bank Building.
Ongoing Foley Christmas events include the Graham Creek Christmas Trail. Visitors can walk the trail each evening, taking in displays illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights. Santa Claus will also be on hand to meet with young people. Admission is $5 for visitors older than 2.
The trail will be open Dec. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.
The Foley Performing Arts Association’s Trim A Tree event continues through Dec. 23 at the Foley Art Center at 211 N.McKenzie St. in downtown Foley. Trim-A-Tree includes unique Christmas ornaments, decorations and gifts created by local artists and members of the Foley Art Center.
More information on holiday events and other activities in Foley can be found at VISITFOLEY.COM.