Liberty City's 12th annual Christmas in the Park set

There will be plenty to see beginning Thanksgiving night and lasting through the entire month of December during the 12th Annual Christmas In the Park at Liberty City.

With more than 100,000 lights, animated decorations, a lighted nativity and Santa visiting on weekends, Liberty City Chamber of Commerce officials and community volunteers have been busy preparing for the holidays.

Hugh Camp Memorial County Park, located on Old Hwy. 135, is transformed each year into a winter wonderland that is free to the public.

The lights will go on Thanksgiving night because so many people come home for the holiday and they like to drive through, said volunteer Marvin Hillhouse. Because of vandalism and thefts in the past, the park gates are locked at 10 each night.

When Santa is in his house from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13, everyone will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies. Parents who desire will be able to take photos of their kids with the jolly old elf from the North.

Hillhouse said this year's display will feature a new lighted gingerbread house that's 10 feet tall, complete with a little gingerbread boy and girl.

The Liberty City Christmas Parade is set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. This year's theme is "The Wonder of Christmas Morning."

For more information about the park or the parade, call the Liberty City Chamber of Commerce at 903-984-7037.