Editor:

With Christmas just days away, I have had the honor of participating in the best gift of all: seeing the eyes of children sparkle with excitement as they saw Santa (many for the first time). Being part of a community that truly cares and wants to see Beeville grow and flourish has made my Christmas wish come true.

Our downtown Christmas Celebration and lighted parade was a success, and that success would not have been possible without the help of some wonderful residents of our community. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to everyone who participated in making this day a blessing for the children and families of Beeville, and our surrounding area. I would like the residents of Beeville to know how many people participate in making this event a success.

I would like to thank Gary Jones who flew Santa in from the North Pole, Donnie Morris and the Fire Department for escorting Santa to the Depot Pavilion to see our wonderful children, the Brewer family for playing the role of the Dickens Christmas Carolers and singing throughout the city, Santa for coming all the way from the North Pole to hear the wishes of children and be the grand marshal of the parade, to Mrs. Santa who read Christmas stories to the children at the Joe Barnhart Library, the library staff who helped with our Christmas Celebration, the Fiesta Ballet Forklorico and the First Baptist Children’s Choir for performing at the Depot Pavilion; St. Philip’s School, the City of Beeville, American Legion, Garden Club, Our Lady of Victory, Beeville Stingers Bicycle Club, Cub Scouts of America, VFW, Campfire Girls, Red Hats, Junior Service League and Ruby Soliz and Linda Casares for decorating the downtown planters; the Rosetta Club and Mother’s Club for decorating the Christmas trees at the Joe Barnhart Library; Stacy Forbes for volunteering to take the photos with Santa; Teresa Holland, Barbara Holland, Belen and the Street Department for their hours of work stringing new lights on the downtown decorations; to Jim Ely for donating his time and labor to string new lights to outline our businesses on Washington Street; to Danny Spires for managing the P.A. system; to Kicker 106 and KRXB for all the announcements covering the event and the Beeville Publishing Co. for the great coverage and your wonderful employees who have been incredible to work with; to the Shorty’s Tuesday Night Ladies Group for handling the organization and distribution of donated toys; to Mrs. Grimes and the A.C. Jones Home Economics class for making 15 Santa bags for the collection of toys; to Lanny Holland with the City of Beeville and his family for managing the parade and parade lineup; to Kathy Taylor and the Cub Scout moms and dads who made 15 lighted toy soldier uniforms to march in front of Santa’s sleigh in the parade; to all the lighted parade entries for making the parade possible; to the vendors who sold great products and food; and to Natalie, Teresa and Gloria, who volunteered in the office.

We live in a great community with limitless potential. Success happens with you! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With my sincerest gratitude,

Michelle Wright,

The City of Beeville

Main Street Manager