Mile Branch Settlement Prepares for Pioneer Christmas 1^st Weekend in December

Contact Person:  Brenda Simon, Mile Branch Settlement Chairman

                                  985-848-2628 or 985-515-0040

According to Brenda Simon, Mile Branch Settlement Committee Chairman, Pioneer Christmas is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, the first weekend in December (December 3^rd and 4^th).  An old-time Pioneer Christmas Parade kicks the big weekend event off at 10 a.m.   Mile Branch Settlement will open for Pioneer Christmas from 12 noon until 5 p.m. on both days for visitors to experience an old fashioned Christmas.  Other events will also take place on the Washington Parish Fairgrounds concurrently with Pioneer Christmas:  the Varnado Museum is hosting the Christmas Celebration in the Commercial Building and the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Antique Car Show around the Fair Stage area.  Two events will be presented in the Rodeo Arena:  Mounted Horse Shooting Demonstrations on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. and Barrel Racing on Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

The Pioneer Christmas Parade will originate in the General Parking lot off of Fairground Road and proceed south to take a left on Bene Street, a right on 11^th Avenue, then right on Washington Street, a right on Main Street and continue through the front entrance back to Fairground Road.  See the Pioneer Christmas Parade article for details on entrance requirements and procedures or call Judy Dale at 985-640-9839.

Mile Branch will be decorated appropriately for the period representative of the settlement.  Visitors will take a nostalgic walk back in time as they tour the various cabins and enjoy hot apple cider, sassafras tea, hoop cheese and crackers, and other tasty treats.  Crafters will offer a variety of items to assist visitors with their Christmas shopping.  Santa will be on hand at Mile Branch, as well as at the Christmas Celebration, for a picture opportunity.  Freshly ground cornmeal, as well as some of the other Mile Branch favorites, will be available.

This event is truly a cooperative effort by the Washington Parish Fair Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Varnado Museum to offer an extraordinary event that will thrill all visitors.  It is just the thing to get you into the Christmas spirit.  Schedule the first weekend in December for the whole family to experience Pioneer Christmas and the other great events planned on the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton.