Old-fashioned holiday awaits at Heritage Park

Christmas

This holiday season kicks off with Christmas in the Park at Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park this Saturday with the traditional vintage and turn-ofthe-19th century world families can walk into for a unique experience for which the park is known every year.

This family-friendly activity presents the atmosphere of days gone by with volunteers setting up and serving free refreshments inside the many historic buildings on the grounds. Hot cocoa, cider, wassail, coffee and homemade baked goods are free for the tasting, along with do-it-yourself roasted marshmallows over an open hearth fire. Bags of freshly popped popcorn and roasted peanuts are available at a very nominal cost.

Between stops at the humble homes and other buildings in the park will be costumed singers who will provide the a Capella sounds of the season with traditional hymns and period-appropriate carols.

Guests will have the opportunity to shop for gifts at the Country Store, which will be open for the event, along with holiday decorations. All sales at the store benefit the park.

In the center — the village green, if you will —lighted tree forms will make the park glow in the colors of the holidays and light the paths through the grounds.

The highlight for many children will be the opportunity to visit with Santa. Parents can take pictures of the annual moment, while the kids tell the jolly old elf what they want for Christmas this year.

The Hopkins County Historical Society’s Christmas in the Park will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, in Heritage Park, 416 North Jackson St. in Sulphur