A steering committee has been formed from the citizens of Pittsburg to begin planning a new Christmas extravaganza which has been named: Pittsburg by Candlelight. The committee is working closely with City Manager Clint Hardeman. The new committee will be providing more information in the coming weeks and seeking volunteers. The planning committee are pictured left to right, seated: Kathy McCullough, Niecy Baum, Linda O’Quinn, and Christine Jackson, Chamber Executive Director. Standing L to R: Terre Wallis, Chairperson and Melanie Bass. Watch The Gazette for more information in the coming weeks.
Pittsburg to shine light on history
Pittsburg’s historic homes will be the centerpiece of a new Christmas event this year. The City of Pittsburg announced this week that planning for the “Pittsburg by Candlelight” holiday event is underway.
Set for Saturday, December 8 from 6-9 p.m., the daylong event is a coordinated effort by the City of Pittsburg and several community organizations that will highlight the rich history of Pittsburg and will include an evening walking tour of 6-7 historic locations and homes all with a backdrop of festive holiday cheer.
There will be planned events both prior to and following the candlelight tour of historic Pittsburg, including late night shopping on Main Street. Shoppers will enjoy the magic of Christmas in Pittsburg with outdoor decorations and carolers singing at multiple locations. There will also be two selfie photo stations with a best selfie contest.
“It is our sincere hope that our efforts will create an event that not only will bring our own city residents out for a wonderful day and evening in our town but also bring many from our surrounding towns of Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Vernon, Winnsboro, Dangerfield, and more,” said Executive Planning Committee Chair Terre Wallis. “I am thrilled to chair this event with wonderful, hardworking men and women that are so proud to live and work in Pittsburg and I am so proud to live here, as well.”
The planning committee is currently seeking sponsors. To date, Mayben Realty has stepped forward to be the event’s Main Sponsor. The committee is working to finalize all locations and setting the tour routes. Currently, the stops include The Abernathy House, The Heath house, The Holman House, The Farmstead and First United Methodist Church.
Wallis said each location will be fully decorated for Christmas and docents will be available to discuss and answer questions regarding the location’s history. There will be refreshments at each stop and the tour will offer a beautifully-curated ornament for sale to commemorate the event.
“An event such as this, when combined with Pioneer Days, Home for the Holidays and our Annual Christmas Parade, will make 2018 a memorable one for all of us,” Wallis said.
There are still many volunteer positions needed prior to and on the day of the event. Information regarding the event will be posted soon on the City of Pittsburg website. The EBC will have a booth at Pioneer Days on Sept. 15 where they will hand out “Save the Date” treats.
Tickets will go on sale Oct. 1 for $25 per person, which includes the tour, a gift tote bag filled with goodies and refreshments at each historic location.