Santa Clause turns on downtown Christmas lights to begin holiday season

At approximately 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Santa Clause emerged from the Moore County Courthouse, pressed a button at the end of a long electrical cord, and lit up the Christmas decorations around the courthouse and elsewhere in town.  It marked the end of the Dumas/Moore County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Candy Cane Lane event and the unofficial beginning of the holiday season in Moore County.

“We hope everyone who came out had a wonderful time,” said Chamber Executive Director Carl Watson.  While an exact count on the number of people attending is not yet available, Watson said he was pleased with the turnout.  “Overall, from my standpoint, in the seven years I have been here, it was the biggest crowd. … It was the most successful for us.”

The weather could not have been better for an outdoor event.  It was unseasonably warm and sunny  for the middle of November, and there was neither rain nor blowing dust to spoil the good time.  Few coats, scarves, or woolen hats were in evidence Saturday, and hot chocolate was scarce.  Watson said he thought the weather was a big factor in bringing people out.  He was happy.  He understands the gamble involved in planning outdoor events in the Panhandle and has vivid memories of Candy Cane Lanes taking place in arctic-type weather with only the hardiest souls turning out.    

With 75 vendors signed up to take part, Watson said there was plenty of things for people to do.  The vendors were lined up in front of and on both sides of the courthouse, and they were offering a variety of goods, foods, drinks, and activities.  The crowd, which was sometimes large enough to make getting around difficult, seemed to be in a buying mood.  All those that spoke to the News-Press said they had been making sales.  Some of the food vendors ended up selling out completely.  Others continued doing business after the event and into the evening hours.  “I was very happy for all the vendors,” said Watson, adding that he had talked to many and found the feedback positive.  “I think all the vendors were happy.”

The entertainment this year featured students from the Dumas Independent School District bands and choirs and dance students from the Lone Star Ballet.  The Dumas High School (DHS) and Dumas Jr. High School bands were back after being absent last year.  “It was really great” to have them back, Watson said.

Cast members of the DHS student production of “Cinderella” were on hand Saturday in costume offering children carriage “rides,” though the carriage was stationary.  They seemed thrilled to get to meet a prince and princess.  At the same time, there was a little train giving children rides on 7th Street.

Santa Clause was the big attraction for children, though.  He arrived early in the afternoon.  And as usual, members of the Dumas Fire Department brought him in a fire truck.  He spent several hours posing for pictures with excited children and parents in the courthouse.  The northern hall was packed with people waiting their turn most of the day.  Except for a very few who wanted nothing to do with Santa — despite the strenuous efforts of their parents to distract them — the children were delighted.

Watson said it was possible a few things might be tweaked for next year, but the event this year turned out pretty much as he had hoped.  Having dodged a bullet with the weather ( A day or so later, and Candy Cane Lane would have been pretty soggy), Watson is hoping his luck continues next year, when he would like to see an even bigger turnout.  “We invite those that didn’t make it (this year) to come and join us for our annual Candy Cane Lane, which we always put on to help ring in the Christmas season.”