By Kevin Shannahan

The Christmas Festival Reception, a long standing tradition of the holiday season in Natchitoches, was held Saturday, December 3rd at the Prudhomme-Rouquier House. This year’s reception was a bit more special than most. For 45 of the 90 years the Christmas Festival has been in existence, Mr. Charlie Brown has been instrumental in providing the Festival’s signature fireworks displays. Mr. Brown passed away this past July and his memory will be honored with a fireworks set piece to be fired during one of the festival’s shows. The highlight of the event was Mrs. Linda Brown, Charlie’s widow, being presented with a key to the City of Natchitoches by Mayor Lee Posey. The fireworks display that Saturday was truly magnificent and a fitting memorial.