Preparations for the upcoming Christmas season, community events, and local tourism activities were among the topics discussed during a recent meeting of the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC).
With the Christmas celebrations approaching, organizers provided updates on parade preparations, entertainment, visitor activities, and volunteer needs as Natchitoches prepares for one of its busiest times of the year.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on preparations for the city’s Christmas festivities, including arrangements for parade floats, transportation for participants, and the logistics of upcoming events.
Organizers reported that approximately 24 to 25 Miss Merry Christmas participants had been confirmed, to ride in the parade as honorary grand marshals, with several additional responses still pending.
Plans are also underway for an expanded children’s interactive area near the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. The area will offer activities for younger visitors, although organizers emphasized that additional volunteers will be needed to assist with operations. Community organizations, college students, and local athletic groups were discussed as potential sources of volunteer support.
Organizers also discussed preparations for holiday entertainment and fireworks, including an expansion of fireworks display.
Recent community events were reviewed during the meeting, including a car show that drew approximately 374 vehicles. Additional updates highlighted local cultural attractions and visitor activity. A Natchitoches Historic Foundation representative reported that the Pacale Roque House on the riverbank had welcomed approximately 3,008 visitors during its first nine months of operation, despite being open primarily on weekends.
Representatives also discussed upcoming events hosted by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce. Applications for the Chamber’s annual awards are scheduled to close October 21, while applications for its eight-month Leadership Natchitoches program will close October 31. The Chamber’s THRIVE fundraising event is scheduled for December 10 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.