Sara Escobar

Evening Star

For the last 13 years, the city of Harker Heights has invited citizens to kick off the holiday season with free hot chocolate, cookies, and other amenities at their annual Frost Fest. Hundreds of friends and neighbors gather year after year at the event, and this year is expected to be no different. The city’s 14th annual Frost Fest will be held this Friday, December 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Market Heights Shopping Center, 201 E Central Texas Expressway.

The event is a cooperative effort of the Heights Chamber of Commerce, the city of Harker Heights, the Market Heights Shopping Center and several other sponsors. This year, music by Skye Strickler is being advertised, as well as a wreath decorating contest, a synthetic skating rink, an appearance by Santa Claus and the seventh annual Holiday Farmers Market, where several vendors will sell unique holiday gifts. The wreath decorating contest will be the first-ever at the Frost Fest—last year, an annual gingerbread house contest was sponsored by Heights Lumber and Supply. The public will view and vote for their favorite wreath, with first through third place winners will be awarded with a prize. In addition, the Harker Heights Fire Department will have a drop-off area where citizens can bring new, unwrapped toys for their Santa Pal program. Created in 2004, the Bell County Human Services Department and other affiliated businesses provide toys and gifts to children in need during the Christmas season. The Santa Pal program is solely funded through donations and volunteer efforts.

“Frost Fest is a great event where city departments and the community come together to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season,” said Heather Buller, Activities Coordinator of Parks and Recreation. For more information about the Frost Fest, call 254 953 5465.

That following Saturday, December 9, will be Killeen’s 55th annual Killeen Christmas Parade. The parade will wind its way through the historic Downtown area at 4:30 p.m. More than 100 entries will showcase this year’s theme, “The Magic of Christmas”. Floats, vehicles and performers will entertain the crowd as they make their way along the mile-long route. The parade will be led by co-grand marshals Major General Paul Calvert and 2017 Roy J. Smith Award winner, Eula “Sis” Beck. The parade travels east on Avenue D, turns north on Gray Street, west on Sprott Avenue, south on 2nd Street and ends at Avenue B. A route map is available online at killeentexas.gov. Spectators may locate along the parade route but are advised to arrive early to secure parking and viewing spots.