Plans are well underway for Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB)’s Downtown Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 4. Committee co-chairmen Sharron Welch and Bobbie Erwin reported at a recent meeting that the celebration will include a parade, tree lighting, carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, entertainment, gift drawings and other holiday activities.
The parade lineup will begin at 5:45 p.m., with judging at 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners.
Precious Memories of Sanger will provide two carriages for the event. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site for photo opportunities and Layke Cole will serve as the event photographer.
The GFWC Lake Area Woman’s Club will host the Santa booth, and 56 Deli will provide dinner for KWB volunteers.
The committee is also considering a holiday decorating contest for downtown businesses and is working to secure sponsors for the event. Volunteers will be needed throughout the evening to assist with the many activities.
KWB is also working on plans for the fall season. Volunteers met on Main Street at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, to install fall decorations throughout downtown Whitesboro. Members also conducted a Fall Sweep and downtown cleanup while decorating.
The organization plans to participate in National Night Out on Oct. 6 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Whitecotton Park. Lesa Banfield and her husband will represent KWB and host the organization’s booth.
KWB is also preparing for its participation in the Oct. 17 Peanut Festival. Committee Chairman Betsy Cook will contact the Whitesboro High School National Honor Society regarding student volunteers, and KWB members are signing up to assist at the organization’s booth.
Remaining green KWB shirts from last year will be available for $10. Seventeen new army green shirts will be ordered and offered for $20 each. Cracker Jacks will also be available at the KWB booth.
Looking ahead, planning has begun for the Keep Whitesboro Beautiful Gala scheduled for Feb. 12, 2027, at Cook’s Main Stage. President Mark Wennstedt has signed the venue contract, and the committee is reviewing catering options for the event.
KWB’s next general meeting will be held Oct. 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.
