COMFORT — The annual Christmas in Comfort celebration Saturday will feature many firsts, including recognition of those involved in rescue and recovery efforts after the July Fourth floods, organizers said. The 39th annual event runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A Night Parade starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 on Main Street will feature firefighters and other public-safety personnel from Center Point, Ingram, Hunt and Waring fire departments, said Margaret Stone, a Comfort Area Chamber of Commerce board member.
The Night Parade will close with the Comfort Fire Department and Santa atop a fire truck. A fireworks display follows. “We want to honor them, especially after the July 4 floods,” Stone said, referring to the disastrous storms that claimed more than 130 lives and saw the Guadalupe River crest at almost 40 feet, sweeping through Hill Country settlements and summer camps. A “Santa Barn” will be open for families to take photos with the Jolly Old Elf during the day. Featured are 120 vendors from across the state, 15 food vendors and three sound stages in different areas across downtown.
Up to 50 volunteers will help manage the event with Stone, who said the celebration received a record number of sponsorships.
“This enabled us to do more,” Stone said. “We were able to hire more expensive bands. I was able to bring on Hill Country Ears (Sound Co.) to manage the three different sound stages.”
Along with a petting zoo, attendees can enjoy entertainment from a magician, gingerbread decorating sponsored by the Comfort Heritage Foundation and a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m., with the national anthem sung by operatrained singer Chris Ortiz.
“All our shops will also have booths just outside their front doors,” Stone said.
The event typically sees 20,000 to 25,000 people.
“We want to see everyone out this year, too, including their dogs,” she added.
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