The Holiday season is officially upon us as we move into December!
The first Saturday following Thanksgiving is traditionally when many family fun festivities kick off for the season. It's also popularly known as Shop Small Saturday, an initiative for shoppers to support small businesses for their holiday shopping over the larger chains. Supporting local business owners not only serves local families but it also helps to give a boost to the community.
That was definitely the theme of the night for the annual Unveiling of the Nativity in Downtown Opelousas as the city sponsored a community event with fun activities for the public and a market downtown with several local vendors to shop from.
Louisiana Folk Roots Music Camp held an alumni jam session with participants from their previously held summer camps. The group consisted of accordion players, violinists, guitarists, and even vocalists who played alongside with Luke Huval as he lead the JAM session with traditional French music. 
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There was also an 'instrument petting zoo' provided where kids were encouraged to take part in the JAM session playing along on a variety of instruments. The Folk Roots Camp team and local musicians demonstrated how to play along on different instruments as they performed traditional Christmas tunes.
The Kiwanis Club of Opelousas provided complimentary Taco Soup for guests to combat the brisk air of the evening. Additional activities were provided all around the Courthouse square for kids to participate in from making friendship bracelets, a coloring station, train rides on the Candy Land Cottage Express, and pictures with none other than Santa Claus himself.
Just around the corner from the courthouse you could also catch the Grinch and Cindy Loo Hoo for a great photo opp just inside Sophisticated Look at La'Bellevue. The Grinch could also be viewed on screen as the venue had the movie playing for guests to sit back and enjoy while sipping on refreshments.
At dusk the curtains unveiled the life-sized Nativity scene display which has been a tradition since the 1940's. Spectators watched in awe as the display lit up in reflection of the reason for celebrating the Christmas season.
Afterwards visitors enjoyed live music performances in front of the courthouse while warming up to hot chocolate and cookies provided.
It was just the start of many family fun events to come this month. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Holiday Guide for a complete list of all the Christmas things happening around Acadia-St. Landry!
