Marshall's "Wonderland of Lights" Begins

Jurors in the Golden Hour Data Systems v. emsCharts case being tried in Marshall federal court this week will get a surprise tonight when they leave the courthouse and see the image to the left.  This year's Wonderland of Lights starts tonight with opening ceremonies at 5:45.  President Bush isn't lighting the tree this year, as he did a few years back - we're settling for Bob Griffin of KSLA Channel 12 in Shreveport.  Here is a brief review of some of the activities for patent lawyers spending their Thanksgiving weekend in Marshall - you know who you are - courtesy of the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce.
Ice Skating - Every night (weather permitting), with sessions at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm and an extra 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - $10 per person (skates included) You can buy a 10 skate pass for $75 (Seriously, there is a ice skating rink on the square).
Narrated Bus Tours - 45 minutes, leaving on the hour starting at 6:00 pm and leaving from Weisman's.  $10 - well worth the price.  (You may even get a local patent lawyer as your friendly step-on guide).
Budweiser Clydesdales - For the glorious days of December 8-13, the famous and fabulous hitch of magnificent horses will be in Marshall, with a daily trip around the Square and will be the hit of the Mar-Tex Evening Lions Club Lighted Parade on December 13. 
Lighted Parade - December 13 at 6:00 - Come see the spectacle!
Information Center - Weisman's again will host the Information Center - tickets for events, memorabilia, tour maps, etc. will all be found right there.
Snow Tubing - December 20 from 4-10 pm, this first-time event for us will invite the fearless among us to partake in some real winter fun.  FREE  (Ed note. - I have no idea what this is).
Santa's Workshop - a stroke of genius brought to life by Bo Ellis (whose brother is a lawyer), this shop on the square is a heaven-on-earth for the little ones, with George Kezerle as Santa.  Each night until December 23, children can have help making real toys that they can take with them. For $10 the child can have his or her picture made with Santa and their toy.  Children can also write letters to Santa and post them from the site.
Main Street Carolers - Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the air will be filled with the familiar sounds of the marvelous favorites from decades - and centuries ago. 
Wonderland Gospel Concert - On December 6 at First United Methodist Church, the sounds of the season will ring out.  $12 early, $15 at the door and are available at the Arts Council 903-935-4484.  The show is at 3:00 pm, featuring Joseph Ellenburg and Journey. 
HOME TOURS - Incredible homes on tour this year -
Blissmore Creekside on Miller Drive - Nov. 28,29 - December 5,6,12,13
Naendell-Crouse Home on South Washington - Nov.28,29, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20  (Ed note: this was my home from 1994 to 2004, so it's good to see it back on tour)
Whetstone Lancaster House on East Travis - November 28, 29, December 5,6,19,20.
Hall House on South Washington - December 5,6,12,13,19,20. (Bo Ellis's home)  (Marshall Trivia - this was Nell Hall's home, who was an aunt of Judge Sam B. Hall, Jr.'s - for whom the federal courthouse is named.  Nice lady - taught when I was in high school).
$5 per home or $20 for all.
Christmas on the Avenue -  SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN MARSHALL are having a special shopping event November 29 from 5-7 pm.  Shopping, entertainment, food - what a winning combination! This Saturday - what better place could you be ?? Not in the heart of downtown, but a lively and gorgeous part of all of this celebration is The Brass Trunk on Travis.