City of Plaquemine, Friends of the Lock to stage annual Christmas celebration Sunday

The performance of holiday songs by a long list of talented local choirs and solo vocalists will highlight “Caroling at the Lock,” an annual Christmas celebration Sunday.

Sponsored and hosted by the Friends of the Lock and the City of Plaquemine, the event will be held at the Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park Pavilion beginning at 3:30 p.m. and continuing through 5:30 p.m.

The event, because of the large crowd expected, will also feature the arrival of Evangeline, Zoë Bertrand, on the banks of the bayou at 3 p.m., a ceremony that had to be rescheduled from the Acadian Festival in October.

The choirs from five local churches – Congregation Church of God, Mt. Zion Inner City Youth Choir, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Plymouth Rock and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – and numerous soloists will be entertaining the audience with Christmas carols and other holiday songs.

The evening unofficially kicking off the holiday season in Iberville Parish will also include “All is Bright: A Hometown Christmas,” sponsored by the Plaquemine Main Street Program and We Are the Difference.

The shopping and other Christmas festivities will close Railroad Avenue from La. 1 to Meriam Street and is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue through 8:30 p.m.

Aimed at providing fun for kids from 1 to 92, “All is Bright” will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Plaquemine Police Department, a decorated vintage firetruck, showcase new light displays and holiday lights, professional holiday photos will be offered, live music and family activities.

The Polar Express will also be on hand for the fun, courtesy of the Krewe of Comogo.

Shopping opportunities that the event will offer include art of all media, crafts and jewelry as well as food and drink vendors.

Later in the season, COPAC will host “Holly Jolly Christmas,” featuring holiday fun and activities for children on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is coordinated by Jimmie Randle Jr., a member of the Plaquemine Board of Selectmen.