Saturday on the Square:) Home for the Holidays

“If you can’t get home for the holidays, bring a little holiday into your home.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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A lot of fun this weekend on the Square for Home for the Holidays. It was great bumping into friends, fun food, firemen, music, and my favorite part… my annual photo with the Grinch.

Friday night, Miss Erma, Sherri and I enjoyed a concert by “Asleep at the Wheel.” The tree was lit up and beautiful. It was packed.

Miss Kathy was in her adorable Sweet Spot Bakery cupcake mobile.

Gary Williamson had his amazing paper sculptures.

The Square is all lit up and decorated, it’s like something out of a Hallmark Christmas Special.

Today, I got to see a lot of friends and cool sights while roaming around.

Lynda Kingsley was painting her cool alcohol ink coasters and paintings.

Last but not least, my buddy the Grinch.

Some More Saturday on the Square: Home for the HolidaysPart II

“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.”
― Sarah Dessen, Just Listen
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Today was even more gorgeous than yesterday. After a long morning walk, an even longer chat with my neighbor, Kathy, across the street, I went back to the Square for the second day of Home for the Holidays. It was actually t-shirt weather in the afternoon. I had so many “Likes” on my Facebook page for my picture with the Grinch, that I took another picture today.

Oh yes, I stopped at SPARC for their open house, where Steve Macias was demonstrating some pottery making techniques. I also had the pleasure of bumping into his parents joe and Virginia.

Here are a few more sights and sounds from my adventures.

The streets were filled with families, couples, children running around and giggling, but there were also plenty of handsome men in blue, firemen and policemen, keeping everyone safe. The handsome young officer in the middle is Officer Wilkerson. I went to his and Mandy’s wedding just a couple of months ago. Small world.

Then, there was plenty of music all around the Square. Miss Kathy over at Sweet Spot sang some beautiful Christmas songs. She sings like an angel.

On my way back to my car, I sauntered past the band stand and had to stop to enjoy the music, take a few videos and tap my toes.

A very nice way to start off the holidays in McKinney.

Friday Night Lights and Festivities

“The holidays drape us in magic and give us the hope that we can do better than we have done in the past
~Toni Sorenson
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McKinney was hosting their Home For the Holidays festivities this weekend. The Square was teeming with visitors. I had to drive around quite a while to find a place to park. A nice long walk around the busy streets packed with people, kids and strollers. After snapping a lot of pictures, I took a break at Sweet Spot for a double scoop of ice cream,

After visiting with my friend, the Grinch, I found a comfy seat inside Sweet Spot and did a lot of people watching until the tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. The weather was cool, yet perfect for that holiday feeling.

I’ve never seen so many people on the Square. I had a chance to chat with Mayor Brian Loughmiller and his wife, Donna. That’s what I love about McKinney, everyone knows everyone.

I was standing right in front of the Christmas tree for the lighting. Perfect photo op position.

It was a beautiful evening. The holidays begin!

Saturday on the Square: Home for the Holidays

Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
Norman Vincent Peale
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Downtown McKinney celebrated Home for the Holidays this weekend. There were train rides for the children, live entertainment, skating, food and art vendors, and a gorgeous carousel. Of course, Santa was on hand for photos and to listen to the requests of the children for Christmas morning. Even the Grinch who stole Christmas was in a good mood. It was a fabulous Fall day on the Square.

Santa was the star of the show.

Chris and I sang, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,” but this was a penitent Grinch. Very friendly.

Miss Jan and Miss Lynda dressed in old-time costumes represented Imaging on the Square and the Art Club of McKinney. Lovely hand-made costumes.

The charming carousel sparkled in the afternoon sun.

A cup of hot tea and an ooey-gooey bar at Sweet Spot bakery ended the visit and a spectacular sunset guided our way home.