November 25, 2005
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

Lakewood's charm will shine through at tree-lighting gala

People live in Lakewood for its proximity to downtown Dallas, the charming Tudors, eclectic neighbors, or its access to White Rock Lake. I like living in Lakewood for its small-town feel.

On Dec. 2, experience Lakewood's charm by bringing the family out to the fourth annual "Light up Lakewood!"

The event is a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday celebration organized by the Lakewood Business Association, a nonprofit group formed by area merchants and business owners to preserve and promote the Lakewood Shopping Center.

"This event is a true customer appreciation for all of the support our customers give us throughout the year," said Elizabeth Mast, owner of Talulah Belle.

Other area merchants such as Metro Retro, Blow and Bebe Grande are getting into the spirit by offering special holiday cheer and discounts throughout the evening. Neighborhood restaurants Scallini's and Snow Pea will have specials. And I hear that Papou's, the new Greek restaurant that shares space with Legal Grounds, has hired a belly dancer for this event.

Meander over to Professional Bank, grab a cup of hot cocoa and board a horse-drawn carriage that will take your family on a quick tour of nearby Christmas lights.

"This was a great family event last year," said Mark Smith, president of Professional Bank. "We had lots of families from our community out enjoying a perfect evening." The bank's doors will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. and the bank will provide refreshments.

Santa Claus will officially light the 30-foot Christmas tree on the corner of Abrams Road and Gaston Avenue at 7 p.m. He will even be available for photos throughout the night. The Woodrow Wilson High show choir Variations will put you in the holiday mood by performing Christmas carols in the square of Harrell Park, the green space across from Lakewood Shopping Center. Council member Gary Griffith will be there, as well as a few Dallas police officers who will assist with children's activities.

The Lakewood Business Association was formed a couple of years ago to revitalize the Lakewood Shopping Center. At that time there was talk of tearing down the historic Lakewood Theater, located in the center. Carol Hensley, Reena Morris, Vickie Thompson, Jan Worrall and Peggye Johnson serve on the Lakewood Business Association board and meet monthly to discuss needs and concerns for the area.
Thanks to them and a supportive community, the center and theater are still pulling in crowds - and helping create memories.

Our family attended this event last year and to this day my four-year-old points toward the corner of Gaston and Abrams and says, "There is our Christmas tree."

Lakewood resident Chris Gresback can be reached at cgresback@hotmail.com.