By Myra Bean

With Halloween in the rearview mirror, thoughts and minds turn to the upcoming holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Panola County’s cities and towns are in the planning stages of Christmas parades and open houses.

Santa has said he will be in Batesville for the parade Tuesday, Dec. 3. He has also confirmed he will be in the Pope parade, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Those attending are invited to have hot cocoa with Santa after the parade.

Organizer Melissa Meek-Phelps invites any floats, fire departments and participants in the other parades to join them. Anyone interested can contact her at 934-2981 to register.

Sardis has set Tuesday., Dec. 10, for its Christmas parade at 7 p.m. Line up will be in the former Fred’s parking lot at 6 p.m. To register a float or organization send a message through the town’s Facebook page.

Crenshaw will have its Christmas parade  Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Call City Hall to register float or other entries at 382-5234.

Crowder aldermen will decide in the board meeting Thursday, Nov. 7, if it will bring back the parade. There was not one last year.

The Town of Como has not set a date for a parade.

Open House

The City of Batesville will have its annual Holiday Open House to promote local mercants Sunday, Nov. 17, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Main Street Association, horse and carriage rides will be a highlight again this year,  according to Panola Partnership’s Dianne McNulty.

Sardis will have its Open House Friday, Dec. 6, on Main Street beginning at 10 a.m. Also that day, Sweet Tees will have its grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Grand Opening

Grace for Today Adult Day Care Center, downtown Sardis, will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting Monday, Nov. 4. It will officially open for business Tuesday, Nov. 5.