Holiday on First Street kicks off shopping season

In what has become the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, Hughes Springs hosted their annual Holiday on First Street and Cork and Fork on Monday, Nov. 21.

Holiday on First Street, named for the main street that runs through Hughes Springs and is home to most of the city’s shops, offers visitors an opportunity to find that special gift for their loved ones. Shops stay open late, and may offer a variety of holiday snacks, including hot chocolate, wassail, candies, and more. Many businesses took the opportunity to offer specials for holiday shoppers.

The Cork and Fork portion of the event was an added draw for the city. Certain businesses served as hosts for East Texas wineries and restaurants or caterers. Wineries in attendance included Los Pinos Winery, Texas Smokhaus Winery, Red Road Winery, O’Farrell Winery, and Fairhaven Winery. Food vendors included Taste This Catering, JB’s Hotlinks, Western Grillers, Don Juan’s, and Vickie’s Tamales.

Visitors began their trek at The Legacy, where they could purchase wine tasting bracelets. They also could begin their shopping at The Legacy, as a number of vendors, offered everything from home scents, makeup, and personalized bags, to custom framing options for those special gifts. There were door prizes given out throughout the night. As an added bonus, anyone visiting each store that hosted a winery could receive a stamp on their special Holiday on First Street map. All those returning their fully stamped map were entered into a chance to win $100.

Visitors were also treated to carols by the cast of “A Christmas Carol,” which is the current production for The Community Theatre of East Texas.