DBMA hosts annual Christmas Market Days

Tuesday, 27 December 2011 by Matthew Girard

Children ride in the “Kiddie Train” during the Downtown Belton Merchants Association “Old Fashion Christmas Downtown Belton” parade last Saturday. The parade coincided with the DBMA’s December Market Days.The Downtown Belton Merchant's Association brought Christmas to Belton a little early this year, with the DBMA's annual "Old Fashion Christmas Downtown Belton" last Saturday along Central Avenue.

This year's Christmas Market Days brought in more than 80 vendors and residents were treated to performances by the Belton High School Madrigals and a Christmas parade, complete with Santa Claus.

"There were people everywhere so that was great," DBMA representative Pam Moore said. "It was great to have the (BHS) Madrigals come out and to have the parade."

Vendors at the Market Days featured everything from Christmas-themed gifts to food.

"It was tons of fun," said Terry Gillespie, who had her Scentsy tent set up on Saturday. "We saw lots of people and it was very busy."

The parade featured the BHS Color Guard, VFW representatives, a kiddie train, "Badge" the Belton Police Department mascot, H-E-B's "Buddy," and Santa Claus, of course. For the first time, the parade also had a "Teddy Bear" parade with more than 90 children participating with their favorite "Teddy Bears."

"It was really good," DBMA representative Sandy Bigham said. "After the parade, we had a lot more people wandering around and looking. I think most of the vendors were happy with their sales and our stores did very well."

Gillespie said having the parade associated with the Market Days was good for everybody.

"I think if you bring the kids out, you bring the parents out," Gillespie said. "I think the parade was a great idea."

Bigham said she hopes the Christmas Market Days continues to grow in the coming years.

"It was a little bigger this year than it was last year, so we are hoping it continues to grow," Bigham said.

The City of Belton also hosted "Christmas on the Chisholm Trail" at Yettie Polk Park on Saturday.

Although the two events were not connected, residents had the opportunity to visit vendor booths and try homemade treats. Children also had the opportunity to ride the BPD train and have their picture taken with Santa Claus.

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