(Seguin) – The Christmas Season will be in full swing this weekend at The Crystal Chandelier Ballroom, formerly the Silver Center. Whether it’s the Friday Festival of Lights, Holiday Raffle or Saturday’s Holiday Dance, the non-profit organization is inviting all families to stop by for some holiday fun.
The center’s Executive Director Glenda Layton says families will want to start off with its free Christmas Festival of Lights from 5 to 7 pm. Friday. Layton says in addition to a visit with Santa, the festival’s highlight is the auctioning of the center’s fully decorated Christmas trees.
“Friday night, we will have Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus here from 5 to 7 p.m. and people are welcome to bring themselves, their neighbors, children, grandchildren or pets and take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Santa and have some cookies and chocolate or wassail with us and view all of the beautiful Christmas trees that we have here in our lobby that are up for auction. The trees themselves, if they win the auction, they get to take that tree fully decorated home for them to enjoy or they can donate it back to the center and we will get it to a needy senior citizen who we happen to have Santa’s good will notice that they don’t have a Christmas tree in their house yet,” said Layton.
Layton says the trees themselves are amazing and worth every bid that comes in.
“I believe there are seven or eight trees in the lobby – all different businesses have come in and decorated these lovely trees and put their names on them and everything from one that represents things all over Guadalupe County to a disco tree that is just the most unbelievable thing you have ever seen because it folds up into a three inch box when you are done at the end of the season without touching anything but the top of it and then one is a cactus – I mean it’s fun. They’ve really gone all out. Several of them are even battery operated so people don’t even have to bend over to plug them in,” said Layton.
Those wishing to try their luck at taking home another big prize will also want to purchase their tickets for this year’s Holiday Raffle. Layton says folks each year look forward to the raffle featuring several cash cards.
“The raffle tickets are on sale here at the building. If anybody would like to get a raffle ticket – they can win anywhere from Visa Cards worth $250. We’ve got a barbecue pit that is valued at close to $600, a package for couples that would like to get their affairs in order and get a will put together, so their family does not have to incur the cost at the time of need. There’s just all kinds of things but the majority of the gifts are all VISA cards, cash cards so people can go out and buy Christmas gifts and enjoy life and food – whatever they like,” said Layton.
Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased from any board member or at the senior center located at 510 E. Court St.
In addition to raffle tickets, Layton says tickets to this year’s Holiday Dance are also now on sale.
“Tin Roof with Kirk Herbold, one of our local buddies here in town, will be playing for us on Saturday night. The dance starts at 7:30 and people are welcome to dance but they are also welcomed to just come out and sit and enjoy some fabulous music. It will be everything from country to classic to folk to holiday tunes so a little bit of everything and just a great time on the week before Christmas, before the hustle and bustle of having to go see grandma,” said Layton.
Dance tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Saturday followed by the start of the music at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, stop by the center or call 830-303-6612. Winners of this year’s holiday raffle will also be announced during this year’s dance. Winners do not need to be present to win.