December on the Red Lighting Ceremony

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Mayors Throw the Switch- Light December on the Red Christmas Tree

Downtown Festival Plaza Skating Rink sees Reindog Competition

By: Tom Pace, Executive Editor, SBLive!
November 19, 2007-11-20

Santa was there. Mayors Cedric Glover and “Lo” Walker were there….why “Clawed” the Mudbugs mascot was there…along with, a dozen or so contestants in the 1st December on the Red: “Reindog Competition.”

It all happened Monday night, November 19th, under Shreveport’s Festival Plaza Pavilion, in conjunction with “ICE: A Red River Revel Holiday Event.”

While folks were skating on the Ice Rink, the Tree Lighting Ceremony took place at the far end of the pavilion, while local dignities, members of the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux, the media, and the staff of Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau looked on.

After the lights were turned on the 15 foot tree…the place literally went to the dogs, for the 1st ever: Reindog Competition. Owners dressed their pooches in holiday costumes, and competed for Best of Show, Most Unusual, and the Owner & Dog who looked most alike.

As I judge, I wondered to myself, “is this something from the Twilight Zone,
but no, it was all very real. The audience loved it. The dogs… well, some weren’t too happy with the Santa hats, and other garb. However, they were jolly good sports, and a good time was had by all.

For more details about all the various activated associated with December on the Red, call 318-222-9391, or log on: www.shreveport-bossier.org.