What is the history on Light up the Lake in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
Light up the Lake in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a 24 year tradition in Lake Charles. A tradition that combines commerce, civic pride, and a good time. It is a Christmas Lighting Festival and PARTY! Colored lights, Christmas carols, band music, a choral performance, brightly lighted boats on parade and more are in store on the first Saturday of December. The date has been marked a holiday in Lake Charles. The festivities begin at the Lake Charles Civic Center on the Lake an noon. First the gingerbread house hopefuls await the results of the annual Gingerbread House Contest held at the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau in the Civic Center. The awards are given out at noon. Then, Santa and his entourage roll down Ryan Street in the annual Christmas parade. From there, the Lake Charles Community Band concert is held at the Civic Center. The magic cranks up a notch or three with Cajun music and dance as all wait for 6 p.m. At 6 p.m., the lighting ceremony, near the front ent
