BY: SARAH RAVITS PHOTOS: STEVE MILLET

Illuminating the Tammany Trace during the holidays

The seventh annual “Holiday of Lights” on the Tammany Trace commenced on Dec. 1 when St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis flicked a seemingly magical switch, illuminating a 160-foot Christmas tree (created from a water tower) with 40,000 lights. The night before, on Nov. 30, a patron party  was held at the Tammany Trace Trailhead on Koop Drive as a “thank you” to sponsors. The musical group the Blue Meanies performed while some 200 guests previewed the decorations and got into the holiday spirit. The money raised from the party—around $10,000—was used to fund the “Holiday of Lights.”

The “Holiday of Lights” was open to the public, and was a free, community-wide event featuring area school choirs, various musicians, carolers, Santa Claus and carnival-style rides. Christmas displays were abundant, and local school children, Girl and Boy Scout troops and other volunteer groups decorated 40 Christmas trees. New this year was the Kidz Konnection Playground, which was designed for children of all abilities.

St. Tammany Parish Government in conjunction with the Tammany Trace Foundation and area sponsors produced the event, which occurred on several nights in December.

Walter and Joanne Gallinghouse with Laura and John Tobin










Richard C. Lambet, Tim Naquin, Lance Schilling, Jack Donahue and Bruce Wainer








Henry Namias, Mike Pike and Arthur Jones










Susan McHugh, Mary Ann Haase and Tony LeMon












Kathy Mount and Pam Cross with (back row) Liz Gary, Michelle Pecoraro and Linda O’Neil












Robert Naquin, Lisa Maddox, Sky Lala













Barry and Missy French