College Station Spreads Christmas Cheer with Howdy Holly-Days Event
The bustling city of College Station came alive with the sounds of laughter and festive spirit as the Howdy Holly-Days event lit up Northgate this past Saturday evening. Now in its sixth year, the event, organized by Visit College Station, took place in the surface lot behind the beloved Dixie Chicken, bringing together a delightful mix of community fun and holiday cheer.
A Winter Wonderland in the Heart of Northgate
Families and friends gathered to enjoy over 50 vendors showcasing their goods, bounce houses for the kiddos to jump around in, and even a little snowfall that made for a winter wonderland experience! What’s more? The festive atmosphere was cranked up a notch with live music filling the air and, of course, the magical presence of Santa Claus, ready to snap photos with excited little ones.
Celebrating Community Spirit
Casey Barone, the event coordinator at Visit College Station, expressed her enthusiasm for how the event shines a different light on Northgate, a bustling nightlife hub mostly frequented by college students. “Events like this give the opportunity to make it family-friendly and to bring other people out here,” Barone said, beaming with pride over the growing attendance. She noted that each passing year has added new dimensions to the event, making it a prime opportunity for families to come out and enjoy the festivities.
What Lies Ahead for Northgate?
“I think including events like these in the plan is really good,” said Chris Krouch, owner of Infloria. “These kinds of events are great at building community and it’s great for small businesses.” Krouch’s sentiment echoes a feeling shared by many, as this event not only serves to entertain but also fosters a tight-knit community spirit that many feel is essential to the charm of College Station.
The Development Plans Taking Shape
The city is currently in talks with Capstone Communities, which has plans for a multistory mixed-use development in the area. The proposal includes stipulations for 100 parking spaces, a space for ride-share services, public restrooms, and even a police substation to enhance safety. While the idea of development brings potential growth and revenue, there are lingering concerns about the impact this might have on local events like Howdy Holly-Days.
Barone assured attendees, “Nothing is set in stone yet, no significant plans have been made yet so as we kinda cross the bridge we will figure it out.” As developments progress, the community remains hopeful that events like Howdy Holly-Days will not only continue but thrive in the evolving landscape of Northgate.
Voices From the Community
During city hearings, residents voiced their concerns over the potential loss of the charming essence of Northgate amid ongoing construction and parking challenges. Many emphasized the importance of such community events, noting, “It builds community here in Northgate… something College Station is really lacking.”
A Bright Future Awaits
The city expects to present a contract with Capstone to the city council in January, laying the groundwork for what could be an exciting new chapter for Northgate. As College Station continues to grow and develop, its residents are hopeful that the merry spirit of community events like Howdy Holly-Days will remain alive and vibrant, lighting the way through the holiday season and beyond.
