Federal Judiciary

Marshall's "Wonderland of Lights" Begins

By Michael Smith

Jurors in the Golden Hour Data Systems v. emsCharts case being tried in Marshall federal court this week will get a surprise tonight when they leave the courthouse and see the image to the left.  This year's Wonderland of Lights starts tonight with opening ceremonies at 5:45.  President Bush isn't lighting the tree this year, as he did a few years back - we're settling for Bob Griffin of KSLA Channel 12 in Shreveport.  Here is a brief review of some of the activities for patent lawyers spending their Thanksgiving weekend in Marshall - you know who you are - courtesy of the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce.
Ice Skating - Every night (weather permitting), with sessions at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm and an extra 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - $10 per person (skates included) You can buy a 10 skate pass for $75 (Seriously, there is a ice skating rink on the square).
Narrated Bus Tours - 45 minutes, leaving on the hour starting at 6:00 pm and leaving from Weisman's.  $10 - well worth the price.  (You may even get a local patent lawyer as your friendly step-on guide).
Budweiser Clydesdales - For the glorious days of December 8-13, the famous and fabulous hitch of magnificent horses will be in Marshall, with a daily trip around the Square and will be the hit of the Mar-Tex Evening Lions Club Lighted Parade on December 13. 
Lighted Parade - December 13 at 6:00 - Come see the spectacle!
Information Center - Weisman's again will host the Information Center - tickets for events, memorabilia, tour maps, etc. will all be found right there.
Snow Tubing - December 20 from 4-10 pm, this first-time event for us will invite the fearless among us to partake in some real winter fun.  FREE  (Ed note. - I have no idea what this is).
Santa's Workshop - a stroke of genius brought to life by Bo Ellis (whose brother is a lawyer), this shop on the square is a heaven-on-earth for the little ones, with George Kezerle as Santa.  Each night until December 23, children can have help making real toys that they can take with them. For $10 the child can have his or her picture made with Santa and their toy.  Children can also write letters to Santa and post them from the site.
Main Street Carolers - Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the air will be filled with the familiar sounds of the marvelous favorites from decades - and centuries ago. 
Wonderland Gospel Concert - On December 6 at First United Methodist Church, the sounds of the season will ring out.  $12 early, $15 at the door and are available at the Arts Council 903-935-4484.  The show is at 3:00 pm, featuring Joseph Ellenburg and Journey. 
HOME TOURS - Incredible homes on tour this year -
Blissmore Creekside on Miller Drive - Nov. 28,29 - December 5,6,12,13
Naendell-Crouse Home on South Washington - Nov.28,29, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20  (Ed note: this was my home from 1994 to 2004, so it's good to see it back on tour)
Whetstone Lancaster House on East Travis - November 28, 29, December 5,6,19,20.
Hall House on South Washington - December 5,6,12,13,19,20. (Bo Ellis's home)  (Marshall Trivia - this was Nell Hall's home, who was an aunt of Judge Sam B. Hall, Jr.'s - for whom the federal courthouse is named.  Nice lady - taught when I was in high school).
$5 per home or $20 for all.
Christmas on the Avenue -  SHOPS OF DOWNTOWN MARSHALL are having a special shopping event November 29 from 5-7 pm.  Shopping, entertainment, food - what a winning combination! This Saturday - what better place could you be ?? Not in the heart of downtown, but a lively and gorgeous part of all of this celebration is The Brass Trunk on Travis.

Full post as published by Eastern District of Texas Federal Court Practice on November 26, 2008 (boomark / email).