7th Annual Light Up Lakewood

Friday, December 4th from 6pm - 9pm

– Tree Lighting at 7pm –

Take Pictures with Santa Claus, Carriage Rides, “Variations” Carolers, a Petting Zoo, Bounce House and Story Telling with Mrs. Claus and many other Family Activites.

Presenting Sponsors:

Lakewood Homeowners Association

Additional Sponsors:

BeBe Grand

Blow Salon

Curiosities

Costello & Associates Realtors

Cantina Laredo

David Bush Homes

Hensley Photography

Etc

Lakewood Theater Legal Grounds

The “Lighting Guy”

Minute Man Press Deep Ellum

Paciugo Lakewood

Professional Bank Republic Title

Splendor in the Grass T Shop

Talulah Belle

Ryan Thebeau State Farm

Times Ten Cellars

Shaun Walding Realtors RE/MAX

Whole Foods

YMCA

Master of Ceremonies: Dallas City Councilman Sheffie Kadane

Every September, Marissa Dawson’s home starts filling up with model trains. About 11 years ago, she started painting the trains for NorthPark’s annual Ronald McDonald House of Dallas fundraiser. “In 1998, a family friend asked me if I would be interested in painting a couple just because she knew I like painting and drawing,” says Dawson, who lives in Cochran Heights. “So I did three trains the first year, and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Now she paints as many as 100 trains per year. Sponsors can pay $175 per train, and at the end of the season, they get to keep the train. And they can specify in the order what design they want, such as a corporate logo. “My favorite train of all times is when a woman wanted Garfield in a Santa hat,” she says. “A guy last year wanted a snowman in cowboy boots.” She tries to make each one unique, which can become difficult for Dawson, who admits she’s not an artist. “My designs aren’t that great,” she says. “But if I see something, I can kind of copy it and make it my own.” The trains at NorthPark are on display through Jan. 3. Admission prices are $6 for adults, $3 for children and adults older than 65. —RACHEL STONE