Holiday season kicks off Saturday, Dec. 7, in The Colony

The holidays begin in The Colony on Saturday, Dec. 7, with Holiday in the Park! Activities begin early afternoon at the Library and continue into the evening at Perryman Park, 4930 South Colony Blvd. Schedule of events as follows:

• Pictures with Santa: noon to 2 p.m. at The Colony Public Library, 6800 Main St. ($2 per photo);
• Holiday In the Park: 5 p.m. at Perryman Park, featuring festive holiday music and performances, holiday carnival games and rides, and a holiday baking contest (entry form); 
• Parade of Lights: 5:45 p.m., route begins at Peters Colony Elementary parking lot and proceeds west on Nash to Blair Oaks and then south to The Colony Five Star Complex (registration form); and,
• The Colony Christmas Spectacular Light Show: sunset at Central Fire Station, continuing nightly 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 5:30 to 10:50 p.m. Fridays through Jan. 5, 2020.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-625-1106.

An important message from The Colony Animal Services

Alongside seasonal weather changes, The Colony Animal Services would like to remind residents about the laws and requirements when leaving your dogs outside.

Per Texas State Law, an owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog's movement in the case of extreme weather conditions including when the outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or a heat advisory has been issued. When unrestrained, a dog is allowed to live outside regardless of weather if they have access to proper food, water, and shelter that protects them from the elements.

This being said, if you see something, say something. TCAS staff is more than happy to do welfare checks on animals that may be of concern. Please send TCAS an email or call the Shelter during business hours at 972-370-9250 with any concerns. If it is after-hours and you feel an animal needs immediate help, please call the non-emergency line for The Colony Police Department at 972-625-1887, which will attempt to dispatch an on-call Animal Control Officer.

What else is In THE News?

• As a show of gratitude for the city's efforts in support of this year's LPGA tournament, representatives of the Old American Golf Club and Matthews Southwest recently presented The Colony City Council and City Manager's Office with flags from the 2019 Volunteers of America Classic signed by the winner, Texas native Cheyenne Knight;
• Although the firehouse is not yet staffed and operational, motorists are advised that the emergency light on Destination Drive outside Fire Station No. 4 in Grandscape has been activated. The light will be green the majority of the time. However, The Colony Fire Department personnel are conducting periodic training at the new station and the emergency light will be triggered as TCFD apparatus come and go. As always, please drive safe and move to the right for sirens and lights;
• It's off-season at The Colony Aquatic Park, which means staff are taking advantage of the time to make ongoing improvements at the popular facility. Significant work is currently underway on the outdoor pool. Namely, a brand new ADA transfer tier is under construction on the pool's west side that is specifically designed to enable wheelchair-bound patrons to help themselves into the water. More info is available on the city's Facebook page; and,
• Motorists are advised that Miller Drive between Yager and Nash will be closed to thru traffic starting the morning of Nov. 18 and lasting approximately two weeks, to facilitate construction of a sewer line along the roadway. We appreciate your patience. Please drive safe, drive slow, and be mindful of workers around construction zones.