By David Ball

david.ball@panews.com

NEDERLAND — Boston Avenue in Nederland was transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday.

Christmas on the Avenue had shopping, a scavenger hunt, ice-skating, a toboggan tunnel and more.

For instance, Dee and Drew Coalter got out on a nice day for something to do. This was their first time on Christmas on the Avenue.

“There’s lots of nice jewelry here and honey, and something smells wonderful (from a nearby barbecue pit),” Dee said.

Likewise, Shannon Simmons said her daughter sings in the Nederland High School Choir who was performing Christmas carols. Simmons, along with her daughter, Jennifer Simmons and Mistelle Howard were looking for things to buy from vendors.

Speaking of vendors, Debbie Gates of All Dolled Up by Nana, had a booth for the first time.

She started making doll clothes for her four granddaughters.

“I’ve always sewed,” Gates said. “My granddaughters got American Girl dolls. I make them for 18-inch dolls.”

Gates lived in Mid-County for years before retiring to Crystal Beach. She added that was when she really got into making the clothing.

“We set up at other festivals, but this is still home to us,” she said.

Another first-time vendor is Chris Romero who makes home décor signs.

He learned how to make signs from his father, Denny Romero, who made signs for more than 30 years in Port Neches. Romero learned from him and some things on his own. He started the business three years ago.

“I have a kid in college, so I need the extra money,” he said. “I have a workshop in the back of the house. We do local events in Nederland and trade days in Winnie. It’s more of a hobby than anything, but you won’t get rich doing it.”

Diane Lapoint, director of the B.A. “Booty” Ritter Senior Citizen Center in Nederland, and others who attend the center, were out selling their handmade items.

The items are donated and the materials come from the community. All sales go back into the center that is given away to the community.