A special tree lighting ceremony with colorful fireworks, a raffle for boys’ and girls’ bicycles and visits with Santa are just a few of the highlights of Missouri City’s 29th annual Snowfest Festival on Friday, Dec. 7.

The Festival will be held on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. in the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. The following day, Dec. 8, the annual Snowfest Parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of Murphy Road and Cartwright Road.

A limited number of food vendors are still needed for the Snowfest Festival. Individuals who would like to participate are asked to e-mail Recreation Specialist Lauren McKinnis at lcarrier@missouricitytx.gov.

Residents who attend the Festival can get in the spirit of the holiday by bringing an unwrapped toy to donate to the Santa’s Exchange Project. The toy drive will provide gifts for thousands of deserving children in Fort Bend County. Each person who donates a toy at the Snowfest Festival will receive an additional ticket for the Bicycle Raffle. Toy donations are also being accepted at the Recreation and Tennis Center at 2701 Cypress Point Dr.

The two-mile long Snowfest Parade on Dec. 8 will feature dozens of colorful floats and trailers decorated in holiday themes. Motorists are reminded that Cartwright Road will be closed to traffic beginning at 8 a.m. and will reopen at approximately 11 a.m.

Parade entry forms are available on the City’s website. For more information, call Kyle Frye at 281-403-8635.