V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Christmas preparations are in full swing for the Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau Board as they hosted KTBS this week to do the preliminary filming on the City’s Annual Christmas show. The show will air on November 17 on the Shreveport ABC affiliate.
Filming took place on Wednesday at various locations around the city, and additional filming will take place around the City Christmas Tree, located at the vacant lot at the corner of Walnut and Austin streets, said Board Member Pam Thomas. The Enchanted Forest will be filmed once it’s decorated, so that footage can be used next year.
A number of businesses downtown are already decorated but Thomas said she hopes additional locations are decorated in time for the additional filming.
Josh Duke can add lights to homes or businesses, according to Board President Colleen Taylor, and she has his contact information if anyone is interested.
According to Thomas, the VisitJeffersonTexas.com website had 6,690 visitors in October, the best numbers reported for 2021. Reached 240,000 households with holiday messaging. Total website traffic increased 25% in October compared to September. The increase is attributed to new advertising in the Houston area market.
Monthly reports were not available as the new City Secretary is still in training. City Administrator Eric Kuykendall said she has been in training since coming on board, and he hopes she will have that completed soon. Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker said he would assist in getting any necessary reports as well. Kuykendall asked that any changes or reports that need to be made, the board should email him and he’d get started looking them up.
Hotel Occupancy Tax receipts received in October were $15,497.39, which were paid in in September for August rentals. The revenue is up $3,300 from the same month in 2020.
Taylor said she needed someone to take over the receipt of Meeting Planning International emails and information. Board Member B.W. Brooks said he would assume those duties.
Music Friendly Communities membership is in progress, and the appropriate applications have been filed with the State. Meetings are pending for artists, venues, and others interested in helping promoting the new designation for the City.
Additions to the Discover Jefferson and Marion County quarterly visitor’s guide. Venues for meetings and events will be added to the next edition, which is scheduled to go to press on November 15, for delivery and distribution in conjunction with Candlelight. Ads and additional event information needs to be submitted prior to the 15th. For more information on the guide, contact Hugh Lewis at the Jimplecute at 903-240-9049, or JeffersonJimplecute@gmail.com.