TROUP, Texas — There’s just a little over a month until Christmas, but some East Texans are getting into the holiday spirit early.
East Texans gathered by the dozens for the annual ‘Holiday in the Country’ event Monday, a staple to the city of Troup for nearly 15 years, spotlighted with the Christmas tree lighting in downtown.
“It’s a tradition that seems to get bigger every year,” said the Executive Director of the Troup Community Development Corporation Suzanne Loudamy.
The event hosted over 50 vendors – including food trucks, baked goods, shopping and more.
The moment everyone had been waiting for was when the nearly 30-foot Christmas tree was lit for the first time, marking the official start of the holiday season for the city.
“It's just special to us to be able to give such a beacon of Christmas for people to focus and remember what the season is about,” Loudamy said.
Making it even more meaningful was a special guest, leading the celebrations and flipping the switch.
Cooper Reid, has been embraced and supported by the community after suffering from a traumatic brain injury two years ago during a football game.
CBS19 spoke with his father Terry Reid, who is grateful for the city naming Cooper as the honorary guest.
“That was very special for us and he enjoyed it as well,” Reid said.
Despite his challenges, his son has made great progress in his rehabilitation and continues to have a great sense of humor.
“From where he was to now, he's made lots of strides,” Reid said. “His attitude’s good, his personality is coming back, and he likes to be a practical joker.”
The road to recovery is a day-by-day journey and Cooper's family prays and hopes for more progress each day.
“It's a miracle that he’s still with us and that he continues to make progress every day,” Loudamy said.
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