Wassail Fest brewing up as part of the Nine Flags Christmas Festival

Downtown merchants will once again be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest, one of the highlights of the 17^th annual Nine Flags Christmas Festival sponsored by Citizens 1^st Bank.

            The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants within the historic downtown district. A list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitor Center, located at 200 E. Main St.

            Shoppers and other downtown visitors are invited to warm their bodies and spirits by sampling the various recipes, which will be judged on both taste and presentation. Participating merchants are also battling for the coveted People’s Choice award in which shoppers and visitors will be able to cast their vote for the best wassail.  The competition is fierce, but the wassail is a warm and welcome respite for holiday shoppers.

            "Wassail Fest is a festive event that the downtown merchants and their customers look forward to each year," said Mallori Brookshire, Meeting and Event Coordinator of the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is a great day to come downtown, do a little Christmas shopping, have lunch, drink some delicious warm wassail and enjoy the season.”

            Wassail is a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served from a large bowl, especially at Christmastime. Wassail Fest participants put their own twists on the recipes, which are heavily guarded secrets among the cooks. The beverages served at Wassail Fest are alcohol-free.

    The Nine Flags Christmas Festival is a celebration of Texas history & culture and will be held Nov. 23 through Dec. 14 in Nacogdoches, located about 150 miles north of Houston via U.S. 59. Nine different flags have flown over the oldest town in Texas throughout its rich history, and this year’s festival will pay special tribute to the Lone Star flag. Platinum sponsors of the festival include Commercial Bank of Texas, Legends at SFA / Lumberjack Lofts, Mike Perry Motor Company, Texas Farm Products and Walmart.

            For more information about Wassail Fest or other Nine Flags Christmas Festival events, call the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN, log onto www.nineflagsfestival.com, or be our friend on facebook @ Christmas Celebration.