Tomball Holiday Parade attendees will see a celebrity at the forefront of the parade. Actor James Drury, most known for his title role on the western TV series "The Virginian," will serve as the grand marshal—or parade leader—for the 54th annual holiday parade, hosted by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 23, traveling along West Main Street from Elm to Buvinghausen streets. Parking and attendance are free.

"Being the grand marshal for the Tomball Holiday Parade is an honor and is something [the GTACC staff] spends a great deal of time choosing wisely each year," GTACC Director of Communications Amy Mason said in an email. "We have been blessed over the past 54 years to have had the magnificent grand marshals that we have had, and this year is no different."

Mason said Sallie Fisher, owner of Sallie Fisher's Custom Frame and Art Gallery, knows Drury and was able to secure him as the grand marshal for this year's parade. Drury will also hold a meet and greet at Fisher's art gallery, located at 914 W. Main St., Tomball, from noon to 2 p.m. following the parade.

"We look forward to seeing the creativity of our community shine in the parade and create a joyous spirit to kick off the holidays," Mason said in an email.


Residents of Tomball and Magnolia also have other events to consider attending this weekend, Nov. 22-24, including:

Nov. 22 — See a Christmas tree lighting

The city of Tomball hosts its second annual Christmas tree lighting event for families to enjoy. The holiday event features live entertainment, complimentary cookies, snacks and hot chocolate, and children's activities. 7 p.m. Free (admission, parking). Tomball Historic Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov

Nov. 22 — Learn to make pottery


Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library joins with LSC-Montgomery to offer an intro to pottery class for young adults and adults. Attendees can make pottery using the coil method and should wear appropriate clothing, as they will be working with clay. Registration is required. Noon-1 p.m. Free. Children's Activity Room, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. 832-559-4200. www.lonestar.edu/library/tomball

Nov. 23 — Make Thanksgiving crafts

The Malcolm Purvis Branch Library in Magnolia invites community members of all ages to stop by and make a fun holiday craft. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Malcolm Purvis Branch Library, 510 Melton St., Magnolia. 936-442-7704. www.countylibrary.org/malcolm.htm

Nov. 23 — Buy books at a book sale


Browse through paperback and hardback books at discounted rates at the Malcolm Purvis Branch Library's Fall Fling Book Sale event. All proceeds go toward funding library programs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Book costs vary. Malcolm Purvis Branch Library, 510 Melton St., Magnolia. 936-442-7704. www.countylibrary.org/malcolm.htm

Nov. 23 — See who is crowned Miss Tomball 2020

The GTACC presents the Miss Tomball 2020 Pageant featuring up to 54 girls and women ages 15-19. Contestants are high school juniors or seniors within Tomball ISD boundaries and compete to be crowned the next Miss Tomball. 7-10 p.m. $20. Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. www.tomballchamber.org