Friday night found Dickens on the Strand participants setting up while early tourists visited the Downtown amenities.

Sylvia Beatty and a group of performers from Spring Branch in Houston posed for photos in front of the Dickens on the Strand Christmas Tree in Saengerfest Park. 
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The 19th Century Living History Association Confederate soldier re-enactors were setting up for the weekend, after a year off. Listen: RealPlayer   MP3

"The soldiers are back on the street," said Jack King, who has participated in the festival for a decade.  "Dwayne Jones being down here certainly took the lead in getting everything squared away and we are happy and grateful to be back down here making a contribution to Dickens on the Strand."