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Main Street Visalia was already decorated for Christmas in preparation for the filming

We had a great time and felt like movie stars as they closed Main Street and filmed us for about an hour-and-a-half. Sonya and Argo were driving and we had a couple of actors in the carriage who were very convincing in the role of romantic holiday lovers.

Tally-Ho Driving Team with actors as passengers

Star was his usual super-fantastic self and really seemed to enjoy all the attention. He did a lot of standing around while the film crew discussed different options, circled Main Street a dozen times, had lights in his face, and even supported a cameraman on his "shaves" while doing a tight shot. Star took it all in stride and handled it like the big Hollywood star that he is (minus the whining and the outrageous demands:-))

Lights, camera...ACTION! Star working the "Star" program!

We had a great time and even got into the Christmas spirit a little early this year. Heck, even the big guy showed up and snapped a few shots with Star. We will be in Visalia every Thursday evening in December from 5-8PM and three Saturdays from 12-3PM giving free carriage rides. We can't wait!

Star with the Big-Guy!

We had more fun and spread more Christmas cheer on December 9th in downtown Visalia.


Larry & Cynthia Dove enjoying a ride

Tally-Ho, featuring Star, gave over 100 folks carriage rides during the Holiday Open House, week 2. What a great time!


Sonya singing and Argo...well..resenting the antlers


Rae Rae and Star looking stunning!


Cruising Main Street

On Thursday nights all during December, Tally-Ho has been contracted by the city of Visalia to conduct free carriage rides as part of the Downtown Holiday Open House - a revitalization project. These pictures are from the first night - December 2nd.


Star & carriage on Main Street with marching band in trail.

The process started with Sonya and the Bassets decorating the carriage in our company garage (home). Here is a before and after shot of the carriage...
*****

We parked our trailer in the Smart & Final parking lot and staged out of there. Since it was our first night, we arrived early and took our time with the prep...


Sonya and Argo Getting ready for the show...


...and special thanks to Fire Chief Gary for his assistance!


Star stepping-out on his route

Just prior to 5 pm, we "stepped-up" Star and we were off to the races. We did a loop down Main Street and back on Center Street, with several stops on Main. It was a beautiful, chilly winter night in a gorgeous town.

*****

We had a great time giving rides to over 80 folks. From old friends to new, everyone seemed to enjoy the novelty of a horse-drawn carriage decked out in holiday decor with a cute reindeer-Basset, a gorgeous Shire, and a pretty girl driver.



As we knew he would be, Star was a pro. He worked safely and steadily through his shift without bating an eyelash. From heavy traffic, to motorcycles and busses, to posing for pictures, to stopping at traffic signals, and even a marching band blaring Christmas songs, he performed like a seasoned veteran. We are so fortunate to have him on the team!



We will be providing carriage rides for three more nights in December so come on out and see us. The Downtown Visalia Business Alliance has gone all out with music, carolers, and even Santa showed up. If this doesn't put you in the holiday spirit, I don't know what would.