Construction is expected to be completed in October 2010 on the massive U.S. 59 project, but after years of hard hats and heavy equipment, retailers and franchise managers are ready to see the end of the road.

"Wake up Santa!" shouted hundreds of local children as jolly old Saint Nick emerged from his slumber to greet a packed parking lot at the Lufkin Mall Saturday evening.Thousands of people turned out to witness the 43rd annual lighting ceremony for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit, an Angelina County tradition that kicks off the holiday season.