Christmas Tree Lighting

Last night, in downtown Meridian, the community came out to see the annual lightening of the Christmas tree.

“Everybody came out tonight, for the official tree lightening ceremony for the city of Meridian," said Laura Carmichael the cultural affairs director, "And it’s always such a huge event when everybody comes together.”

Various groups and organizations came out to perform and show their support for the holiday spirit.

“We always recognize our Miss Merry Meridian winners. The pageant winners for the season. We have great entertainment. The MCC ballerinas were here, Mt. Olive Church, the Angels of Praise, MHS Choir, Holly Brand who is Ms. Mississippi Teen sang, and we had the 15th Avenue Baptist Church Children’s choir. So, a lot of activity, a lot of entertainment. “

And along with Mayor Percy Bland as the MC for the evening, everyone who came out, shared one commonality.

“But the man reason was to celebrate the lighting of the 35th Christmas tree, right here at city hall lawn.”

On the City Hall Lawn, the Christmas tree will remain lit, throughout the new year, and this year’s cause, is to raises awareness for dyslexia.

“We had a special presentation for our dyslexia. We lit the holiday trees at city hall for dyslexia awareness. So, it brings that together. And also, we have the parents circle, for some of our special needs children and adults, who live in the community. And they helped light the tree. They all had lights and they helped light the tree. It’s just a special, special time of the year.”