ibrown@themeridianstar.com
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Merrehope and F.W. Williams Home as shipmates from NAS Meridian were on site Monday assisting with preparations for this year's Trees of Christmas.
"This is truly a holiday project that involves the entire community," said Betty Lou Jones, president of the Meridian Restorations Foundation, which sponsors the annual event.
"Through 40 years, the volunteers at Merrehope as well as community organizations have made Trees of Christmas the premiere event in Meridian and Lauderdale County," Jones said.
A local holiday tradition, Trees of Christmas has attracted statewide and national attention, earning recognition as one of the Top 20 Tourist Attractions in the Southeastern United States. Adults and children have enjoyed the theme-decorated trees, mantel displays and Christmas collections featured at Merrehope and F.W. Williams Home.
"Memories of Meridian and Merrehope/F.W. Williams" is the theme for this year's tour of homes, which Jones describes as reflective of the 40th anniversary of the restoration foundation. The featured tree will be the Ruby Tree in recognition of the anniversary. The traditional Merrehope Tree will grace the entrance to the stately mansion, and the Victorian Tree will greet guests at the Victorian F.W. Williams Home.
In keeping with the anniversary theme, 40 trees and displays will be featured in this year's tour.
"We wanted to accent the childhood memories that we have of Meridian. There are so many memories, that we cannot put up enough trees to portray all of them," said Karen Wallace, chairman of Trees of Christmas.
Trees will include a Rodeo Tree, Carousel Tree Special Olympics Tree, Salute to Navy Meridian Tree, Jimmie Rodgers Tree, Meridian Symphony Orchestra as well as several new trees.
"Elvis (Presley) visited Meridian several times in his young career, and we have a tribute to him this year," Wallace said.
Another new attraction will be The Brides Tree. The foundation requests former brides whose wedding were held at Merrehope to submit a photograph that will be made into an ornament. Photos may be delivered to Merrehope, Wallace said.
There also will be a holiday gift shop with handmade items available for purchase.
More Information
What: Trees of Christmas
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 3. Hours: from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Two Sunday openings: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Special events and tours may be made by appointment.
Where: Merrehope and F.W. Williams Home, 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive
Tickets: $10, adults; $3, $4 and $5, children, depending on age. Senior citizen and group rates available. Merry Meridian Day on Dec. 6; discounts are half price.
For more information: Call Merrehope at (601) 483-8439; Betty Lou Jones at (601) 917-4344; or Karen Wallace at (601) 954-2684
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