Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarKyle Ladner holds his son Bennett on his shoulders as they await the lighting of the city Christmas tree Tuesday night on the lawn at City Hall.

The threat of bad weather didn’t stop the city of Meridian from kicking off the Christmas season with a tree lighting ceremony on the lawn of city hall Tuesday evening.

Mayor Percy Bland was joined by other city officials for the annual tradition. Pastor Odell Hopkins offered a prayer to the crowd.

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council were spotted handing out cookies and spiced apple cider, and the Meridian High School Lamplighters, Freedom Rock Fellowship Choir and Crestwood Cougar Choir each sang Christmas carols. There was also a special holiday performance by the Meridian Community College ballerinas.

The city of Meridian will host its annual Christmas parade Saturday at 5 p.m.