Tree lighting ceremony in Meridian brightens holiday season
Published 9:22 am Tuesday, November 28, 2017
- Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarJonah Johnson, 3, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas while posing for her mother Tuesday during the annual lighting of the city's Christmas tree at city hall.
The holiday season in Meridian kicked off Tuesday with the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony on the lawn of city hall.
Mayor Percy Bland hosted the festivities, which was highlighted by music and entertainment from many local children. On hand as special guests were the Meridian High School Lamplighters, Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church Children’s Choir and Holly Brand, Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen.
Ballerinas from Meridian Community College and the Mount Olive Church “Angels of Praise” Dance Group also performed special holiday dances. Lanie Williams and Lilly Grace Williams, the 2017 winners of the Miss Merry Meridian Pageant, were also recognized.
Around East Mississippi, the holiday season continues with Decatur’s Christmas parade at 6 p.m. on Friday.
In Meridian, the annual Merry Meridian Christmas Parade rolls through downtown at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Philadelphia’s Christmas parade, meanwhile, is planned for Monday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and in Newton, the Christmas parade is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. The town of Stonewall will host its Christmas parade on Dec. 9.
