Please e-mail all calendar briefs to calendar@themeridianstar.com. Calendar items are listed by date and it may take a while before an event submitted weeks in advance appears in the paper.

F.Y.I.

• Meridian Holiness Deliverance Church is having its Celebration of Life Revival Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. A special service wrapping up the revival will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m.

• The Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child is Nov. 13-20. Shoebox drop-off locations are Fifteenth Ave. Baptist Church, 1318 15th Ave. in Meridian – Rolling Creek Baptist Church, 1650 County Rd. 345, Quitman – First Baptist Church at Collinsville Community Club, 9161 Old Hwy. 19 North – Choctaw County Baptist Association, Butler, Ala. 110 Pickens Ave.

• Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 301 46th Ave. in Meridian extends an invitation to the community to be a part of its Annual Choir Day Celebration, entitled “Old Ship of Zion Gospel Program.” Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. FMI: 601-482-5656.

Weekly:

Thursday

• 11:30 a.m. – Meridian Lions Club meets at Rush Hospital Cafeteria. FMI: 662-693-1103.

• 6 p.m. – Thursday Vino and Van Gogh meet at the Meridian Museum of Art. FMI: 601-693-1501.

• 6:30 p.m. – Hope, Diabetes, Prayer, and Support Group meets the first Thursday of every month at Faith Baptist Church, 5050 Highway 19 North, Meridian. Everyone is welcome.

• 5:30 p.m., second Thursday of the month, American Legion Post 257 meets at Temple Theater Ballroom. Fellowship followed by a meeting of both the Legion and Auxiliary. FMI: David Sloan 601-481-3949.

Daily:

Thursday, Nov. 16

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition Great American Smoke-0ut Event at Greater Meridian Health Clinic in the front lobby.

• 2-3 p.m. – Genealogy at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 4-6 p.m. – Deaconess Homecare of Meridian will have Open House to celebrate its Grand Re-Opening and National Homecare Month – 1203 24th Ave.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Headband Making at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 5 p.m. – A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Lauderdale County School District will be held in the Boardroom at 301 46th Court, 2nd Floor.

• 6 p.m. – The International Singing Brakeman Association (TISBA) Hospitality Night will be at The Red Roof Inn, Suite B, located at 2219 South Frontage Road. Please bring a dish to share. We will eat at 6:30. Admission is $5 per person. FMI: Glyn Jones, 601-581-1601.

Friday, Nov. 17

• 7 p.m. – Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live Family Show at MSU Riley Center: A breathtaking tour that begins in prehistoric Australia. You’ll interact with amazingly lifelike dinosaurs in a theatrical performance that will thrill kids while stimulating their imaginations. $20, $12.

Saturday, Nov. 18

• 7 a.m. – The sixth annual Magnolia Marathon & Half to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Lion’s Club Charities, and other local charities will begin and finish at City Hall, 601 23rd Ave. Meridian.

• 9 a.m. – Mid South Little Britches Rodeo at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. Admission $5 gate fee.

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Merry Meridian Market at the MSU Riley Center. Experience the best holiday shopping event Meridian has to offer inside the beautiful, historic, MSU Riley Center. Celebrate the season with homemade crafts, food items, beautiful gifts and more. You don’t want to miss this holiday tradition.

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Downtown Meridian Christmas Open House.

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Merry Meridian Market at the MSU Riley Center: Experience the best holiday shopping event Meridian has to offer inside the beautiful, historic MSU Riley Center. Celebrate the festive season with homemade crafts, food items, beautiful gifts and more.

• 10 a.m. – The annual Miss Merry Meridian Pageant will be held at Union Station to select young ladies who exemplify the holiday spirit. A princess will be named in each of the age groups: newborn to 2 years old; 3-4 years old; 5-7 years old; 8-11 years old; 123-14 years old; and 15-18 years old. One young lady will be selected as the overall Miss Merry Meridian Queen. FMI: Call Penny Randall at 601-481-5712.

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Chunky River Harley-Davidson HOG Toy Run at Chunky River Harley Davidson for “Cans for Kids”, bring one new unwrapped toy. Register at 11 a.m., safety meeting at 11:30 a.m., kickstands up at noon. This is an open ride all bikes are welcome. FMI: 601-482-4131.

• 3 p.m.-8 p.m. – Merry Mississippi Bicentennial Celebration in Dumont Plaza. Celebrate the State of Mississippi’s 200th anniversary right here in our hometown of Meridian. The festival highlights Mississippi’s history, culture, and artistic talent. Enjoy exciting activities including music, great food and more!

Sunday, Nov. 19

• 1-5 p.m. – The 49th annual Trees of Christmas at Merrehope Opening Reception – includes holiday refreshments and entertainment. Regular tours will begin on Nov. 20 through Dec. 30. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 17, 1-5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. unless prearranged. Adults $10 – Students $5 – Children under 4 free. Senior citizens, active military, and groups of 10 or more $9.

Monday, Nov. 20

• 9 a.m. – The EMBDC will have a ribbon cutting to celebrate Fudge Etcetera, 5011 Poplar Springs Dr.

• 11 a.m. – Adult Craft DIY Wind Chimes at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 7 p.m. – The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Meridian Temple Theatre.

Tuesday, Nov. 21

• 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – AARP Smart Driver Class (50 plus years old). Will be held at the RSVP Building, 4817 North Park Drive, Meridian. Call 601-482-0512 to sign up. Cost: AARP Member – $15, Non-member – $20. The certificate is good for three years.

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 2-3 p.m. – The United Auto Workers Retiree – Chapter No. 2185 will meet at the Meridian Activity Center 3300 32nd Ave., 601-485-1812. There will be a general member discussion about insurance. FMI: Contact George, 601-737-5266.

• 2:30 p.m. – Movie Day at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 4:30 p.m. – Chess Club at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Wednesday, Nov. 22

• 3 p.m. – Young Adult Movie Day at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 23

• 6 p.m.-10 p.m. – Lazy Acres in Lights Nov. 23 through Dec. 25. Experience the most wonderful time of year with an all-new, interactive outdoor light show. The farm is covered with scenes telling the true story of Christmas – perfect for families, churches, and youth groups. Kids of all ages will love Dancer’s Disco, Santa’s Workshop, and a life-size version of the Simon game.

Saturday, Nov. 25

• 12:30 p.m. – Circle P Productions Turkey Twerk at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. FMI: 601-482-8498.

• 3:30 p.m. Friends will gather at Sandy Ridge Bluegrass Park for a day of fellowship, food, pickin’ and grinnin’. Bring a covered dish for supper at 6 p.m. then hang around for some bluegrass music with possible banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle players. There will be no meeting in Dec. FMI: 601-644-3701.

Sunday, Nov. 26

• 2:30 p.m. – New Salem MB Church, 5065 Whynot Alamucha Road will have its annual Family and Friends Day Celebration.

Monday, Nov. 27

• 11 a.m. – Adult Coloring at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, Nov. 28

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler STEM at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 4:30 p.m. – Chess Club at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. – City of Meridian Christmas Tree Lighting. Light up the holidays in beautiful downtown Meridian where participants illuminate the 34-foot animated Christmas tree and officially kick-off the holiday season. Local churches and school groups will be singing Christmas carols and the Miss Merry Meridian pageant winners will be announced. Family fun for everyone.

7 p.m. – MCC Christmas Gala Chorus and Guitar Ensemble at Meridian Community College McCain Theatre. The performance will be filled with seasonal sounds of joy and celebration as these ensembles share their skill and musical excellence. Afterwards, enjoy with us delicious desserts prepared by the MCC Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology students.

Wednesday, Nov. 29

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adult Fall Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 30

• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Terrific Thursdays – Join the Meridian Downtown Merchants as they help you take care of your holiday shopping.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade STEM at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

7:30 p.m. – A Christmas Story at Meridian Little Theatre. Nov. 30 through Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.