Thanksgiving is done, and it is starting to look a lot like Christmas around Simpson County. Main Streets of Mendenhall and Magee will be decorated with reindeer, candy canes, and trumpet sounding angels.
The annual Mendenhall Christmas Parade sponsored by the Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce will be held December 3 at 6 p.m. A large line up of floats, marching bands, and entertainment has been planned. This year’s theme will be “A Mask-uerade Parade.” The Mendenhall Chamber invites everyone to come out and enjoy the parade and encourages them to practice social distancing and wear a mask. For information, contact theMendenhall Chamber of Commerce at 601-847-1725.
The Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting “A Merry Mendenhall Christmas” on December 4 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Main Street. Great sales will be featured downtown and everyone is encouraged to shop locally. This event will also offer Christmas carolers in Alice Davis Park, an ornament decorating corner sponsored by PriorityOne Bank, horse and buggy rides, and a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
The Magee Christmas Parade will be held Tuesday, December 8, beginning at 6 p.m. The theme will be “Songs of Christmas.” The event is sponsored annually by the Magee Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is expecting a lot of entries. There is no fee to participate this year. Because of the pandemic spectators are advised to wear masks and observe social distancing as much as possible. For more information about the parade contact Doris Adcox at the Magee Chamber office at 601-849-2517.
Braxton will hold their Christmas parade on December 7 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Town of Braxton will also host “Lights of Love” on Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m. in Mable Everett Park.
The Harrisville Christmas Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 5. The Town of D’Lo will also host their Christmas parade on Saturday December 5 beginning at 4 p.m.
The Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign will assist families in Simpson County once again this holiday season. Deonka Mazie, Toys for Tots local area coordinator explained that over 21,000 children in MS come from families who are considered low income or receive some form of aid. Toys for Tots mission is to ensure that every child receives gifts for Christmas. Toys for Tots will provide gifts for children up to 17 years of age.
The Simpson County gift distribution date is December 17, and will be held at the National Guard Armory in Mendenhall located at 1122 Park Street. Children are not required to be present for pick up. However parents must have a control number to pick up gifts and will be required to wear a mask. The electronic deadline to register passed on November 30, but families can still register with local contacts. For more information and assistance with registering contact Latasha Millis at 601-847-1212 or Jilda Smith at 601-842-2595.
The Marine Core Toys for Tots campaign is still accepting donations of gifts for children. Bikes are always welcomed. For more information on how to get involved with Toys for Tots contact Deonka Mazie at 601-863-9763.
