Published: November 23, 2007 12:55 am            

All Roads lead to Meridian

It’s true … whether it is interstate, railway or airway; Meridian holds the spot in the middle of everything, and just, as we should. What a way to be on display, and Meridian, plus her people, know how to warmly welcome all with the true southern hospitality - as only Mississippians can accomplish

For the next 30 to 40 days Interstate 20/59 will be brisk with travelers, and with some, the destination will be Meridian, but with many others Meridian is only a name on the map, however remember, we are in the middle of many crossroads, and some of these travelers will stop. That’s when Meridianites get busy with kindness and sunshiny smiles. We always have. We must continue.

For those whom have made Meridian their destination – Hallelujah! You have arrived at God’s county. We like to think Meridian is just one block away from the Pearly Gates … close to the Heavenly Sunshine.

Others might ask … why? What do you have in Meridian and Lauderdale County that is so special?

Hold on … hold on, now – remember we are gracious. This poor, questioning dear is obviously deprived of a charming and loving habitat; therefore, we must show them, and we can do that – easy, peasey, lemon-squeezy.

First, Cleanliness is next to Godliness … look around your space, your neighborhood, and your workplace to clean, clean, clean … nothing shows pride of community better than a sparkling and polished population.

Next, and this is the easy part … welcome, welcome, welcome … one and all. Remember your good manners that Granny taught us … Please and thank you … Oh no, you go first … have a great Thanksgiving, and please come back when you can stay longer. We hope to see you at Christmas … or anytime of the year.

Extend invitations to visiting family and friends – invitations for Meridian, and area events:

Some of these are:

(1) November 28 – City of Meridian Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dumont Plaza – 5:00 PM.

(2) November 28 – Progressive Nativity Scene, Downtown Meridian, Tours at 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Community church service at 8:00 PM.

(3) November 29 – Meridian Downtown Merchants Association “Holiday Open House” including Window Art Exhibits Unveiling, Champagne Tasting at Cartmell Gallery, downtown businesses and stores with special open house activities, plus, Trees of Christmas at Merrehope, “Candle Light Tour” with a $20.00 entrance fee for adults and $10.00 for children. Tree tours only - beginning November 19th and through December.

(4) November 30 – Meridian Symphony Orchestra 2007-2008 4th Grade Children’s Concert at 9:15 AM and 10:45 AM.

(5) December 1 – Meridian Downtown Merchants’ Association and City of Meridian Christmas Parade with over 100 floats in downtown Meridian – 5:30 PM.

(6) December 1 – Merry Meridian Market at Dumont Plaza and surrounding streets – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM featuring merchants from East Mississippi and the Southeast offering holiday shopping, entertainment, kids activities, food, plus Christmas storytelling by members of Mississippi Writers Guild.

(7) December 1 – Meridian Symphony Orchestra 2nd Concert for 2007-2008 – 8:00 PM at MSU/Riley Center “Hear a Work of Art” – 8:00 PM

(8) December 1 – Kansas City Southern “Holiday Express” Christmas Train at Union Station in downtown Meridian. It will arrive at 4:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM – free to public. For more info, call (601) 484-6852.

(9) December 1,2 – “A Mother’s Son” Civil War historic play based on documented facts written by Meridian and Union writers, Roxy Theatre, Newton. For more information call (601) 683-2201.

(10) December 4 – MCC Chorus Concert at McCain Theatre – Ivy Hall at 7:00 PM.

(11) December 6-12, Meridian Little Theatre, “Christmas Belles” – 8:00 PM.

(12) December 6-9, The Singing Christmas Tree at Highland Baptist Church – Free.

(13) December 8 – “A Garfield Christmas” at MSU/Riley Center at 7:00 PM.

(14) December 8-9 – Clarkdale School presents Disney’s High School Musical, 8:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00 PM at McCain Theatre, Meridian Community College.

(15) December 13-15, Second Annual Madrigal Dinner, St Paul’s Parish Hall, 6:00

PM. For more info, call (601) 595-2042 or (601) 693-2502.

(16) December 15, Larry Gatlin and Brothers Christmas Concert, MSU/Riley

Center, 8:00 PM. For tickets call (601) 696-2200.

(17) December 15, “Elf Academy” – arts and crafts for children (4-12) taught by Sylvia Follis at Meridian Museum of Art. Call (601) 693-1501. Cost $3.00.

(18) December 19, The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian “Nutcracker” at The Temple Theatre, 7:30 PM. For ticket information, call (601) 693-5353. Call early for this one.

Wow! And this is only a partial listing through December 19! Who would ever declare that there is nothing to do in Meridian? Pass the word, check your calendar … bring the visiting relatives. It’s time to enjoy our town, our community, and most importantly, to support each other as we work together to make our sweet Mississippi home the best it can be.

See you there!

        

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