Have yourself a MERRY MERIDIAN Christmas

Anne McKee

December 05, 2008 12:32 am

— Did I say Christmas – you ask? It’s hard to believe Christmas in only twenty days away so let us make ready for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
    In our sweet southern city the best way to enjoy the festivities, and in a mighty way, is by attending the Merry Meridian Market (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) on Saturday, December 6. The Christmas Parade begins at 5:00 p.m. on the same afternoon with well-known Mississippi television personality Walt Grayson as 2008 Grand Marshal. Merry Meridian is East Mississippi’s largest holiday celebration. The Meridian Downtown Association presents this holiday extravaganza and “An Old Fashion Christmas” is the 2008 theme. The entire city is a-buzz with activities.
    On this Saturday of December 6, early risers' have the opportunity to participate with the BankPlus Jingle Bell Run (8:30 a.m) – every year many, many Meridianites compete in the 5K Run through downtown Meridian. Also beginning at 8:00 a.m. is the 1-mile Fun Run for Children. Contact Melissa Estes (601) 479-0888 for more information.
    Each year the Merry Meridian activities increase in number and excitement, and this year is no exception. I’m excited about the Big Dog Competition – a retrieving competition. The pup competitors will jump from a 40-foot dock into a pool of water to retrieve a rubber duck and they will be timed on distance and speed. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners. The competition is free and only for big dogs – one may signup on the day of the competition.
     Then there is the Big Boy Toyland open from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This is one big-g-g-g show with the showcasing of this year’s exciting designs including autos, trucks, golf equipment, ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, hunting and fishing gear, plus a chance to win a prize. WOW!
     Do you like a grilled steak? Of course you do! Then just show up at noon on December 6 at the Merry Meridian Market and participate with Outback Steakhouse and their 40-ounce Feast Steak Eating Contest. The best in time will be declared the winner and last year’s winner, Vance Moore, won a $200.00 monetary award plus a trophy – he ate that steak in 5 minutes. There is a $30.00 entry fee and no pre-registration required.
    Oh, and while downtown don’t forget the Downtown Merchant’s Holiday Open House beginning at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The shops will offer great gift ideas with great prices. In addition the day is packed with the largest number of vendors to ever participate with our Merry Meridian Market – from holiday shopping to yummy eats, the vendors represent the entire state of Mississippi, plus Florida, Georgia, and the city of New Orleans.
    The Children’s Playground will offer jump toys, slides, a train that will travel downtown Meridian, cotton candy, face painting, balloon animals, ginger-bread house making, and the painting of Christmas ornaments – all available at The Merry Meridian Market on December 6 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
    Another fun children’s activity is the Holiday Windows Art Exhibit and Contest. This is an opportunity for students from local schools to decorate windows of downtown business owners. Michele Pearson, Holiday Window Contest Chairman, states that each school will win an award and the categories of competition are: Most Creative, Best Use of Color, and Best Theme. The Best of Show award will be awarded from votes cast by the public voting from December 3 until noon on December 6.
The businesses and schools participating:
The Vise Building – Northeast Middle School Art Quest
Joyce’s Etc. – Russell Christian Academy Arts Class
East Mississippi Business Journal – West Lauderdale Elementary Talented & Gifted students.
Business Technologies Group – Southeast Lauderdale Middle School Art Quest.
Jean’s Restaurant – Clarkdale Elementary Art Quest.
Old Peavey Building – West Lauderdale Middle School Art Quest

Other dates of interest:
November 30 – January 3 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Merrehope’s 40th Annual Trees of Christmas Anniversary Event. Call (601) 483-8439.

December 2, 5:30 p.m.
City of Meridian Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dumont Plaza

December 2, Live Nativity Play, 6:30 p.m., Dumont Plaza with a community-wide church service to begin immediately following the play and with a variety of church choirs and musical groups.

December 4 – 10, 8:00 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” presented by Meridian Little Theatre.

December 5, 8:00 p.m. – Meridian Symphony Orchestra presents “Peppermint Pops” at The MSU/Riley Center. Call (601) 696-2200.

December 6 – 10-3 p.m. Merry Meridian Market

December 6 – 5:00 p.m. -- Meridian Christmas Parade

December 6 – 11-2:00 p.m. – Free tours of the MSU/Riley Center.

December 6 – 3 & 8:30 p.m. -- “The Nutcracker” at the Temple Theater. (The 3:00 p.m. tickets are sold but some are available for 8:30 p.m.) – Call (601) 693-5353.

December 7, 4 &7:00 p.m. – The Mel Tillis Family Christmas” presentation at MSU/Riley Center. Call (601) 696-2200.

December 5, 7:00 p.m. – The Miss Merry Meridian Pageant at The Family Life Center, Highland Baptist Church with over 50 contestants – the winner will be featured in the Christmas Parade and also will serve as the official spokesperson for Merry Meridian 2009. Free admission.

December 11-13, Highland Baptist Church presents “The Singing Christmas Tree” with 75 voices and a full orchestra -- Call (601) 482-0191.

   One more thing … the jolly fellow – Yes, Santa will be decked out in his Christmas best to attend the Merry Meridian Market from 10:30 until 2:00 p.m. Parents be sure to bring your camera and make a photo of Santa with your children and at no cost.
    Now aren’t you happy that you live in a community where it is important to work together to make our city and county the best it can be? Yes, all it takes is everyone doing his or her share. YEA, MERIDIAN -- especially to the entire Meridian Downtown Association and Merry Meridian Chair, Stacey Davis. Good going guys!
    Have yourself a Merry Meridian Christmas – don’t miss a thing!

Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller who lives in Meridian. She is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster as a literary artist, and she is active with the arts communities throughout Mississippi.