It’s Thanksgiving week and Columbus is beginning to get in a festive mood.
The annual lighting of the community Christmas Tree will take place next Monday evening at the east end of the Tombigbee Bridge.
Caroling begins at 5:30 p.m. with the MSMS Blue Notes, followed by the First United Methodist Church Night Crawlers. At 6:15 p.m., Mayor Robert Smith will “flip the switch” on lights decorating a magnolia tree, according to Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus.
Bigelow said there will be an “unexpected surprise” when the lights come on.
The public is invited to the event.
“We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies, take-home crafts for kids to make, caroling and lots of fun,” Bigelow said in a release. “Be sure to bring your camera for your holiday pictures with Santa and Miz Claus and their Christmas elves.”
Four days later, on Friday, Dec. 4, the city’s 12th annual Wassail Fest will take place.
Wassail, a drink whose name means “to your health,” will be served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at various downtown shops and restaurants. Participating merchants will be battling for the coveted People’s Choice award in which shoppers cast votes for he best wassail.
“It’s a great time to come downtown, do some Christmas shopping, sample some delicious wassail…and just enjoy the season,” Bigelow said.
Mississippi University for Women has partnered with Main Street Columbus to bring “Wassail at The W” to Pohl Gymnasium from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. The event at The W will feature an indoor ice skating rink, the MUW Carolers, a craft table for kids and more.
Main Street Columbus, Visit Columbus, Dex Imaging, Zachary’s and the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce sponsor the events.
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