Community Tree Lighting, November 29th in downtown New Albany

New Albany MS: The Third Annual Tree Lighting at Cooper Park is the last in a series of community-based events hosted by the New Albany Main Street Association throughout 2018.

Two fifth grade students, Carly Pegues (New Albany Elementary School) and Roxie Roberson (East Union Attendance Center) will have the honor of lighting the tree on Thursday, November 29th. The Main Street Association sponsored an art contest for all fifth-grade students at both New Albany and Union County school districts. “With over one hundred entries, the Tree Lighting committee had a lot of great pictures to consider,” commented Tracy Vainisi, assistant to the Main Street director. “What ultimately made Carly and Roxie the picks from each school was their ability to capture the spirit of the theme which was Christmas in Toyland and the details that they each put in their art that shows the excitement around the tree on Christmas morning.”

Billye Jean Stroud, the Main Street Association’s director, and Vainisi hope to pack Bankhead Street with community members from all over the city and county. The Main street Association will have Mississippi Smooth Carriage Service stationed in front of Southern Traditions from 5-7pm. Anchor volunteers will beserving hot cocoa and assisting at The Gazette for visits with Santa. New Albany’s elementary, middle, and high school music programs will be performing some of their favorite Christmas music. The tree will be lit at 6pm.

For more information about the 2018 Tree Lighting at Cooper Park, call Billye Jean Stroud at the Community Development office (662) 534-3438 or email her assistant, Tracy Vainisi at tvainisi1967@gmail.com.