Hometown Christmas set for downtown

A magical vision of a Hallmark-worthy Christmas in Philadelphia has set the stage for the Hometown Christmas event in December.

The family-friendly event is planned for Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Square.

Jonni Myers and Lisa Nowell in the District Attorney’s office teamed up earlier this year, and their brainstorming sessions, fueled by holiday spirit and creativity, led to an idea that would light up Philadelphia in more ways than one, but they couldn’t achieve their dream alone. 

“After the excitement of the Marty Stuart Congress Grand Opening, we started talking about how fun it would be to have a Christmas event in our area instead of dealing with the hassle of finding a time that everyone could get together to travel to another city,” Myers said. “It was hard to believe that a city and county of our size could not do some type of tree lighting or additional events for families around Christmas time.”

She added, “[Ward 2 Alderman] Justin Clearman had posted on Facebook about how things should happen here also. We reached out to him, which landed us at the next Main Street meeting where we discussed our idea of a Christmas event, such as a tree lighting. They agreed we could make something happen, but it would take manpower. They asked that we create a committee under Main Street and go from there.”

After gaining Philadelphia Main Street’s approval, the Christmas Committee was officially formed with members including Amanda Richardson, Briana Petty, Jenny Lynn Wilkerson, Jessica Pickering, Myers, and Nowell.

The Christmas Committee is already in action and, not taking any chances, has its eye on a 26-foot Christmas tree. They placed an order with a confident 50 percent deposit, with promises of financial support from local businesses and individuals that are rolling in already.

With the tree expected to arrive before December, they planned the Hometown Christmas event. 

The corner nearest Kademi was the prime spot they picked for lighting the majestic tree. On the other side will be Mr. and Mrs. Claus where kids can share their wishes and drop off letters Santa can carry back to the North Pole.

Streets around the courthouse will be blocked off with food trucks. There will be a live Nativity scene on the Square as well, and the magnolia trees will be decorated with lights.

“This is just Phase I. We want to start with the tree lighting and get the community and the city involved. We would love to move to DeWeese Park for added lights and trees,” Myers said. “For our five-year plan, it would be great to move next to Northside Park and have drive-through Christmas lights, but it would take a lot more fundraising between now and then.” 

Fundraising and generous support from the community are essential, they agreed.

The Christmas Committee’s goal is to transform Philadelphia into a radiant holiday destination, sparing families the need to travel elsewhere. Their aspiration is to illuminate Philadelphia and make it Mississippi’s next City of Lights.

“This is something that is great for our families. Right now, we are all traveling to Canton and Brandon to see Christmas lights and events,” Myers said. “It would be great if families had a place right here at home, but the only way it is possible is with donations from individuals and businesses.”

Myers emphasized that these events require significant costs such as lights, displays, power setups, and all necessities that require financial assistance. Volunteers are eager to lend a hand, but the core need is funding, she said.

The funds will help secure the commercial-grade Christmas tree and it comes with a warranty. The complex setup, with extension cords and lights, will transform the Square into the festive dreamland they envision.

They will aim to make the event more enchanting for kids and the entire community each year. Any contribution, big or small, is a huge step toward making this town shine bright on Christmas, they said.

For more information visit the Hometown Christmas Facebook page, use the GoFundMe link at https://gofund.me/fd501cc4 or contact Philadelphia Main Street at (601) 656-1000 to donate. So far, $2,385 of the $35,000 goal has been raised as of Monday night.