Outlets packed for tree lighting

Published 9:13 am Sunday, November 16, 2014

SANTA’S HELPERS: Children dressed in red and wearing stocking caps helped the crowd make their way to Santa Claus to tell him what they wanted for Christmas at the Outlets of Vicksburg Saturday night.

SANTA’S HELPERS: Children dressed in red and wearing stocking caps helped the crowd make their way to Santa Claus to tell him what they wanted for Christmas at the Outlets of Vicksburg Saturday night.

A decade of lighting the tree and having a bearded Santa Claus take orders for his fabled sleigh ride doesn’t get old for hearty regulars to the event at Outlets of Vicksburg.
“We do it every year,” said Heather McNeill of Vicksburg, with sons, Chase, 8, and Hayden, 4, in tow.
What did they want St. Nick to bring? It didn’t matter, McNeill said, they’d have to wait a month for it.
“It’s not Christmas yet, Hayden,” she said.
Outlets at Vicksburg hosted the annual event for the tenth time this year. Highlighted by Santa’s arrival to light the huge, artificial tree, the mall’s first promotion of the holiday season drew heavy crowds, marketing and special events manager Manivanh Chanprasith said.
For first-timers to Vicksburg for the holidays, it was a time to observe and take it all in.
“This is more than what I expected from a small town,” said Matt Bickel, a U.S. Air Force recruiter who attended Saturday’s free event with his wife, Jackie, and 18-month-old-daughter, Bailey.

During the Tree Lighting Saturday night, the Outlets at Vicksburg used a little Chirstmas magic and made it snow in Vicksburg.

During the Tree Lighting Saturday night, the Outlets at Vicksburg used a little Chirstmas magic and made it snow in Vicksburg.

Mason Penley, 10, couldn’t believe it was snowing. Mason is the son of Andrew and Jennifer Penley.

Mason Penley, 10, couldn’t believe it was snowing. Mason is the son of Andrew and Jennifer Penley.

Taking a selfie at their third tree lighting are Meredith Harvey, left, and her 5-year old daughter Emily.

Taking a selfie at their third tree lighting are Meredith Harvey, left, and her 5-year old daughter Emily.