Countdown begins to inaugural Christmas in the Park

Published 4:47 pm Friday, November 22, 2019

: Gary Jackson, with the city of Vicksburg’s Parks and Recreation Department, places ornaments onto a Christmas tree at the Washington Street Park Thursday. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

An idea hatched two years ago between Vicksburg Main Street and Billy Sheffield is finally coming to life.

Sheffield wanted to see some kind of special happening in downtown Vicksburg that would appeal to locals as well as visitors.

“He wanted to bring the Sheffield Carriages home and wanted Main Street and the city to have spectacular Christmas lights and activities downtown to bring tourists and to help our downtown businesses,” Vicksburg Main Street executive director Kim Hopkins said.

This year Sheffield’s idea will come to fruition with the inaugural Christmas in the Park.

This new Vicksburg tradition will begin Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. at Washington Street Park, 1099 Washington St., and will include the lighting of a downtown Christmas tree.

Hopkins said Main Street has secured a 16-foot tree that will have “shimmering lights and stunning ornaments.” Carousel and trolley rides will also be offered for $2 and there will be live entertainment.

Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to read stories to children.

“We welcome Mrs. Claus to downtown Vicksburg and her friendly elves who will be accompanying her courtesy of the United Way,” Hopkins said.

And, while the event is just a one-day happening, Christmas in the Park will continue through December 21.

Hours are Wednesday from 5-9 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday’s from 1 to 9 p.m.

Hopkins said any church, school choir or band that would like to be a part of the magic should call the Main Street office at 601-634-4527.

School groups, daycares and tour groups are welcome to schedule field trips from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday and Fridays, Hopkins said, adding, “And don’t forget about special sales, holiday hours, festive window displays, and unique gifts in downtown.”

“When meetings started it was evident that he (Sheffield) wanted Vicksburg to be the best. Although we are starting small this year, I am confident that this event will grow and will become exactly what he wanted it to be,” Hopkins said. “I am happy to see the event come together and look forward to seeing it grow each year, too.”

Christmas in the Park is sponsored by Vicksburg Main Street, Billy Sheffield, Sheffield Carriage Company, the city of Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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