Tree-lighting ceremony opens Christmas season

New Albany, MS- A crowd estimated at up to 250 adults and children gathered early Thursday evening in Cooper Park in downtown New Albany for the ceremonial lighting of a community Christmas tree. It is the first time such an even has been held in Cooper Park on the south side of Bankhead Street.

Santa Claus was there handing out candy and posing for photographs with children.

A crowd admires the newly-lit tree.

Shortly after 6 p.m., New Albany Mayor Tim Kent, joined by aldermen Jeff Olsen, Kevin Dale White, Will Hill and Scott Dunnam, pressed the red switch to light the 15-16 foot tall cedar Christmas tree at the northwest corner of the park.

Carols were performed by New Albany High School Show Choir and the school’s Jazz Band. New Albany First United Methodist Church staged a live nativity scene.

Free refreshments were provide during program sponsored by the New Albany Main Street Association, Community Ford, BNA Bank, the Eaton, Babb and Smith accounting firm, Hamilton Place, Martin Chiropractic and Union Appliance and Furniture.

First Methodist Church staged a live nativity scene.

Free refreshments were provided at the event.

Children visiting with Santa.

he NAHS Jazz Band performed at the tree-lighting ceremony Thursday night.