CARROLL COUNTY — The Christmas season kicks off in Vaiden, Carrollton and North Carrollton on Saturday with two parades and various other activities.
The Vaiden Christmas parade will start at 11 a.m. It will begin just west of the old Vaiden High School and go down Mulberry Street, turning right at City Hall, where judges will choose winners. It will go left at Magnolia Street and north on U.S. 51, ending at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church.
The grand marshals of the parade are John and Pattie Lowe. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Wonderland.”
In Carrollton, a new event called “Christmas in Carrollton” starts at 10 a.m. Dr. Reba Bailey has organized the event, which includes a holiday open house at local businesses.
Vendors with soups, hot chocolate, gumbo, tea and other treats will set up by 1 p.m., Bailey said. A fee of $20 will go to the Society for the Preservation of Antiquities.
The Carrollton-North Carrollton parade starts at 3 p.m., with walkers and bands lining up at the Carroll County Courthouse. Floats and vehicles will line up beside Mississippi 35.
The grand marshal of this year’s parade is Doris Misskelley, wife of the late Robert Cecil “Pop” Misskelley, who was known for decorating the towns during Christmas holidays.
Emcees for the parade will be Russell and Mary Courtney Wilson in Carrollton and Wilton Neal in North Carrollton. Parade winners will be announced as soon as the event ends.
At 5 p.m., the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn will be lit, and everyone is invited to sing carols with the community choir or bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music.
Bailey said candles and song sheets will be provided for a suggested $1 donation. At 6 p.m., Santa and his elves will be on the scene.
Bailey is also sponsoring a gingerbread house contest on Dec. 18, with cash prizes awarded. Entries must be in by 6 p.m. For more information, call 595-4745.
