By Staff
GETTING READY Dustin Evans, left, JoAnn McPherson and Sandy Robinson prepare luminary bags for the 4th Annual Lake Ross Collins Luminary event Saturday. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
Dec. 14, 2001
For four years, the Collinsville community of Lake Ross Collins has pulled together to present its annual Christmas luminary event.
The tradition continues from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday when visitors including some from as far away as Louisville, Philadelphia and Alabama view the 10,000 luminaries that will surround the lake.
Visitors also will see homes decked out in the Christmas spirit.
The luminary event has expanded as the community has grown.
A committee of residents meet and make preparations months before the event. Bags must be folded, filled with sand and then placed about 5 feet apart around the neighborhood and lake.
The committee includes co-coordinator Sandy Robinson, Lee Ann and Gordan Smith, Sandra Begley, Christie Rowcliff, Ruth Ann Rosamond, Cecilia Hollis, Ann Davion and Rhonda Blanks.
Lake Ross Collins is 10 miles north of Meridian on Highway 19. Turn west at the four-way stop in Collinsville. Firefighters will direct traffic.
In case of rain, the event will take place Sunday at the same time. Listen to WOKK 97.1 for an announcement if postponed.
Penny Randall is an editorial assistant at The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3216, or e-mail her at prandall@themeridianstar.com.
Christmas events:
Saturday: Drive-through nativity, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Broadmoor Baptist Church, 5426 Highway 39 North. Free hot chocolate will be served.
Saturday: Christmas music presented by classical guitarist John DeChairo, 7 p.m., Union United Methodist Church, East Jackson Road.
Saturday-Monday: Live nativity scene, shows at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Pine Grove Church of God, Highway 16 East.
Sunday: "Light of the World," a musical presentation celebrating Christmas, 6 p.m., Union United Methodist Church.
Sunday: "Celebrate the Child" adult choir presentation, 7 p.m., Northcrest Baptist Church, 3412 North Hills St., Meridian.
Sunday: Christmas concert, Paul Lee and The Meistersingers, 3 p.m., St. John's Episcopal Church, 541 North Fifth Ave., Laurel. General admission $10.
Tuesday: "An American Family Christmas Festival," featuring seasonal and patriotic songs, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Dumont Plaza, Meridian.
Dec. 22-23: "That's the Good News," performed by the Celebration Choir and Drama Team of New Hope Baptist Church, 6 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church, 6573 Highway 145 South.
Dec. 22: Winter Wonderland holiday celebration, 8:30 p.m., Metropolitan Lodge 551 and R.B. Matthews Temple 739, 1423 34th Ave., Meridian.