Christmas plans coming to fruition

By Mary Hood (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Tuesday, April 14, 2009

NATCHEZ — Local residents’ dream of a light Christmas is coming to fruition.

Ginger Hyland, who is heading the initiative to drape Main and Franklin streets in Christmas garb, said multiple orders have been placed for the decorations.

The plan is to wrap light poles with wreaths, have downtown business owners string lights on their rooftops and to have five skyline wreaths on each street.

Hyland said so far, 20 light pole wreaths have been ordered at a discounted price of $300 each. Sixteen of the wreaths have been sponsored, she said.

Four lighted skyline wreaths — all sponsored — have been ordered for $1,050 a piece.

She said she is still aiming to have 10 skyline wreaths total.

Regina Charboneau has taken charge of the events to take place during the Christmas season, and she is currently working on a brochure of the events to be released by the first of May, Hyland said.

Hyland also announced at the Natchez Tourism Council meeting on Monday that block chairmen have been appointed for every block on each street.

Part of the Christmas initiative is to have each business decorate its storefront.

Hyland said the block chairmen will work to make sure that happens.

“Christmas is really rocking and rolling,” Hyland said.